What Does Bloody Diarrhea In Your Cat Mean?

Cat stools typically resemble tootsie rolls and are firm and dark brown. However, blood in cat poop can be bright red or dark, tarry, with varying amounts. Bloody mucus or jelly can be mixed throughout the stool, present on one end, or take up almost the entire stool. Extremely hard stool is a sign of constipation, while bloody mucus may be caused by food allergies, unsuitable food, infection, parasites, medication reactions, anal gland issues, and colitis (inflammation of the large intestine).

Diarrhea, an underlying issue causing severe or chronic diarrhea, can irritate the lining of the intestines and cause bleeding. Loose stools with blood in them are more likely due to irritable bowel syndrome or a problem with the sensitivity of the cat’s stomach. Causes of blood in cat stools include GI tract infections, intestinal parasites, food intolerance, and ingestion of foreign bodies.

The most common causes of blood in cat stools are parasites, which can be treated with worms. Cats with allergies or stomach upsets may develop blood in their stools, which can also cause diarrhea. Fresh, red blood indicates a problem in the large intestine or rectum, while hard feces with bright red or fresh blood may indicate constipation. Dark-red or black blood in poop indicates a more serious issue, such as an ulceration or blockage.

How do you treat a cat with bloody diarrhea?

Diarrhea and blood in the stool in cats can be caused by parasites, a change in diet, or eating something that they shouldn’t have. You can try feeding a bland diet of boiled white chicken and boiled white rice for a few days, and see if that helps clear things up.

Blood in the stool in cats is a condition in which varying quantities of blood might appear in your cat’s stool. There are two different types of blood in the stool, Hematochezia which appears as bright red blood, or black, tarry blood. Blood in the stool is typically a symptom of an underlying condition. Blood in the stool can result from common and minor ailments or may be an indication of serious underlying infection or sickness. While this is not always an emergency condition, if the blood in the stool persists for more than short periods of time or occurs frequently, you should seek veterinary care for your cat.

The main symptom of blood in the stool in your cat will be the presence of bright red or dark brown to black blood. This symptom may occur on its own or in combination with other signs such as:

• Diarrhea or loose stools
• Mucus in the stool
• Inappropriate defecation in other parts of home
• Frequent unproductive trips to the litterbox
• Vomiting
• Lack of appetite
• Lethargy
• Increased thirst

Why does my stray cat have bloody diarrhea?

Red or Bloody Cat Diarrhea. Bloody diarrhea is always concerning and should be addressed by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Dark red or black discoloration of feces indicates upper GI bleeding (stomach, small intestine) and blood digestion.

Bright red coloration within the feces or coating the feces is a sign of lower intestinal tract bleeding (colon, rectum).

Mucus-coated feces indicates possible inflammation of the digestive system, dehydration or parasitic infection.

What will vet do for bloody diarrhea?

• Medications for soothing intestines
• Electrolyte and fluid therapies in the case of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis
• Antibiotic therapy if an infection is at the root of the problem
• Surgical remedies for tumors, ulcers, or physical obstructions
• Corticosteroid therapy in cases of severe blood loss causing hypovolemic shock
• Anthelmintics (antiparasitic drugs) to expel parasitic worms and other internal parasites

Helping Your Dog Feel Better. Once your pet’s underlying issue is undergoing treatment, the main priority is allowing your pet’s inflamed intestines time to recuperate. Your vet will be sure to provide you with detailed instructions on looking after your dog as they recover which may include,

• No food or water for 24 hours to allow your pet’s intestines to rest
• Following the rest period, feed a prescription or bland diet for a week or so before gradually returning your dog to their normal diet
• Monitoring your dog for other symptoms or recurring symptoms. If the problem quickly returns a prescription hypoallergenic medical diet may be recommended for your pet
• Restoring intestinal microflora by introducing food supplements (such as probiotics and probiotics) to help prevent the issue from recurring

Is bloody diarrhea in cats an emergency?

Frequently Asked Questions. Is blood in a cat’s stool an emergency?. Yes. Treat your cat’s bloody stool or diarrhea as an emergency unless you know the cause of the blood in the stool. Promptly consult a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

Can a cat seem normal despite blood in their stool?. Yes. Your furry pet can act normal despite having blood in its poop. If this happens, keep calm. Blood in the stool is a hint about the health of your cat, and you will need veterinary assistance to rule out the possibility of serious conditions.

How can I prevent bloody stools in cats?. Follow your veterinarian’s advice on your pet’s diet and deworming schedule. Ensure they are up-to-date with their routine vet checkups and vaccinations, which can help prevent viral causes of bloody stools. Monitor your cat’s litter tray and consult your veterinarian if you notice anything unusual.

Why is my cat’s poop red mucus?

They’re Constipated. If the stool is very firm and you’re seeing mucus (often red-streaked or red-tinged), this is most commonly caused by constipation.

In older cats, constipation is often the result of kidney disease and arthritis. However, it can also be caused by diet (especially dry food diets), swallowing a large amount of fur, eating foreign material that is stuck in the intestinal tract, electrolyte disturbances, side effects of drugs, or a narrowing of the intestinal tract that prevents stool from passing.

Cats should pass stool daily or every other day. If you are on day three without seeing stool in the litter box, it’s time to make an appointment with your veterinarian.

They Have Diarrhea. If the stool is very soft and you’re seeing mucus, this is likely caused by diarrhea. The most common reasons for diarrhea in cats tend to be diet or parasites. Other potential causes include an overactive thyroid gland, kidney or liver disease, viral infection, or inflammation or cancer in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Why is my cat pooping blood but acting normal home?

What does blood in my cat’s poop mean? Causes of blood in cat poop include food allergies or eating something unsuitable, infection, parasites, reaction to some medications, anal gland issues and colitis (inflammation of the large intestine).

Finding blood in your cat’s poop can be a frightening sight and it’s normal to think it always indicates something serious. But there are actually lots of different reasons why there might be blood in your cat’s poo and many of them are easily treatable.

. What does blood in my cat’s poop mean?. Causes of blood in cat poop include food allergies or eating something unsuitable, infection, parasites, reaction to some medications, anal gland issues and colitis (inflammation of the large intestine). Even stress can cause blood in your cat’s poop, for instance if you’ve recently moved house or it’s fireworks season.

Other possible reasons include pancreatitis, toxicity (like eating rat poison), cancer or blood disorder. While many of these clinical causes are mild, others are life-threatening and will need emergency treatment so always speak to a vet to be safe.

How can I treat blood in my cat’s stool at home?

• If your pet is lethargic, inappetent, depressed, has other signs of trauma or pain on defecation, seek veterinary attention immediately.
• If your pet is on anti-inflammatory medication such as steroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, discontinue the medication and seek veterinary attention immediately.
• If a large volume of blood is passed, seek veterinary attention immediately.
• Infant pets that have blood in their stool should always be checked by a veterinarian.
• If worms are present in the stool and the animal is otherwise bright, worm with an appropriate wormer according to the manufacturerís instructions.
• If your pet shows no other signs of illness and there is a small amount of blood in the stool, you can add fibre to the diet (for example, ¼ – ½ teaspoon of bran or psyllium husk, or mashed pumpkin), or alternatively use a commercial high-fibre diet.
• Where constipation secondary to fur balls is suspected, º teaspoon of cod liver oil or a dose of a commercially available paraffin-based pet laxative once a day for three days may aid in the passage of stool.
• Seek veterinary attention if your pet fails to pass a stool within 24-48 hours, or if your pet shows any signs of being unwell.
• DO NOT GIVE ENEMAS SOLD FOR USE IN HUMANS TO YOUR PET UNLESS PRESCRIBED BY A VETERINARIAN AS THESE ARE POTENTIALLY HARMFUL.

Blood in the stool is known as haemtochezia or melena and may appear as blood mixed throughout the stool, at the tail end of stool or, in severe cases, the whole stool may consist of blood.

Haematochezia originates in the colon, rectum or anus and refers to fresh blood.

Why is my cat leaking watery blood?

Blood in a cat’s urine is a common issue, often causing veterinary attention. The two major causes of blood in a cat’s urine are cystitis and feline lower urinary tract disorder (FLUTD). Hematuria, a condition characterized by the presence of pink, red, brown, or black urine or the presence of blood cells, can be identified through urinalysis or blood tests. Cystitis, a general term referring to inflammation in the urinary bladder, is the most common diagnosis for hematuria in cats. The condition is often categorized under FLUTD, which is a broad medical term used to distinguish between bladder and urethra diseases. If hematuria is eliminated, the condition is called Feline Idiopathic Lower Urinary Tract Disease (iFLUTD), which some vets may use Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC).

Symptoms of cystitis or FLUTD in cats are associated with inflammation and irritation of the lower urinary tract. Common clinical signs include red, white, or black urine, a swollen, red, or brown sputum, and a rash. Treatments for hematuria typically involve a urinalysis to determine the cause and blood tests to exclude bleeding or clotting disorders.

Is bloody diarrhea an emergency?

Acute bloody diarrhea is a medical emergency, because it often signifies disorders that are life threatening and have urgent epidemic control implications in the community. Even if bloody diarrhea is not infectious in origin, it could represent illnesses that warrant expeditious diagnosis and treatment.

Can cats poop blood from stress?

• Key points. Blood in your cat’s stools is not always a sign of serious illness.
• Stress and anxiety are common causes of colitis, leading to blood in a cat’s stool.
• In certain cases, a bland diet can lead to the resolution of the symptom.
• A veterinary examination is needed to check for a more serious underlying cause.
• Some cats are prone to colitis and the condition may continue to flare up throughout their life.

Common in:. Cats that are stressed and those who are not up to date with parasite treatments. Any age, gender, and breed can experience blood in their stool.

Symptoms and types. Your cat may have blood within a formed stool or a loose, diarrhea stool. They may also have other symptoms like vomiting, lack of appetite, or mucus within the stools. If the stool is hard and dry, this could suggest constipation, especially if you have noticed your cat straining. But cats can also strain to pass poo if they have diarrhea, which can cause blood vessels just inside their bottom to burst. This is called colitis and can be triggered by irritation from a new food, food allergies, or even stress. Colitis is the most common cause of blood in a cat’s stools.

Can cats diarrhea heal itself?

In healthy adult cats, mild diarrhea that is not accompanied by other symptoms can resolve on its own within 24-48 hours. However, seek vet care right away if:

• Diarrhea lasts longer than 24 hours
• Other symptoms, such as vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite, accompany it
• Your cat has an underlying health condition
• There is digested blood or a large amount of fresh blood in the stool
• A young kitten is experiencing severe diarrhea

After consulting a vet, you can help your cat with diarrhea at home in a few ways. Provide access to plenty of clean, fresh water to combat dehydration. A vet may recommend fasting your cat, offering a bland diet, or changing their diet. Note: fasting a cat should only be performed under the guidance of a veterinarian, as it can be dangerous for the pet. Finally, vet-approved anti-diarrheal medications may help relieve the symptom. Never give a cat medications your vet has not approved.

Diarrhea is a common symptom of many conditions and cannot always be prevented. However, there are steps cat owners can take to reduce potential causes. Avoid sudden food changes or offering table scraps to your cat. Keep other foods and tempting non-food items, such as houseplants, away and out of reach. Always keep parasite prevention and vaccinations up-to-date and discuss potential side effects of medications with your vet. Finally, taking your cat to receive regular wellness exams and testing can help catch any underlying conditions before symptoms begin. If your cat is experiencing diarrhea, or you have questions about the causes of diarrhea in cats, you can make an online virtual care appointment to discuss your cat’s health with a Vetster online vet.