My cat has blood in her urine...

Where do you live? Some counties offer assistance for vet services… it sounds like it could be a serious health issue for your cat.

My cat goes through this on and off, but she’s nearly 20 years old! Last time I took her to the vet, we had a really nice doctor suggest numerous tests that would diagnose her problem, but they would all cost a whole lot of money. As a backup, we simply had the urine tested for bacteria and went home with some antiobiotics. When all was said and done, the other tests weren’t needed and it was simply a bladder infection from poor cleaning habits (she’s 20! she can barely reach!).

Now I’m not saying that’s what’s wrong with your cat too, and PLEASE have her checked out. But antibiotics can clear up any possible infections while only the most crucial tests are done. In the future, go ahead and let your cat drink from where ever she wants… The doctor also mentioned that too little water can lead to blood in the urine too.

I hope she’s ok!!!

Aren’t pregnant women and new mothers supposed to stay away from cats? Something about a disease that they carry that youngsters are susceptible to.

I don’t know. I heard that somewhere.

Bladder infections are quite common on cats, and there are special foods commonly availabl for Urinary Tract Health. As with humans, these inections are very uncomfortable and hard for the body to eliminate itself… especially if it’s to the point that there’s blood. Call your local Veterinarians and SPCA center to see if they might have or know of low or no-cost services.

@poser- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is what you are thinking of. It is screened for pretty commonly, as it can cause hearing loss in the baby.
@jca- mention to your Ob/Gyn that you have a cat to ensure that testing for CMV is performed. If you have dealt with cats and their litterboxes for years prior to pregnancy, odds are that you’ve already had the virus and built antibodies to it, so there is less risk. But I still recommend the screening.

Your cat probably has a urinary tract infection. It can be diagnosed by your vet doing a urinalysis and putting her on antibiotics. You can refuse to have other testing done and start with that for right now and see how she does. You could call your vet to get an estimate on how much that might cost.

As for pregnant women and cats, you should not be scooping the litter box because cats feces can contain toxoplasmosis. You should be fine otherwise. My sister just had a baby and we went through all that information. Hope it helps!

when i was pregnant the doctor talked to me about toxoplasmosis. they tested for it, and said people who own cats usually are immune to it from having been exposed to it. the doc said it’s an issue for people who have not owned cats, being exposed to it and getting an “active” outbreak of it.

i know if i walk in the door at vets office it’s going to be $50 for visit and probably another $100 between test and meds. normally this would not be an issue but now i’m living on half my salary (and i’m a single mom) until january 08.

That’s why I suggested calling and explaining your situation… if you are an established patient they may be willing to offer reduced fees or at least tell you of a place that’s cheaper.

I’d call and ask if they could just give the prescription for the antibiotics since it’s apparent that it’s an infection. Tell them it’s a temporary solution until you can come up with a better one. You could also go online to Craigs List Pets forum and ask someone if they have any left over from their sick cat. Someone might help you with another solution as well. Also the SPCA is a great resource. Call them first. They have discounted services.

Now is the time to discover as many ways as possible to cut corners! Your baby will come first for the next 20 years plus.