Well we finally got a hold of a local vet and she said that it is indeed very urgent. She booked us in for 2:40 pm (about 4 hours from now).
He seems a little more comfortable now. Laying on the window purring. I on the other hand have been up all night :).
Thanks for you input doctor.
I am so sorry to hear that your kitty is having a difficult time. Although there can be blood in the urine for a variety of reasons, from stones to UTI, a bigger concern here is that you seem to be describing a cat who is straining to urinate.
Please don't wait for an answer here...you need to take him to a veterinarian as soon as is possible. Find your local animal emergency hospital and get him seen!
I have been observing him in his cat box and there is blood in his urine. It takes him a while to get it out and when he does he looks like he is in pain. It is 2 am and no vets are open right now. I am really getting worried. I know form experience how painful UTIs can be.