Cat Health Blood in Stool

Cat Health: Blood in Stool Problems

Most blood in stool problems arise from conditions that are easily treatable. It is important to take note of your cat's behavior and stool condition on a daily basis in order to head off any problems before they become life threatening.

Common Causes

The following are the most common reasons that blood may be present in your cat's stool:

• Parasites and worms: De-worming the animal will treat this condition. Ask your vet's advice on the best course of action.

• Constipation: A vet will normally recommend a change in the animal's diet if the constipation isn't too severe. If the condition is more serious, the impaction may be removed via outpatient surgery while the cat is anesthetized. The cat may also need to be re-hydrated with an IV.

• Food allergy: Allergies can sometimes be treated by changing the cat food your pet eats.

• Inflammation of the bowel: Changing the pet's diet and removing any food items that trigger an episode will help control this condition. The vet may also prescribe corticosteroids if the condition is related to an auto-immune disorder.

• Antibiotic-associated colitis: This condition will clear up once an antibiotic is no longer being used.

• Disease of the anal sacs: Most cats will lick their anal area frequently and scoot with their rear on the floor. Blood in the stools is also present. A veterinarian can treat this problem by cleaning the anal sacs and in some cases, prescribing a medication to control the problem.

Your veterinarian can make an accurate diagnosis of what is causing blood in the stool. Don't try to treat the problem with over-the-counter medications designed for humans. These medications can cause further distress to the animal and could cause the death of your pet.

Serious Health Problems

On occasion, the presence of blood in the stool can signal a much more serious health problem. The following problems are less common and require immediate veterinary care:

• Intussusception: The bowel telescopes into itself. This has to be treated immediately because it can cause complete bowel obstruction and death.

• Pancreatisis: Caused by an infection of the pancreas, this condition is treated with antibiotics.

• Blood clotting disorders: This condition is often caused by a cat ingesting a rodent that has eaten rodent poison. Most pets recover after being admitted to the veterinary hospital and stabilized.

• Cancer of the colon or rectum: In some cases, symptoms can be treated by managing the disease and closely monitoring the diet.

• Foreign material in the colon or rectum: Bone fragments and other foreign objects that have been ingested can cause an internal tear. If severe, this is treated with surgery.

• Pseudocoprostasis: Caused by matted hair blocking the bowels, this condition is usually treated with surgery.

• Trauma: Trauma is primarily caused by an attack from another animal or from being run over by a vehicle. Depending upon the severity of the injury, the animal may need hospitalization and, in some cases, surgery.

The blood that is seen in the litter box may also be coming from the pet's urine, signaling a urinary tract infection. This condition is treated with antibiotics and in some cases, a change in the type of cat litter being used.

Visit Your Vet Immediately

When it comes to cat health, blood in the stool is a call to action. Make an appointment to see your vet immediately if you see blood in your pet's stool. In the event of trauma, the faster you can get your pet checked, the better your pet's chances of survival.

When you visit the vet, be prepared to give details about your pet's behavior. You should also take a stool sample in a clean container such as a Ziploc bag.

Let your veterinarian know if you have observed any of the following behaviors from your cat:

• Yowling when using the litter box
• Remaining in a crouching position frequently
• Refusing to use the litter box when the cat normally does use it
• Refusing to eat
• Drinking water more frequently or not at all
• Vomiting
• A change in bowel movements, such as diarrhea or hard stools
• Irritable behavior in a normally docile animal
• Lethargic behavior in a cat that is normally active

Monitoring your cat's litter box for an unusual stool is one way to make sure your pet stays healthy. If you clean your pet's litter box frequently, you'll notice any changes right away. Remember, the best course of action is to take your pet to the veterinarian if you notice blood in the stool. Your pet's life may depend upon it.