Urothelial carcinoma in the cat: haematuria in the older cat
14-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair with haematuria and pollakiuria for 6 weeks that do not improve with antibiotics. Negative urine culture. Ultrasound shows a broad-based mass in the bladder wall. Creatinine at the upper limit of the reference interval.
Which statement is correct?
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A. As in young cats, idiopathic cystitis is most likely: environmental management without further tests
Idiopathic cystitis is typical of young and middle-aged cats; in an older cat with persistent signs infection, uroliths or neoplasia are more likely, and here there is a mass.
B. Surgery is almost always curative because in cats this tumour never affects the trigone
In cats the tumour has a more variable location than in dogs and is sometimes resectable, but it cannot be said that it never affects the trigone or that surgery is almost always curative.
C. NSAIDs are contraindicated in all cats, so there is no medical treatment
NSAIDs can be used cautiously in cats (low-dose meloxicam, well-hydrated cat and renal monitoring); their palliative use in feline urothelial carcinoma is reasonable.
D. Although bladder tumours are rare in cats, urothelial carcinoma is the most common and should be sought in older cats with persistent haematuria
Correct. Bladder neoplasms are much less common in cats than in dogs, but urothelial carcinoma is the most frequent type. It presents in older cats with persistent lower urinary tract signs that do not respond to treatment.
lightbulb Key takeaway
In cats over 10 years old with lower urinary tract signs, idiopathic cystitis is no longer the first suspicion: perform urinalysis, culture and ultrasound. Confirm the mass by biopsy (cystoscopy, traumatic catheterisation or surgery) and avoid percutaneous aspiration. Adjust NSAIDs to renal function.
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Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.