You and your kindred kitty clock in a lot of time together.
So, it's no wonder you know every single stinking detail about them.
You know when your number one gal needs to do a number two, and you also know what her urine usually looks and how it smells.
Crappy as it may seem, knowing this information may be the key to keeping your fluffy friend healthy and happy.
In this post, we'll explore the most frequently asked question about cat urine: what colour should it be?
Let's dive right in:
What is cat urine?
Cat urine is a fluid made up of water and water-soluble waste released by the kidneys of your cat. The urinary system (upper urinary tract, kidneys, ureters, lower urinary tract, bladder, and urethra) assists your cat to excrete excess water and waste from its body. Normal urine has a somewhat robust and acidic odour that is not too repulsive.
What colour should cat urine be?
Normal cat urine should be a clear, pale yellow. The urine should not be murky or difficult to see through.
It's wise to monitor your cat's urine colour since even a trickle can help you identify potential health problems. A pinkish/reddish colour might indicate the presence of blood. If tinkle time turns into a trailer for a new horror movie (red-stained pee splatters trailing from the litterbox to the food bowl) it’s time to visit your vet!
D.I.Y urinalysis test for cats.
This D.I.Y urinalysis test is not a substitute for professional medical tests, but using our cat pee colour chart could help you understand when you need to take your cat to the vet for a proper medical analysis. For an indication of what your cat’s urine should look like, check out the chart below:
Cat urine colour chart table:
| Urine colour | What it’s telling you |
| Pale yellow | Normal urine of a well-hydrated cat |
| Dark yellow | Possible dehydration. Try moist food and adopt measures to boost water consumption, such as water fountains and other methods to encourage drinking. |
| Brown | Indication of blood in the urine. Most likely due to a urinary tract infection, cystitis, crystals, autoimmune illness, blood parasite, kidney disease, or cancer. Please consult your vet. |
| Red | Fresh blood in the urine signals a probable urinary tract infection, cystitis, crystals, autoimmune illness, blood parasite, kidney disease, or cancer. Please consult your vet immediately. |
Other Frequently asked questions
Is male cat pee the same colour as female cat pee?
Yes, both female and male healthy cats will produce pale, yellow-coloured urine. Intact male cats may produce more concentrated urine.
How can I tell if my cat has a UTI?
Some of the common symptoms include:
- Inability to urinate
- Loss of bladder control
- Urinating small amounts
- Urinating more than usual or away from the litter box
- Unusually stronger ammonia odour in urine
- Murky or bloody urine
- Drinking more water than usual.
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This blog is intended for informational purposes only and should in no way be regarded as a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
Reference: Tyler, Ronald, Jr., DVM, MS. In-House Veterinary Pathology for the Busy Veterinary Practice - Clinical Urinalyses: Techniques and Interpretations. Southwest Veterinary Symposium 2016.
