Causes of Blood in Cat Poop: What It Means & Solutions

Understanding the Causes of Hematochezia in Cats

● Cancerous Growths: Conditions such as gastric, intestinal, or other tumors can lead to blood in the stool.

● Food and Drug Intolerance/Dietary Carelessness: Inappropriate food or medications can cause adverse reactions that result in blood in the feces.

● Parasites (hookworms, whipworms, roundworms, coccidia) / Viruses / Bacteria: Infestations or infections can provoke bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.

● Liver or Kidney Diseases: Organ dysfunction can sometimes manifest through blood in the stool.

● Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Colitis): Chronic inflammation of the colon can cause bleeding.

● Disorders of Blood Coagulation: Abnormalities in blood clotting can lead to bleeding issues.

● Anal Disorders: Conditions affecting the anal area can also result in blood in the stool.

In addition, any condition that can cause gastrointestinal inflammation, such as duodenal ulcers, gastritis, or longterm food intolerance, can lead to hematochezia in cats, as their digestive systems are particularly delicate...

Common Symptoms

Hematochezia refers to the presence of blood in the stool, which can range from a few drops of bright red blood to a completely bloody stool. The color of the blood can vary from bright red to dark red or tarlike.

Treatment Options

Depending on the underlying cause, a veterinarian will recommend a tailored treatment plan:

● Dietary Adjustments: Switching from dry to wet food (or raw food) can be beneficial.

● Fluid Therapy: To combat dehydration and infections, routine intravenous fluids may be administered.

● Deworming Medications: To eliminate parasites that may be causing the issue.

● Antibiotics: To treat bacterial infections.

It's important to maintain a healthy diet, ensure your cat has access to plenty of fresh water, and supplement their diet with vitamins to prevent constipation. Reducing stress and choosing wet food can also help alleviate constipation.

Regular deworming and preventive care are crucial to avoid infestations. Ideally, cats should undergo 12 health checkups per year to catch any health issues early on.

In case of severe symptoms, it is imperative to seek veterinary care promptly to prevent complications.