When something’s wrong with your cat, then there’ll be signs. Blood in cat stool is one of them. One moment you’re cleaning the litter box, and the next you notice streaks of red all across. It’s natural to feel worried, especially since our cats won’t know what’s wrong.
Blood in cat stool usually points to something minor and treatable, but it can also be something more serious and severe. When talking about it, it’s good to check out the other signs associated with it to know for sure.
In this guide, we’ll share all the common causes and how to help.
What Does Blood in Cat Stool Mean?
A healthy cat’s stool should usually be firm but not too hard. It’s normally brown in color and easy to pass.
When there’s blood, this usually means that the bleeding is happening in the lower part of the digestive tract, like the colon or rectum. It often shows up as streaks of red on the outside of the stool or tiny drops in the litter box. This is called hematochezia.
Another type is when the blood in cat stool is dark and tarry. This points to bleeding higher up in the digestive tract, like the stomach or intestines. The blood has been digested, giving it a black and sticky appearance. This is called melena.
Sometimes, the mucus can be mixed with blood. This often indicates irritation or inflammation in the large intestine.
When Is Blood in Cat Stool Serious?
Blood in your cat’s feces often comes with a series of symptoms, including:
Severe Vomiting and Diarrhea. Severe vomiting and diarrhea often indicate severe gastrointestinal irritation. Cats with these symptoms will be at risk of dehydration.
Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss. If you notice your cat’s poop has blood, as well as losing their appetite and weight, it can be a serious issue.
Lethargy and Weakness. A lethargic cat can also be a concerning sign. In severe cases, they can also appear weak and may collapse.
Excessive Straining and Frequent Trips. Straining and spending a lot of time in the litter box can also be worrying, especially if your cat has blood in feces.
Visible Pain. Cats may cry, meow, and vocalize their pain while straining to defecate poop with blood.
Large Amounts of Blood or Mucus. A lot of blood and mucus can signal severe irritation and inflammation, especially if the blood is dark or tarry.
Why Is There Blood in My Cat’s Poop?
Seeing blood in your cat’s feces can be because of several factors, some mild, some severe. Here are the common ones:
Dietary Changes or Food Intolerance
Cats have sensitive stomachs, and sudden changes in diet can trigger digestive upset or allergic reactions. These can cause irritation in the gastrointestinal tract, which can be why there’s blood in cat feces. This can be due to switching food, table scraps, or foods cats are allergic to.
Parasites and Infections
Parasites and worms in cats are one of the major reasons for blood in cat poop. Roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and parasites like Giardia can damage the intestinal lining. This can result in diarrhea, mucus, and visible blood.
Plus, these can also make way for infections that can also inflame the intestines and cause blood to come with a cat’s feces.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Problems within the gastrointestinal tract, such as IBD and colitis, can cause ongoing inflammation of the intestinal lining. Because of this irritation, cats can experience bloody diarrhea. Cats with these issues can also have mucus in their bloody poop.
Constipation
If your cat is constipated and straining in the litter box, the tiny blood vessels near the anus can rupture. This is one of the reasons why there can be blood in cat feces. This can worsen if constipation is not addressed.
Foreign Objects
Some cats also ingest things they shouldn’t, such as small objects, bones, and toys. These can scrape the digestive tract or even block it entirely, causing irritation, bleeding, and even life-threatening obstruction.
Anal Gland Issues
Cats have small scent glands near the anus that can become infected or blocked. When these situations happen, they can rupture, resulting in blood stool or blood smears all across the anal area.
Medications or Toxins
Some medications can upset a cat’s digestive tract, especially in cats with sensitive digestive systems. Toxins in particular can be a concern, as these can cause severe gastrointestinal irritation that leads to bleeding, particularly dark, tarry stools.
Tumors or Growths
Another reason why there’s blood in cat poop is tumors or growths. When there are tumors in the intestines or rectum, they can easily get hit by all the contents that pass through. Some tumors can even ulcerate, leading to bleeding.
Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are big parts of a cat’s digestive system. When they are in emotional distress, their bodies take a toll, manifesting as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
How Do Vets Diagnose the Cause of Blood in Cat Stool?
When you bring your cat to the vet because of blood in the stool, we’ll need to figure out the cause to treat it. We usually start by checking your cat's body and symptoms. If the blood is bright red, we’ll focus on the anus and rectal area. If it’s darker, then we’ll look higher up the body.
One of the first laboratory tests we do is a fecal exam. This can help us detect parasites and bacteria, which are common causes. Next, we can conduct blood tests. These check for infections, blood loss, and your cat's organ functions.
Another test we can do is diagnostic imaging. X-rays and ultrasounds can help locate anything unusual, such as foreign objects and tumors. Plus, they can help us assess your cat’s organs and gastrointestinal tract.
In some cases, we can do an endoscopy to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. With this, we can also collect a few samples for a biopsy.
How to Treat Cats With Blood in Stool
The main treatment option will depend on the specific cause. Since it’s a symptom, each approach will be tailored to tackle the main disease.
If parasites are the cause, our vets will provide deworming and antiparasitic medications to clear them out. Antibiotics will be used for bacterial infections, and other supportive medications will help promote recovery and comfort.
For cats with blood in their stool because of food sensitivities and dietary changes, we’ll recommend a lighter diet. This can also be a prescription or novel diet. We can also recommend probiotics for your cat so their gut health can improve.
Plus, we’ll also administer IV fluids to treat dehydration from severe vomiting and diarrhea. If your cat has a tumor or foreign object along the digestive tract, then surgery is an option to remove the irritation and obstruction.
Home Remedies for Blood in Cat Stool
After we treat your cat for blood in poop, home care is crucial. Make sure to follow through with these steps. Plus, these methods are effective at preventing the common causes, so it’s a double win.
Provide Hydration and Nutrition
Make sure your cat always has a bowl of fresh water nearby. If they’re not interested, try using water fountains and fun dispensers. Plus, you should also make sure their diet is high-quality, free from fillers and additives that can cause sensitivities and digestive upset.
Protect Your Cat from Parasites
Always schedule regular deworming sessions with our vets so we can ensure your cat’s continued protection. Preventive care is always a good way to protect your cat from parasites that can cause blood in the stool.
Create a Safe Home
A comfortable environment will make your cat happy and content. When they feel safe, they will be more emotionally sound. This can benefit their digestive systems and overall health. Plus, make sure dangerous objects and chemicals are away from your cat’s reach.
“Caring for your cat means keeping a watchful eye.”
- Dr. Rokas Proscevicius
Final Thoughts
If you see blood in your cat’s poop, then never ignore it. Sometimes, the cause is simple and mild. While in others, it’s much more serious. Either way, the most important thing is to give your cat the help it deserves so they can recover.
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