Cats with Bloody Stool: What to Do & Quick Tips

What is Cat Diarrhea with Blood?

When we talk about "diarrhea with blood," it's important to note that it doesn't always mean you'll see bright red blood. The color of the stool doesn't have to be crimson to indicate blood in the feces.

Visible Blood:

When you scoop the litter box, if you notice a distinct red hue in the feces or even red blood spots on the inside walls of the litter box, it suggests that the bleeding might be originating from the lower part of the intestine. This could be from the lower colon or near the rectum, or even closer to the anal sphincter.

Not Always Red:

However, sometimes the blood in the stool isn't visible to the naked eye. For instance, if there's an issue in the upper digestive tract, the stool might appear black or maroon due to digestive enzymes from the small intestine. So, black, brown, or tarry stools can also be signs of cat diarrhea with blood.

Not Always Accompanied by Diarrhea:

While diarrhea often accompanies blood in the stool, it can sometimes be the opposite. If you find dry, hard stools with fresh red blood at the end, it might indicate constipation, which could have caused a tear in the rectum or anus due to straining. In such cases, applying some antiinflammatory ointment around the cat's anal area can help, but addressing the constipation is the key to recovery.

What Causes Blood in Stool?

Besides constipation, most cases of blood in the stool in cats are accompanied by diarrhea or soft stools. The reasons can range from minor to severe.

Digestive Upset:

Simply switching to a new food or overeating can lead to digestive upset, which might cause diarrhea and blood in the stool. Cats have delicate gastrointestinal systems, so it's crucial to be cautious about their diet.

Consuming Spoiled Food or Poisoning:

Eating spoiled food or toxic substances can trigger acute gastroenteritis, leading to blood in the stool. Since symptoms are usually severe, cats can become dehydrated or worse quite quickly. Immediate treatment is essential.

Parasites:

Intestinal parasites like coccidia or hookworms can also cause blood in the stool. If your cat is eating and acting normally but keeps having blood in their stool, it might be worth considering internal parasites as a cause.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD):

This is one of the most common chronic intestinal diseases in cats and is often one of the "Big Five" causes of chronic weight loss in older cats. It's a general term for inflammation in the stomach, small intestine, and colon, with an unknown cause. Symptoms are varied, including vomiting, weight loss, and diarrhea, and blood in the stool can also occur.

Cat Distemper:

This可怕的 disease can cause blood in the stool, and if not treated promptly, it can be fatal. Besides diarrhea, it's accompanied by high fever, vomiting, and other symptoms. If you notice these issues in your cat, seek veterinary care immediately to rule out cat distemper and avoid delays.

Tumors:

Intestinal tumors or polyps can also lead to blood in the stool. If your cat has persistent diarrhea, soft stools, and blood, and these symptoms don't improve with treatment for enteritis, it might be time to consider further testing for tumors.

Besides these, any disease that can cause inflammation in the digestive tract, such as duodenal ulcers, gastritis, or longterm food intolerance, can lead to blood in the stool.