Although there are several reasons a rabbit’s urine may be white, the most likely cause is excess calcium in the urine. This can happen when a rabbit eats too much calcium-rich food. The excess calcium will be excreted through the urine, causing the urine to become white.
Rabbits are amazing creatures, and one of the joys of owning a rabbit is watching them play and explore its environment.
However, some rabbit owners may be surprised that their rabbits’ urine is sometimes white. This is common, but it can also be a sign of a medical condition.
We’ll look closely at what causes white urine in rabbits and when you should be concerned.
What You'll Learn
What Color Should Rabbit Urine Be?
In general, rabbit urine should be yellow or amber. If it’s anything other than that, it’s worth taking a closer look.
It’s also important to remember that the more dehydrated your rabbit is, the darker the urine will be. So if your rabbit hasn’t had much to drink recently, its urine color may be closer to amber than yellow.
Clear Vs. White Urine
Before we get into all the possible reasons your rabbit’s urine might be white, it’s essential to understand the difference between clear vs. white.
Clear urine is completely normal. It signifies that your rabbit is healthy and well-hydrated. You should be able to see through clear urine.
White urine, on the other hand, is not normal. It’s a sign that your rabbit is either eating too much calcium (more on that below) or that something may be wrong with your rabbit’s health.
Unlike clear urine, you won’t be able to see through white urine.
Why is My Rabbit’s Urine White?
There are several reasons a rabbit’s urine may be white. The most likely cause is excess calcium. Other causes include bladder stones, bladder sludge, bladder or kidney infection, urinary tract infection, and arthritis.
Let’s look at each of these causes in more detail.
Excess Calcium (The Most Likely Cause)
One of the most common reasons a rabbit’s urine is white is because of excess calcium. This happens when a rabbit eats too much calcium-rich food. The excess calcium will be excreted through the urine, causing the urine to become white.
If you think your rabbit’s diet may be the cause of their white urine, you should first reduce the amount of calcium-rich foods they’re eating. This includes foods like broccoli, cabbage, and kale. You should also make sure they have plenty of access to fresh water.
Bladder Stones
Bladder stones are another possible cause of white urine in rabbits. Bladder stones are small, hard deposits that can form in the bladder. They’re often caused by a diet that’s too high in calcium.
If your rabbit has bladder stones, it may show other signs of illness, such as lethargy, decreased appetite, and weight loss. If you think your rabbit may have bladder stones, it’s important to contact your veterinarian right away.
Bladder Sludge
Bladder sludge is another possible cause of white urine in rabbits. Bladder sludge is a buildup of calcium deposits in the bladder. Again, it’s usually caused by a buildup of calcium in the bladder.
Bladder or Kidney Infection
A bladder or kidney infection may also cause white urine in rabbits. If your rabbit has a bladder or kidney infection, urinating may cause severe pain. One of the most common signs of an infection is less frequent urination.
Urinary Tract Infection
A UTI occurs when bacteria enters the urinary tract. UTIs are more common in female rabbits than male rabbits. Symptoms of a UTI may include white urine, lethargy, decreased appetite, and weight loss.
Arthritis
You might be surprised to see arthritis on this list. After all, how can arthritis cause a change in your rabbit’s urine color? Arthritis can make it difficult for a rabbit to get into the proper position to urinate. When this happens, the fur may come into contact with the urine, causing cloudy white urine.
Should I Be Concerned About White Urine?
This really depends on the cause. If the urine is white because of excess calcium, there’s no need to be concerned. But how do you know if the cause is excess calcium or something more serious?
If the cause is excess calcium, there won’t be any changes in your rabbit’s behavior. Making simple changes to the diet will fix the issue.
However, if the cause of white urine is something more serious, you may notice signs such as lethargy, decreased appetite & weight loss, or urinating more frequently (but producing less urine). If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to contact your veterinarian right away.
What to Do if You Notice White Pee in Your Rabbit
If you notice white urine in your rabbit, there are a few steps to take.
Reduce Calcium In Their Diet
If you think the cause is excess calcium, you should first reduce the amount of calcium-rich foods they’re eating. It’s also important to make sure your rabbit has access to unlimited hay.
Plenty of Access to Fresh Water
Another important step is to make sure your rabbit has plenty of access to fresh water. This will help flush the excess calcium from their system.
Contact Vet
If you’re unsure of the cause or if your rabbit is showing other signs of illness, it’s always best to contact your veterinarian. They can help you determine the cause and provide the best course of treatment.
White Urine is Common – But Not Normal
White urine in rabbits is usually nothing to be concerned about. However, if your rabbit is showing other signs of illness, it’s important to contact your veterinarian immediately. They can help you determine the cause and provide the best course of treatment.
