Red Urine

More than one rabbit owner has gotten a bad scare when they looked in the bottom of their rabbit's cage and saw red urine, and thought the rabbit was bleeding.

In fact, a closer look at the red urine will show that the urine is actually orangish-red, and is completely normal.

The reddish-orange color originates from a porphyrin pigment. It is usually transient in nature, lasting only a few days, although it may recur. Many rabbits will develop red urine after eating large amounts of vegetables containing beta-carotene.

Red urine that is also thick and cloudy is thought to be caused by excessive amounts of calcium or oxalates in the rabbit's diet. 
Some rabbits tend to develop red urine - other may never have it.

Fortunately, red urine is not a health concern.

If the urine is pinkish or truly red and not an orangish-red, you should contact your vet. Blood in the urine can come from problems in the bladder, or from cancers of the reproductive track.