If your cat shows signs of straining in the litter box, or if you see blood in the urine, it might be a sign of feline lower urinary tract disease, or FLUTD. This disease is actually a collection of conditions that affect the bladder and urethra of cats.
Cats with FLUTD experience pain and have difficulty when urinating. They might also lick themselves excessively in an attempt to sooth the area. Another classic sign is when fluffy urinates outside the litter box on a cool, smooth surface.
FLUTD tends to affect middle-age, overweight, indoor cats that don’t get much exercise, and a dry diet may be a factor. It’s a serious illness, especially for male cats, so check with your veterinarian about treatment as soon as you notice something’s up!