Cat Diarrhea with Blood, Yet in High Spirits: What's Ha

Causes of Cats Having Bloody Diarrhea:

1. Parasitic Infection

There are numerous types of parasites that can infect a cat's digestive system, including common ones like roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and toxoplasmosis. These parasites typically enter the cat's body through accidental ingestion, although there is also a possibility of entry through the skin. Once inside, they attach to the intestinal epithelium, absorb nutrients from the cat's intestines, disrupt the balance of gut flora, and may even chew on the intestinal lining, leading to bleeding. When the cat defecates, blood from the intestines is expelled, resulting in the presence of blood in the feces.

2. Viral and Bacterial Infections

Some viruses can infect a cat's intestines, while others may affect the upper respiratory tract or even the nervous system. Common viruses that infect the cat's intestines include the feline coronavirus and feline panleukopenia virus. Often, when a cat is infected with a virus, bacteria can侵入 the body, leading to secondary infections, such as E. coli and Pasteurella multocida. Viral infections of the intestines can cause bleeding and weaken the cat's immune system.

3. Poisoning

Cats can be poisoned by drugs, chemicals, or food. When these substances are ingested, they can cause sudden irritation and attack the intestines, making them more susceptible to bleeding when damaged.

4. Intestinal Lacerations

This usually occurs when a cat accidentally ingests sharp objects, such as small bones, fish bones, or foods with sharp edges. These objects can become trapped in the intestinal lining, and as subsequent food passes through, it can rub against these objects, causing them to scrape and lacerate the intestinal walls, leading to bleeding.

Pet Doctor's Tip: For more information on cats with bloody diarrhea, check out our article "What to Do If Your Cat Has Diarrhea."