Knowledge Builders

why does my cats poop have blood in it

by Wilhelm Watsica Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

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 poo, for instance if you've recently moved house or it's fireworks season.Feb 25, 2021

Full Answer

What to do if your cat is sneezing blood?

What To Do If Your Cat Is Sneezing Blood?

  • Catch the cat. ...
  • Cats don’t typically tolerate any home remedies or solutions, so if the bleeding doesn’t stop or there is an excessive amount of blood, the best thing to do is to ...
  • If the cat allows it, applying a cold compress, such as an ice pack, to the top or sides of the cat’s nose may help slow or stop the bleeding. ...

More items...

Why does my cat have blood in stool?

We’ve listed below the common causes of bloody diarrhea in cats:

  • Ulcers or wounds in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract
  • Infections like bacterial, viral, or protozoa infections
  • Parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, coccidia, and giardia
  • Food allergies
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
  • Poisoning
  • Side effects of medication
  • Liver disease
  • Colitis or inflammation of the colon

More items...

What does it mean if your cat has bloody stool?

Blood in a cat's poop can be challenging to identify. It's important to note that both constipation and diarrhea can cause blood in the stool of cats. Bright red blood without either diarrhea or hard, dry stools generally indicates the problem is closer to the rectum and anus.

Why does my cat have bloody stools?

These include:

  • Infection
  • Inflammation
  • Megacolon (a condition many cats are prone to)
  • Parasites
  • Polyps (which are benign)

What to do when there's blood in your cat's poo?

Is blood in cat poop normal?

Can worms cause blood in cat poop?

Is blood in cat stool an emergency?

Can changing cat food cause blood in stool?

What is stress colitis in cats?

What time does a vet video chat?

See 2 more

image

When should I worry about blood in my cat's stool?

If the blood in your cat's poo appears light or bright red, wait a day or two and see if it passes on its own, as it could be caused by stress or because they've eaten something bad. If it doesn't get better on its own, or if your cat is acting unwell or losing weight, take them to the vet as soon as possible.

What does blood in a cat's poop mean?

Blood in stool in cats can be caused by intestinal parasites, dietary allergy or intolerance, metabolic or organ diseases, and colitis. Blood in the stool usually has a red tinge to it and may look like it has been mixed in with the feces.

Is blood in cat stool an emergency?

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.

How do you treat blood in a cat's stool?

Your pet doctor will recommend antibiotics if the cause of the blood-stained stool is bacterial infection. He or she may also add probiotics if poor gut health aggravates the condition. If your cat has worms, your vet will prescribe de-wormers. Due to frequent pooping, your cat may end up becoming dehydrated.

Is bright red blood in stool serious?

If you notice blood in the stool, it warrants a call to your physician. Red blood in the stool and rectal bleeding are associated with many diseases and conditions of the digestive tract, including colon and rectal cancer, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), among others.

Should I take my cat to the vet for blood in stool?

The blood may not be coming from their GI tract after all. You may find trauma or abscesses around the rectum instead. These will require veterinary attention. If your kitty's bum checks out, but you're noting red on your cat's stool, it's time to consider potential issues in the lower end of the GI tract.

Should I take my cat to the vet if he has blood in his poop?

It's important to have your cat checked by your vet if you've noticed blood in their poo, especially if they seem unwell. Blood in your cat's poo could be coming from their stomach, intestines, colon, anus or anal glands.

Why does my cat's poop have blood in it?

There are various reasons why you may spot blood in your cat’s poop. It could be the result of constipation or diarrhea, or a more serious problem...

Should I be worried if there’s blood in my cat’s feces?

Blood in your cat’s poop is never a good sign. Although the underlying cause is often treatable, it’s best to err on the side of caution and seek v...

What should I do if my cat has blood in their poop?

If your cat’s poop has blood in it, get them to the veterinarian where an exam, testing, and blood work can be done to determine what’s causing the...

Can stress cause bloody stools in cats?

Stress caused by big changes such as a move or other environmental changes can cause intestinal upset in a cat. In severe cases, this can lead to b...

Is blood in a cat’s stool an emergency?

Yes, especially if it’s bloody diarrhea. The presence of blood in your cat’s stool should be considered an emergency that warrants medical attentio...

If You See Blood in Your Cat's Stool, Here's What to Do to Help Your Pet

Chalabala / Getty . It's totally natural to feel a little freaked out when you first see blood in your cat's stool, especially if they're acting normal. But this situation is a huge clue to your ...

What does it mean when a cat has blood in their stool?

Blood in the stool in cats typically occurs in one of two different forms. Bright red blood in small or trace quantities is generally an indication of an underlying irritation or inflammation in the lower intestinal tract. This type of blood in the stool is referred to as hematochezia.

What is Blood in the Stool?

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.

What is the diagnosis of blood in a cat's stool?

Diagnosis of Blood in the Stool in Cats. Diagnosis of blood in the stool of your cat will require your veterinarian to diagnose the underlying condition that is causing the signs. During the initial veterinary exam you should provide your veterinarian with a complete history of your cat’s signs.

Why is my stool dark brown?

Dark brown, black, tarry or coagulated blood in the stool is typically an indicator of irritation or other source of blood further up in the intestinal tract or stomach. The black color of the blood, or melena, can occur when stomach acids begin breaking down the blood.

How to treat blood in cat stool?

If food is the suspected culprit, your veterinarian may recommend a bland or prescription diet to help eliminate irritation. Food changes should generally be done gradually to eliminate additional digestive upset. For stress related colitis, you and your veterinarian should discuss ways to eliminate stress for your cat, up to including prescription medication for anxiety or nervousness.

What causes an upset stomach?

Consumption of too much human food. Eating too much. Stress. Colitis. or inflammation of the colon. Parasites. Protozoa infections such as giardia or coccidia . Panleukopenia caused by exposure to feline parvovirus.

Why do vets smear cats?

Your veterinarian will most likely perform a fecal smear of your cat’s stool in order to check for parasites that may be irritating your cat’s intestine. This is typically performed quickly in your veterinarian’s office.

What to do if my cat has diarrhea?

If your cat has had diarrhea for a day or two, contact your vet to determine the cause of diarrhea and to help resolve it. This applies whether or not you see blood. If your cat has not had a bowel movement in a couple of days, you should contact your vet. If you see your cat straining to defecate, this is also a sign of constipation.

Why does my cat poop?

Constipation often makes a cat strain to defecate. This sometimes leads to ruptured blood vessels in the lower GI tract. The stool often appears hard and small and may have blood on the outside. Both diarrhea and constipation can be caused by stress, dietary changes or intolerance, parasites, foreign bodies, infections, toxin exposure, ...

Why does my cat's stool look dark?

This may not look like blood at first because it is so dark in color. That's because it is digested or partially digested blood.

What causes blood in cat stool?

Chronic constipation can lead to a condition called megacolon, an enlarged intestine. 2. Growths like polyps, cysts, and tumors can cause blood in the stool. Many diseases and disorders can cause GI problems that lead to blood in the stool. In some cases, the cat's stool will look normal except for the blood.

How to help a cat with constipation?

Keeping your cat on a healthy diet high in fiber can help prevent constipation and may relieve the condition as it starts. However, once you notice straining and blood, it has probably been long enough that veterinary care is needed. Make sure you follow your vet's advice for routine parasite screening.

What to do if you have bloody stool?

An ultrasound may also be recommended to get a better look at the abdomen. The treatment for bloody stools generally depends on the actual cause of the blood. There are GI support medications and supplements that your vet may recommend if acute illness is not found.

How long should I wait to see blood in my cat's poop?

If your cat's poop has been normal and you see some blood one time, watch your cat closely for the next day or two.

What does it mean when a cat poops blood?

Colitis. The first thing to say is that blood in a cat’s stool is often accompanied by mucus, a little bit of clear jelly mixed in with the poop. This is a sign of colitis which is simply an inflammation lower down in the intestinal tract in the colon, rather than up high in the small intestine closer to the stomach.

Why does my cat have blood in his poop?

Parasites. Parasites and parasitic diseases are another common cause of colitis and blood in a cat’s feces. Especially if it is happening for a longer period of time or your cat is getting intermittent bouts of blood in their poop. The most common causes are the parasites Giardia and Tritrichomonas foetus.

Why does my cat lick his back?

If their stool looks pretty normal but there is a little bit of blood on the surface, then it could be that they have anal gland disease. This will often also show as your cat being uncomfortable in their back-end, or your cat constantly licking around their back end. Food Intolerance.

Why does my cat have a hard stool?

If your cat has just eaten something that disagreed with them and has caused a little bit of a tummy upset, then some soft stools with a little bit of a blood and mucus coating could be the result.

Why does my cat poop so hard?

Constipation. The first cause to think about is constipation. If your cat is constipated then the actual stools are going to be really hard and difficult to pass. Your cat is likely to be straining hard and this can cause damage to your cat's colon and anus as they’re pooping.

Why is my cat not clearing up?

So if you have a cat who has long-term problems or their diarrhea is not clearing up uneventfully, then these parasites are a possible cause.

What is the last thing a pet parent wants?

The last thing any pet parent wants is to be forced to make medical decisions based on what they can afford rather than what is in their dog or cat’s best interest. Something I come across all too regularly in the veterinary clinic.

Why does my cat's stool turn dark?

This blood will often appear as dark flecks, specks, or coffee grounds. It’s important to note that both constipation and diarrhea can cause blood in the stool of cats.

What does blood look like in cat poop?

Blood in a cat’s poop can be challenging to identify. For starters, litter can sometimes alter the color and conceal – or create – changes in appearance. If the blood originates in the lower intestinal tract, especially the distal colon (large intestine) or rectal region, it will most likely look like, well, blood.

Why does my cat poop with blood?

There can be many causes of blood or mucus in a cat’s poop. Some common reasons include: Dietary changes and food intolerance. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Intestinal parasites such as Giardia. Infections. Trauma or abscess. Rectal polyps or tumors. Anal gland abscess or infection.

Why is my litter box red?

This color change is due to partial digestion by enzymes secreted in the small intestine.

How often do cats defecate?

Most cats defecate once daily. The odor shouldn’t knock you out. You should be able to pick up the stool without it running through your fingers (if you’re into picking up poop by hand). I’ll leave it at that. They make litter box utensils, if you’re wondering.

How big is a cat's poop?

Normal cat poops are about two to three inches long, one-half inch in diameter, well-formed, and brown to tan in color. If you’re wondering, researchers at the U.K.’s Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition published a handy illustrated “ Faeces Scoring System ” you should check out. If your cat has abnormal stools, you can “grade” the feces.

What is the sixth top medical condition of cats in 2015?

According to the petinsurance.com, “intestinal upset/ diarrhea ” was the sixth top medical condition of cats in 2015.

How Will The Vet Treat The Problem?

Cats who are diagnosed with hematochezia (blood in cat feces) are usually treated on an outpatient basis. If the underlying condition is severe enough , such as dehydration or internal bleeding, the vet will need to get those under control before releasing your cat back into your care.

How to get blood out of cat's poop?

If the vet pinpoints your cat’s diet as a source of the blood in his stool, here are a few tips: 1 Don’t change your cat’s diet suddenly. Slowly phase out one food and replace it with the new food. 2 Your cat may have a food intolerance. An exclusion diet (eliminating certain ingredients to see if symptoms go away) may be the best way to find the food ingredients that are causing the irritation to his system. Your vet can recommend the best way to go about an exclusion diet. 3 Don’t make any changes without your vet’s approval. Cats can not only be “finicky”, but they can also be sensitive to changes in their food. You don’t want to make the situation worse.

What to do if your cat has blood in his stool?

So, the bottom line is: If you see blood in your cat’s stool, take him to vet right away. It might or might not be a serious illness – but it’s definitely a sign that something is wrong and your cat needs help to heal!

What are anorectal diseases?

Conditions like condyloma, fistulas, hemorrhoids and fissures are classified as anorectal diseases. Some anorectal diseases may require surgery to cure.

What is the best way to get rid of cat food allergies?

Your cat may have a food intolerance. An exclusion diet (eliminating certain ingredients to see if symptoms go away) may be the best way to find the food ingredients that are causing the irritation to his system. Your vet can recommend the best way to go about an exclusion diet.

What does it mean when a cat is defecating?

When your cat has a difficult or painful time defecating, it’s called dyschezia. Both of these are symptoms that your cat may have an underlying condition that causes inflammation or irritation of the rectum or anus.

Why does my cat rub his hind end on the ground?

Inflammation of the colon (colitis) Intestinal infection due to bacteria or parasites. Anal sac abscess (these can get itchy, causing your cat to rub her hind end on the ground)

What Will The Vet Do For A Cat With Bloody Stool?

Once you arrive at the hospital, the veterinarian will usually do the following:

How to tell if a cat is sick?

Stool can tell you a lot about cat health. If the blood is bright red and your cat is also experiencing diarrhea or vomiting (or both), if your cat has lots of slimy mucus as well as blood in her stool, if the amount of blood is excessive, if your cat is eliminating outside the litter box or if your cat is showing other signs that she is feeling sick (cat is hiding, cat is not eating, cat is lethargic), get her to a veterinarian to be checked as quickly as possible.

Why does my cat have blood in his poop?

Blood in cat stool is most often caused by colitis (inflammation of the colon). Although colitis is one of the most common reasons for blood in a cat’s stool, colitis is a symptom rather than a diagnosis.

What causes blood in cat poop?

Liver disease. Medication intolerance. Megacolon. Pancreatitis. Poisoning. Rectal polyps. Trauma (hit by car, animal attack). As you can see, blood in a cat’s stool can have lots of different causes; some are minor, some are more concerning and some are true emergencies.

What to do if cat has black stools?

Depending on your cat’s other symptoms and the type of blood seen in the stool (bright red or black), the veterinarian might also want to: Draw blood for blood work, such as a complete blood count (CBC). Collect urine for analysis. Take X-rays or perform other diagnostic tests like an ultrasound.

Why is my cat's poop red?

Bright red blood in stool (hematochezia) is fresh and black blood is older—it appears black because it’s been digested or partially digested by the cat. Black or tarry looking stool is an emergency.

What does it mean when a cat poops blood?

Blood in cat poop indicates that something is going on with her health. There are no home remedies for blood in cat stool. If you see blood or think you see blood in your cat’s poop, call your veterinarian to make an appointment to have her seen.

What to do when there's blood in your cat's poo?

If your cat is pooing blood you should always contact a vet to rule out anything serious and ensure they receive any treatment they might need. While it’s possible that blood in your cat’s stool could indicate something serious, there are also lots of milder causes that can be treated. Be prepared to describe your cat’s poo (is it hard or soft, is the blood bright red or dark?) and any details that could help diagnose the problem — for example, has your cat been near something toxic or have they had any other symptoms? If you can collect a sample of your cat’s bloody poo to show the vet that would be ideal.

Is blood in cat poop normal?

While blood in your cat’s poo doesn’t always indicate something life-threatening, it’s not normal and definitely not something you should ignore. Even milder causes will often need to be treated by a vet and in the case of more serious causes like toxicity, there really isn’t any time to waste.

Can worms cause blood in cat poop?

Worms and other parasites are one of the possible causes of blood in your cat’s poo. But even cats that seem healthy can have worms, so it’s important to regularly worm them, even if they aren’t showing signs. Worms can make your cat very unwell (and some can be passed on to humans) so it’s important you make worming a regular part of your routine. Find out more about how to treat worm in your cat here.

Is blood in cat stool an emergency?

There are so many possible causes of blood in your cat’s poo that it’s impossible to say whether it’s an emergency without knowing more information. While many causes of bloody stools are mild, others are life-threatening and would require emergency treatment — like eating rat poison. It’s always worth speaking to a vet and talking through your cat’s symptoms and anything that might have led to them pooing blood. Depending on how the conversation goes they might simply ask you to monitor your cat, advise you to book an appointment to get them checked over or recommend you get them to a vet right away. Giving your vet a call will either put your mind at ease or ensure your cat receives treatment if they need it.

Can changing cat food cause blood in stool?

Suddenly changing your cat’s food could cause an upset stomach which could result in blood in their stool. That’s why it’s important to transition from their current food to their new diet gradually. It’s also possible that their bloody stools have been caused by your cat eating something that isn’t suitable for them. If you think the blood in your cat’s poop has been caused by eating something be sure to let the vet know as this could help them diagnose and treat the problem.

What is stress colitis in cats?

Colitis is an inflammation of a cat’s colon, also known as the large or lower intestine. Colitis can be brought on by stress while other common causes include worms and food intolerance or allergies. It can be chronic, meaning it has developed over a long period of time, or acute, meaning it comes on quickly and intensely. Common symptoms of colitis in cats include watery or bloody diarrhoea and mucus or jelly in their poo. Other symptoms include excessive straining to poo, constipation, flatulence, lack of appetite and weight loss.

What time does a vet video chat?

If you’d just like some advice and peace of mind our vets are available to video chat between 8am and 11pm every day.

image

1.Videos of Why Does My Cats Poop Have Blood in it

Url:/videos/search?q=why+does+my+cats+poop+have+blood+in+it&qpvt=why+does+my+cats+poop+have+blood+in+it&FORM=VDRE

4 hours ago  · Blood in your cat’s poop is a sign of inflammation — It can be linked to a series of health problems that range in severity. Different types of bloody poop may indicate different …

2.Blood In Cat Poop: Everything You Need To Know | Vets …

Url:https://www.vets-now.com/pet-care-advice/blood-in-cats-poo/

36 hours ago  · Bright red blood coming from the cat’s anus – Blood may come directly from a cat’s anus with diseases or injuries affecting the rectum, anus, or surrounding structures (anal …

3.What to Do if There's Blood in Your Cat's Stool - The …

Url:https://www.thesprucepets.com/blood-in-your-cat-stool-4769112

9 hours ago  · Here is a list of possible reasons why your cat might have blood in his poo: A sudden change in diet – a new diet or brand could affect your cat’s stomach Dietary …

4.Blood in Cat Stool | PetMD

Url:https://www.petmd.com/cat/symptoms/blood-cat-stool

18 hours ago  · Blood in cat stool is most often caused by colitis (inflammation of the colon). Although colitis is one of the most common reasons for blood in a cat’s stool, colitis is a …

5.Why is There Blood in Your Cat’s Poop: Should You Worry?

Url:https://ourpetshealth.com/info/cat-bloody-stool

29 hours ago

6.Should I Worry if My Cat's Poop Has Blood or Mucus?

Url:https://www.pethealthnetwork.com/cat-health/cat-diseases-conditions-a-z/should-i-worry-if-my-cats-poop-has-blood-or-mucus

13 hours ago

7.Blood In Cat Stool - Something Is SERIOUSLY Wrong!

Url:https://www.banixx.com/blog/blood-in-cat-stool/

16 hours ago

8.What To Do If You See Blood In Your Cat’s Stool?

Url:https://allaboutcats.com/blood-in-cat-stool

27 hours ago

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9