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Two weeks ago, before heading to work, I noticed something was off with my cat, Jack. He was hiding under the bed, keeping a distance from me. That wasn’t like him at all. Usually, the moment I wake up, he meows at me non-stop, demanding his breakfast. But that morning? Silence. Even when I placed his kibbles on his bowl, he didn’t come running. My gut told me something was wrong, but I couldn’t pinpoint it yet. I assumed he had a fever and went to work, trying not to overthink it.

The First Signs of Trouble

Later that day, when I returned home, I saw blood spots on the floor—everywhere. Then I found out he had peed on his blanket. The first thing I did was rush to check on him. He looked fine except for slight swelling in his gums. Still, I couldn’t figure out where the blood was coming from. 

That night, as I was about to sleep, I called Jack to come to bed. He jumped on me, but suddenly, he peed on my blanket, right on my chest. I let him finish. At that moment, I knew something was seriously wrong. I checked his urine and saw it was mixed with blood. That’s when I realized the issue was coming from his urine.

Jack had a history of kidney stones 10 years ago, so I knew this was a medical emergency. At the same time, I felt slightly relieved because at least he could still pee—unlike the last time, when he was completely blocked and straining all the time. This time, however, he was still straining, but at least urine was coming out—though it was with blood. 

The fact that he still wanted to eat and drink was a good sign, but I knew we needed to see a vet ASAP.

The Vet Visit & Diagnosis

The next day, after searching for a good vet, I took him to Jhan Veterinary. The doctor ran some blood tests and confirmed that Jack’s kidney and bladder results were abnormal. The vet asked about Jack’s history and what he’d been eating. I explained that after his previous kidney stone issue, I had been feeding him Royal Canin Urinary. But once he fully recovered, I introduced variety into his diet, including RC Indoor and Digestive, along with wet food every weekend and boiled chicken.

The doctor immediately pointed out that cats with a history of kidney stones should only be fed urinary-specific food for life. Changing diets will affect pH levels, leading to the formation of new stones. In Jack’s case, the stones had already started forming, but luckily, I caught it early.

I had no idea. I thought it was okay to switch things up so he wouldn’t get bored.

Jack’s Treatment & Recovery

Jack was admitted for 2 days so they could put him on an IV drip to flush out his bladder and see if he could pee properly without straining.

On the second day, the doctor called with good news—the bleeding had stopped, and he was peeing normally again. They also noticed tiny crystal-like debris in his urine, which I would need to monitor at home. 

I picked him up on the 3rd day. The vet prescribed 8 types of medications and scheduled a follow-up visit in a week.

I postponed his follow-up and took him in the second week. The vet took another blood test. His kidney readings had returned to normal, but this time his liver levels were slightly off, so we had to keep an eye on that too. He’s still on medication now, with liver supplements including a urinary relaxant to help him pee more comfortably.

Thankfully, he’s drinking plenty of water, staying active, and showing good signs of recovery.

What You Should Know if Your Cat Has a Similar Condition

If your cat has a history of kidney stones or urinary issues, don’t make the same mistake I did. Here are some key takeaways from my experience:

✅ Cats with urinary issues should only eat specialized food – Stick to Royal Canin Urinary S/O or other vet-recommended brands. It’s not just a temporary diet, it’s a lifelong necessity to prevent stone formation.

✅ Watch for early signs – If your cat suddenly hides, stops eating, or behaves unusually, pay attention.

✅ Blood in urine is a serious red flag – Straining or peeing outside the litter box could mean pain or discomfort. Don’t wait—get them to a vet immediately. Waiting too long can lead to a blocked urethra, which is life-threatening.

✅ Hydration is crucial – Make sure they drink enough water daily. A pet water fountain can help encourage drinking.

✅ Regular vet check-ups – If your cat has had kidney stones before, routine blood and urine tests are essential.

✅ Monitor urine after treatment – Even after recovery, check for any changes in urine color, frequency, or straining.

Cost Breakdown (So You Can Be Prepared)

For those wondering about the expenses, here’s a rough breakdown of what I paid for Jack’s treatment:

💰 Jack’s Treatment Costs:

🩺 First Visit & Treatment: RM995.40

🔄 Follow-up Visit: RM298.80

Of course, costs may vary depending on your vet and your cat’s condition, but it’s good to have an idea of what to expect.

Final Thoughts

Jack’s condition reminded me how easily urinary issues can return, even after years of being healthy. Cats can’t tell us when they’re in pain, but their behavior changes are their way of communicating. If your cat shows any signs of discomfort, don’t ignore it.

I hope my experience helps fellow cat owners recognize early warning signs and understand the importance of diet, hydration, and immediate veterinary care. If your cat has a history of kidney stones, please keep them on a strict urinary-friendly diet to prevent recurrence.

Hopefully, this post helps anyone dealing with a similar situation. Take care of your fur babies! ❤️

X, Hani.