Veterinarian explains: Causes and treatments of bloody stools in cats, and how to identify dangerous symptoms

Bloody stool in cats refers to the presence of blood in their feces, which occurs when there is an abnormality and bleeding in their gastrointestinal tract. Depending on the location of the bleeding, the stool may appear black or contain fresh blood.

In this article, we will provide a detailed explanation of bloody stool in cats.

What is bloody stool in cats? Checking the difference from normal stool

Types of bloody stool

Normal stool is typically brown to dark brown. Bloody stool occurs due to bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, and the color varies depending on the location of the bleeding.

Black stool indicates bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as the mouth, nose, stomach, or duodenum. The blood turns black as it passes through the intestines, resulting in black stool.

Fresh blood in the stool indicates bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, specifically from the large intestine to the anus. If the bleeding occurs in the first part of the large intestine, the blood will be mixed with the stool. If the bleeding occurs in the latter part of the large intestine or the anus, the blood will be on the surface of the stool.

Other abnormal signs that appear with bloody stool

Bloody stool can be caused by inflammation, injury, or tumors. Therefore, other symptoms such as pain, loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur along with bloody stool. Although the symptoms vary depending on the cause, bloody stool itself is not something to be observed without immediate action.

Main causes of bloody stool in cats

Dietary issues and digestive system problems

Diet can be a cause of bloody stool. If a cat with allergies eats food that triggers an allergic reaction, it can lead to allergic gastroenteritis, resulting in diarrhea, vomiting, and bloody stool. In addition to abdominal symptoms, generalized itching and hair loss may also occur.

Furthermore, accidental ingestion of onions, houseplants, or medications can also cause bloody stool.

A major cause of bloody stool is inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, such as gastritis, enteritis, or colitis. These gastrointestinal inflammations can be caused by viral infections, bacterial infections, allergies, immune disorders, or medications. Bloody stool due to gastrointestinal inflammation is accompanied by various symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and lethargy.

If a tumor develops in the gastrointestinal tract, it can constantly bleed, leading to bloody stool. Tumors are fragile and have a concentrated blood supply, so even slight stimulation can cause bleeding. The color of the stool (black or fresh blood) changes depending on the location of the tumor. In cases of tumors, symptoms other than bloody stool may include pain, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

Constipation can also cause bloody stool, as straining to defecate can injure the anus, resulting in blood appearing on the surface of the stool.

Effects of parasites

Parasites in the gastrointestinal tract can cause bloody stool. These include Trichomonas, Giardia, feline hookworms, and Toxoplasma. Feline hookworms attach to the small intestine, which can lead to black stool.

Cases where stress or sudden environmental changes are the cause

Environmental changes such as moving, nearby construction, or adding a new family member can be a strong source of stress for cats. If stress causes gastrointestinal upset, bloody stool may occur. Ulcerative colitis can also be caused by stress, leading to fresh blood in the stool.

Response to bloody stool and home care

Observation in cases of temporary bloody stool

In most cases, bloody stool is not something to be observed for a long time, so it is best to visit a veterinarian as soon as possible without delay.

If the stool is hard and pellet-like, or if the cat is straining to defecate, constipation may be a possibility. In such cases, ensure the cat has access to plenty of water and increase the moisture content of their diet by using wet food. However, as difficulty in defecation can sometimes be due to a tumor, it is recommended to visit a veterinarian immediately if there is no improvement.

If bloody stool appears after changing food, the cat might be having an allergic reaction to the new food. If the condition improves after returning to the previous food, it may be acceptable to observe the cat for a while.

Bloody stool caused by stress can improve by creating a safe place for the cat to retreat to and providing a comfortable environment.

In any case, it is important not to wait and to visit a veterinarian as soon as possible if bloody stool is observed. When visiting the veterinarian, try to bring a stool sample.

Importance of dietary improvement and hydration

If bloody stool is caused by constipation or food allergies, home care is crucial. Constipation indicates a low moisture content in the stool, which can occur if the cat drinks too little water or becomes dehydrated due to chronic kidney disease or diabetes.

To increase water intake, it is necessary to implement measures tailored to the cat's preferences, such as placing multiple water bowls in different locations or changing water bowls to ceramic or glass ones. Additionally, since dry food has low moisture content, adding wet food, moistening dry food, or mixing wet food broth into drinking water can help increase fluid intake.

In cases of food allergies, the cat reacts to proteins in the food, causing inflammation. Therefore, discontinue the suspected food and switch to a therapeutic diet for allergies. For allergies, it is essential to switch to a therapeutic diet until instructed otherwise by the veterinarian.

Veterinary diagnosis and treatment flow

Tests for bloody stool

When a cat with bloody stool comes to a veterinary hospital, the veterinarian first asks about symptoms, diet, and parasite prevention. Then, they perform a physical examination, checking the cat's body shape, abdominal condition, lymph node swelling, and oral cavity. If a stool sample is brought in, a fecal examination is performed first to check the condition of the stool and conduct a microscopic examination. In some cases, rapid diagnostic kits may be used to test for specific viruses or parasites.

Depending on the cat's age and condition, blood tests may be performed. If further detailed examinations are deemed necessary, X-rays and ultrasound examinations will be conducted. Additionally, if there is a possibility of abnormalities near the anus, a rectal examination may also be performed.

Treatment options for gastrointestinal abnormalities

Treatment methods vary depending on the disease. For food allergies, therapeutic diet is the main treatment. If parasites are the cause, parasite eradication is performed. For enteritis due to immune disorders, treatment focuses on suppressing the immune system. If bloody stool is mainly caused by stress, using supplements to alleviate stress and creating a comfortable environment are important. In cases of bloody stool due to tumors, surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy are options.

When blood is present due to constipation, other underlying diseases such as chronic kidney disease are often involved. While treating these conditions, environmental adjustments to encourage water intake and dietary therapy are implemented.

Long-term symptom management and treatment plan

Bloody stool can occur due to transient enteritis, but in most cases, it improves within a few days. However, enteritis due to immune disorders, food allergies, and tumors require long-term treatment, with periods of improvement and worsening.

If the cause is known, the first step is to sufficiently use medication to control the symptoms, and as improvement occurs, the dosage is reduced. It is often difficult to completely discontinue medication, and adjustments are made based on the manifestation of symptoms. In the case of chemotherapy, a treatment plan is formulated based on the treatment protocol and blood data, and if recurrence occurs, different drugs are used.

Daily management and health checks to prevent bloody stool

Balanced diet and regular deworming

If bloody stool is related to constipation, diet, or caused by parasites, reviewing the diet and regular deworming can help. If the cat doesn't drink much water or has kidney disease, effectively use wet food to ensure adequate hydration.

Creating a stress-free environment

Enteritis and bloody stool can be caused by stress. Improvement can be expected by eliminating stress. To reduce stress, provide a safe place or retreat for your cat. Lack of exercise can also cause stress. Install a cat tower for exercise, and increase playtime with the owner.

Aim for early detection with regular health check-ups

Health check-ups play a crucial role in the early detection of diseases. Fecal examinations are sometimes included in health check-ups. Fecal examinations during health check-ups primarily involve testing for parasites and bacteria, so it is difficult to detect diseases solely through fecal examination.

Many cat owners are unaware of constipation, soft stools, or bloody stools in their cats. Therefore, it is important to undergo regular health check-ups to understand your cat's current condition.

Summary

Bloody stool in cats can be life-threatening if left unaddressed. If your cat's stool color is unusual, consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. Also, make an effort to manage their diet and create a stress-free environment.