Finding out the signs whether a cat is sick or not might be tricky because cats are skilled at hiding signs and symptoms. The appearance of blood in cat poop, urine, and vomit is an indication that your cat is unwell.
‘No pet or person has a perfect stool every time it defaecates but consistent variation from bowel movement is a red flag that something is wrong with your pet’s health,’ Solomon added.
Tip: Litters at times can alter the stool’s colour and make changes in its original formation. Thus, do not assume anything unless it was tested and diagnosed by professionals. It is best to bring a stool sample when going to the clinic.
What does blood in a cat’s stool mean?
What does it mean when your cat poops blood? The presence of blood can manifest in two different ways, with both showing hints on the main location of the bleeding.
- Haematochezia
Bright red blood is visible and can be distributed throughout the faeces or just specks on it. This is usually associated with anal bleeding or complications on the lower intestines that can either be in the colon or rectum. This type is easier to identify than the next one. - Melena
It can be described as tarry dark blood in cat stool. This signifies internal bleeding that can be from oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The colour of the blood turned into black from having been digested. There are also cases where the blood can come from the nose, mouth, or food intake.
Common causes of blood in cat poop
Is there blood and mucus in cat stool? The presence of blood in the stool can be a clinical sign for any medical conditions. We have outlined a list of the possible causes.
- Dietary changes or food intolerance
Having a sudden change in diet can cause irritation on the colon, and the digestive system and can affect the composition of the faeces. It can be corrected by going back to its former diet. Change in diet must be gradually introduced. - Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
IBD is the result of impaired nutrients absorption and food digestion. This occurs when there is complication in the entire gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include diarrhoea, blood in stool, and vomiting. Switching to a highly digestible diet can alleviate the pain and discomfort. - Parasitic infection
Cat worms can be the cause of the inflammation of the intestines that results in bleeding. Hookworms and roundworms are the common parasitic worms found in cats. Fortunately, this condition can be prevented and treated by deworming.
- Bacterial infection
Much the same with the parasitic infection, bacterial infection results in the inflammation of the intestinal tract. Vets usually prescribe oral antibiotics to affected cats. - Tumours
Tumours or rectoanal polyps can occur in the wall found in the lower intestine or around the anus. A surgical procedure is usually done to remove polyps or tumours. - Anal sac complications
Anal sacs are similar to scent glands which secrete an oily, foul substance used to identify individual felines. Any complications occur with inflammation from the thickened secretions of the anal glands. If left untreated, it can develop an infection. Further, treatment can be manually done by expressing the glands. This should only be done by your trusted veterinarian. As for crucial cases, extraction of the infected material should be done with antibiotics to help treat the infection. If the condition persists, surgical removal should be considered. - Cancer
This refers to the uncontrolled division of cells in the form of intestinal cancer, colon cancer, and anal gland cancer. Surgery is the usual course of action to remove cancer. Further treatments include chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Tips for treating and monitoring your cat’s health
- Ensure your feline is well-hydrated. Intestinal problems and diarrhoea can cause dehydration, especially in senior cats.
- Gradually shift your cat’s diet to a bland ground beef and rice diet. Consult your vet before doing any changes. Abrupt changes can make intestinal problems worse.
- Observe your cat closely. Check for any signs of stress when she defaecates.
- Monitor your cat’s stool particularly its appearance, colour, and the content itself.
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