Identifying Internal Bleeding in Cats: Key Signs & Symp

When a cat experiences internal bleeding, it is often not visible to the naked eye. However, there are several adverse symptoms that may indicate internal bleeding in cats, such as a lack of energy, vomiting blood, or hematuria (blood in urine). Yet, in some cases, internal bleeding in cats may not present with very obvious signs. So, how can you determine if a cat is suffering from internal bleeding? This article will delve into this topic and provide you with some insights.

How to Determine If a Cat Has Internal Bleeding

To assess whether a cat is experiencing internal bleeding, pet owners can observe the following aspects:

1. Monitor the Cat's Mental State: Early signs of internal bleeding may include a lack of vitality, decreased appetite, and reduced activity levels.

2. Observe Physical Reactions: When you touch the cat's abdomen or other areas, it may exhibit aggressive reactions, such as crying out, dodging, or biting.

3. Inspect the Cat's Excretions:

Pulmonary Bleeding: Cats with pulmonary bleeding may cough up blood, experience difficulty breathing, and have chest pain. Nasal discharge may also contain blood.

Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Cats with gastrointestinal bleeding may vomit blood or have blood in their feces. The blood may be expelled with vomit or appear dark red or tarlike in the stool.

Urogenital Bleeding: Cats with urogenital bleeding typically have blood in their urine.

4. Pay Attention to Other Physical Changes: If a cat shows signs of pale skin and mucous membranes, along with weakness, it may also indicate internal bleeding.

5. Observe Breathing and Heartbeat: Internal bleeding can cause respiratory distress and a weakened heartbeat. In cases of chest bleeding, the cat may become pale due to blood loss. As the internal bleeding increases, the symptoms of respiratory distress and a weakened heartbeat may worsen.

These are initial methods to determine if a cat has internal bleeding. If you notice any of these abnormal symptoms, it is crucial to take your cat to a veterinary hospital immediately for further examination, including Xrays, DR scans, ultrasounds, and fecal tests. This will help determine if the cat has internal bleeding, identify the location and severity of the bleeding, and receive appropriate treatment based on the veterinarian's advice.

Internal bleeding in cats is an emergency situation that requires prompt attention to prevent complications. If the internal bleeding continues or the blood pools within the body for an extended period, it can lead to more severe consequences. Since internal bleeding is often hard to detect, be vigilant if your cat has been injured, such as by falling or colliding with an object. Keep a close eye on any unusual symptoms and, if detected, take your cat to the vet right away. Even if your cat appears normal, it's advisable to have it checked by a veterinarian if it has fallen from a height, as some injuries may not show immediate symptoms but can gradually affect its health.

In summary, while internal bleeding in cats is not visible to the human eye, it can manifest through various abnormal symptoms. If your cat sustains a blow, fall, or collision and exhibits any of these symptoms, it's essential to seek veterinary care promptly. And even if your cat seems fine, it's best to have it examined by a vet if it has fallen from a significant height to ensure its wellbeing.