LoveToKnow Cats:AllComments

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Hi Tiger,

Is the blood bright red or darker red? Dark red blood indicates a problem deep in the intestines and bright red may just be from straining.

Any number of things could cause the problems he is experiencing, from constipation to tumors. I would ask the vet to do a complete blood panel workup on him. That should help eliminate some concerns, such as diabetes, cancers and diseases. It will give you a starting point in figuring out what is going on with him. Let us know what the vet says. Hope he's okay.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

My 11 year old cat was hospitalized earlier today. He had a urinary problem last night and laid in his urine. He only ate a few bites of food and drank no water. He had a very bloody bowel movement and is dehydrated. His temperature was a little below normal. They are giving him an IV and Vitamen K along with meds for nausea and antibiotics. This cat has been very healthy and lives indoors. What could be causing this sudden change and a large amount of blood in the stool, yet none in the urine?

-- Contributed by: bloody stool

Hi Donna,

It sounds like the blood is likely from straining. My suspicion is that she might be a bit constipated. It likely hurt when she used the litter box and now she associates pain with defecating in there. That would explain why she now goes on the carpet.

I would try mixing a little canned food with her dry. Try to get the same brand if you are able. That may help alleviate the constipation.

Once that is taken care of, you need to retrain her to the box. Lock her in the room with it for a week until she uses it again. If you catch her going in the floor, tell her no and carry her to the litter box.

All that said, you do need to also check in with your vet on this issue and make sure there are no underlying health problems. He'll likely want to run a blood panel to be on the safe side.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

My cat is aprox 9 yrs old and for the past 2-3 months has been pooping on the floor. We moved in Aug and it is now Nov and I thought it was that however, she shows weird behaviors before she poops. Her ears twitch and she looks for somewhere to go and strains while doing her thing. The poop is very hard but it's very foul smelling and has a bit of blood each time and is dark and very mucousy. She has also puked a few times after she goes on the carpet and her appetite has increased. Please if you have and suggestions let me know.

-- Contributed by: Donna

Hi Laura,

A little blood usually isn't anything to be worried about, but this new development does sound like something more concerning. I think you should call the vet and take her a fecal sample to be tested. She will likely want to see him for an exam as well. It may turn out to be the change in food or that he strained too much, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Let us know if he's okay.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

I just adopted a 2 yr persian in feb 09 and over the summer I noticed he had a little blood in his stool I didnt think it was a big deal also his stool has been green to. I have change his food to indoors cat food and he still poops green. Today I just saw blood back into his stool and it look like alot for a cat. Should I call the vet and tell her what is going on? I just hope he dont have cancer.

-- Contributed by: Laura

Hi Mallorie,

Is there a lot of blood or just a few drops? A few drops might just mean she was a bit constipated and strained too hard. However, if it was considerably more than that, I would go ahead and take her to the vet. If at all possible, take along a fecal sample as well for him to check out for you.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

I have noticed my cat having bloody stool for a few days now. She is eating normal as well as her activity. She has been on the same food since I have had her ( besides kitten food ). I dont think it is anything to do with an allergy to her food. what do I do?

-- Contributed by: Mallorie

Hi Amanda,

I'd go ahead and take her to the clinic. The symptoms you are describing added to the fact that she had enlarged anal glands really sounds like she may have an anal sac infection. More than likely the vet will need to put her on an antiobiotic and expel the sacs in order for the condition to clear up.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

My cat has blood in her stool and anal "ooze" that appears to also have blood in it. She is a long hair and has been getting her stool stuck in her fur. I took her to the vet a month ago and was told she was totally healthy but constipated and also had inflamed anal glands. It was an expensive visit and I am hesitant to go back only to hear she is "totally healthy" again. This problem has persisted since that visit. She is 15 years old. Should I go to that dr again, go to a cat clinic, or do nothing due to her age?

-- Contributed by: Amanda

Hi Carrie,

It sounds like it is painful for her to defecate. This isn't good, because she could come to associate the litter box with a painful experience and begin to avoid it. For now, I'd probably switch her to a 50/50 mix of canned and dry food. However, I would take her to the vet as soon as possible too. He is likely going to suggest a little higher quality cat food with a higher moisture content and more than likely a mix of canned and dry as well. Be sure to switch her food slowly when you make the switch, so her stomach isn't upset from a suddent shift.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

our little Hammy (Tabby Female)... is making faces when she poops... been doing it awhile now.... but lately we been seeing blood in her stool... any advise? She eats Meow mix bag food... and some fancy feast... she dont eat human food. she is 1.5 years old.

-- Contributed by: Carrie

Hi Larissa,

Since the blood was bright red, that indicates it occurred toward the end of his bowels or perhaps from straining. If the blood was darker, it might be a bit more concerning. Since he otherwise seems healthy, I would just keep a close eye on him for now. If you notice he is still bleeding, I would go ahead and take him in and take in a sample of the feces with blood on it for the vet (plastic baggies work great for this).

More than likely, it isn't a big deal, but it's always best to be sure.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

I read that blood in stool can be caused by a change in diet. I just changed my 3-4 year old cat's diet from IAMS to Innova Evo (both dry food), which is supposed be so much better for him (natural ingredients, high protein consistency, no grains, etc) and I just noticed blood in his stool and part of his stool very soft. He had a vomiting period about a month ago. Took him to the vet and their initial test didn't show anything serious. He got better afterwards, so I'm not sure if all these problems are related or caused by different problems... I will try to monitor his stool for the next couple of days (he goes outside for walks several times a day) and call the vet again if things don't improve. But, I am wondering if the higher protein or ingredients in his new food are the cause. The blood is bright red.

-- Contributed by: Larissa

Hi David,

Is the blood bright red or a darker brick-red? If it is bright red, then the issue is likely not as deep in the stomach or intestines. That is a better sign.

My main concern is the increased intake of water and lethargy. That is not a good combination. The lethargy could partially be from malnourishment, because pregnancy can take a lot out of the mother cat.

I understand that you are in a financial bind. I would phone your veterinarian and explain the situation to him. Do not speak to the receptionist. Ask to have the vet phone you back. Remind him of your recent costs with the kittens and their check-up and ask if you can be placed on a delayed billing and go ahead and bring your cat in. Most veterinarians will work with you in such situations if you've been a regular customer and ask for the help.

Good luck and let us know if your cat is okay.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

I have a female cat about one year old who gave birth to a litter of six about four weeks ago. I have begun noticing blood in the stool of the female cat. This is also associated with abnormally light and loose stools. Oftentimes, this is presenting itself as diahrea. I am concerned that this may be connected to a lower bowel or stomach condition. Other symptoms include a considerably larger intake of water, and considerably larger amounts of sleep. I am in a bind because after having all of the kittens checked-up at the vet, I do not have the money to return to the vet again (especially considering that urinary analysis, fecal analysis and CBC's tend to be quite costly), and may not for about another month. To what do you think this problem may be related; and is there anything I can do to help the issue?

-- Contributed by: David

Hi N,

I'm sorry your kitten is going through this. You need to feed him kitten food. Until a cat is about a year old, they have some pretty specific nutritional needs that are different from an adult cat.

However, you may be able to mix in some soft food with the dry to help with the bowel issues a bit. If at all possible, try to stick to the same brand as you're using for the dry food. If they do not offer a version for kittens, mix a little adult in, but the key word there is "little". You should have maybe 25 percent of the adult canned with the kitten dry. Kitten food for the canned as well would be ideal.

If that does not help his bowel movements, you may need to go ahead and take him to the vet. Your vet may work out a payment plan with you, if you explain your finances.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

I have a 6 month old kitten who has some bowel issues before, I took him to the vet, she put him on an antibiotic & a dewormer & his bowel issues got better. But now, we've been off antibiotics for a week or two now, he is having small stools with blood in them. When he was having issues before I stopped all people food and then he started back on kitten food which he hasn't had in at least three months. Is it alright for me to just stop the kitten food & see if it gets better or should I take him to the vet immediately? I want my poor little guy to be alright but I don't have the money to pay for all the tests right now.

-- Contributed by: N

Hi Ann,

I think you're right to seek medical treatment for this cat. She may have a wound or a blood clot that needs to be treated. Is the blood bright red or darker? That will make a big difference in diagnosis, so be sure to pay attention so you can tell the vet. I'm not sure if the local shelter will pick up the bill, but you should be able to find a vet who will either work with you on a sliding scale or allow you to make payments.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

My new cat I rescued as was abandoned when owner moved from home I now live in...has blood in stool for the past couple of days. she also coughs and has a lump on the side of her neck the size of but not a tick. I am taking her to the vet tomorrow and I hope the local rescue picks up the tab. I tried to contact them and no word yet. I aquired 2 kitties from my last place as also were abandoned by the neighbors there. I live on disability and can't afford all these expenses but can feed them all. Now have a rescued dog,pit bull,and 4 cats who are my dears.

-Artzstuf "just trying to do the right thing!"

-- Contributed by: Ann REilly

Hi CJ,

You're right to take her to the vet. This may be just a minor issue, but it may be more serious. If the blood is a bright red, that is typically better than if it is a darker, brick-like color. The bright red color indicates fresh blood, which means it isn't as deep in her intestinal system.

Twelve is older, but many cats live to be sixteen to twenty years old, so this may just be a minor blip. The only way to be sure is for the vet to run some tests. He'll likely want to start with blood tests. If those come back with blood counts off, he may want to do some X-rays.

Please check back and let us know if she's okay.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

I am very worried. My cat is having frequent runny bloody stools. She is 12-13 years old and an indoor pet. She has never done this before, and has had regular veterinary care. When she began doing this, I felt her abdomen, its soft, any ideas? i am taking her to the vet, but I am very worried about cancer. I cannot imagine what else this could be. We use the same food we always have, she is of normal activity, except that now she has hair falling out in large clumps, its not even the same consistency that it was. We figured it was because she is beginning to get a little older. Please tell me what you think. I don't want to hear that my baby has cancer. I could not deal with that right now.

-- Contributed by: Enter your name here

Hi Joe,

I understand what you're saying about the cost. Money is tight for everyone right now and that is a lot of money. Unfortunately, without the tests it is impossible to isolate the cause of the blood in the stool. One good thing is that it is bright red. This indicates that the blood is not old. Therefore, the problem isn't as likely to be deep inside her intestines, which can be harder to treat.

If the problem does not clear up, try some of the less expensive vet clinics. Also, different vets charge different rate, so you may want to phone around and get prices from several places. Country vets tend to charge less than big city vets, for example.

Also, you may want to talk to your vet and see if a payment program could be worked out. Good luck. I hope your cat gets well.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

I have a cat about 6 or 7 years old iv found bright blood in her stool. I took her to the vet and they wanted to do all these test on her cost around 400$ i cant afford stuff like that.She goes in the litter box and she doesnt strain or doesnt seems to be.She is very active plays normal and acts normal.

-- Contributed by: Joe

Hi Jaycee,

I understand your concern. It is very scary to see this type of thing. One good sign is that it is bright red blood. This indicates that it is not old blood and therefore isn't likely deep into her intestinal tract. It could be as simple as that she is straining too much when she uses the litter box.

If you have her on dry food, try mixing it with the same brand of wet (if available). Start with a 25 percent mix and eventually move to a 50/50 mix of wet and dry. The dry will give her the crunch she needs and the wet may allow her to pass stools more easily.

If this doesn't help the situation and you're still concerned there is something more going on, then I'd go have some blood drawn and have the vet do a complete panel, including looking for any indication of cancer in the blood cell counts. However, since she is otherwise healthy, this is likely something fairly minor.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

Hi, My female cat is about 8yrs old now and she has been having the same thing going on. Bright red blood in her stool, and it is as often as every other time she uses the litter box. We went to the vet to get all the tests done about 2 months ago and they didnt find anything wrong with her. Which is a good thing but also a bad thing. The only test that i can think of that they didnt run is the cancer test. And honestly i am really scared to get that test done. I dont know what i would do if it came back positive. Hope all is well with your feline family member.

-- Contributed by: jaycee

Hi Nora,

I'd watch him for now. Check the litter box after he uses it (or every few hours) for blood and look at his stool too for blood. It is possible that he was a little constipated from the surgery and simply strained too hard to defecate. However, if the bleeding continues, I'd definitely take him to the vet and get it checked out. Take a fresh stool sample with you for the vet.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

Tonight I my 5 mo kitten had some gas, then I noticed about a dime size about of bloody (medium red) discharge around a fleck of stool. He was neutered a week ago and his food was changed two weeks ago. I have been sick the last four days and I noticed he's been resting with me, but he has still been really active (flips and rolls). the only new thing he's been actively playing with are a pair of meditation health balls that make chime noises when they roll around. He may have licked them, they have a metallic "oil stain" finish to them. I've noticed no behavioral changes or signs of discomfort. What can I do?

-- Contributed by: Nora

Hi Julia,

If it was just the one time, I wouldn't be overly worried. She may have just swallowed her food wrong. Bright red indicates fresh blood, so this is something that occurred late in the digestion process. For the purposes of health concerns, this is usually a good thing.

I would just keep an eye on her for now. If you notice any of the following symptoms, go ahead and take her to the vet:

Straining to defecate
Additional blood
Lethargy
Increased thirst

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

Yesterday and today, my dear cat Pandora had some clear and bright red discharge at the end of her stool. She is eating and drinking plenty, and is as playful and active as always. She never eats anything but her regular food and treats, although it's possible she could have swallowed something small. Pandora doesn't seem disturbed at all. Should I be worried?

-- Contributed by: Julia

Hi Erin,

A lot depends on how much blood there was. Just a little occasionally probably is not need for concern. I would keep an eye on her as long as she is eating and drinking normally. If you notice that she is still straining or continues to have blood in her stool, take a sample to the vet as a starting point. Hope it clears up on its own!

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

My cat has recently had some mucus blood on the stool and have had some bloody discharge around the rectum area. She is acting fine and playfull as always, she has not stopped eating or drinking nothing has changed. She is not in pain as I can press on her stomach and touch her do you think that maybe this will go away in time?

-- Contributed by: Erin

Hi Lisa,

Since he has some issues anyway, he may very well have an infection of some sort. Because of the blood, I'd go ahead and take him to the vet. Try to take a sample of the bloody stool with you, if possible. This can help the vet with diagnosis.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

My cat is 15 yrs old and has irritable bowel disorder. Recently he has started having a lot of accidents all over almost like he can't control his bowel movements. Also the stools are runny and bloody most of the time. I am starting to get worried about him, I don't want him to be in pain...

-- Contributed by: Lisa

Hi Danielle,

The dark red blood signals that this may be a problem further up in her digestive tract, because dark blood is older blood. I would go ahead and take her and a sample of the stool to the vet. It may be something minor, but it is better to be safe and have it checked out.

Also, I would stop giving her the popcorn. I have noticed that popcorn is pretty hard on my own system, because of the kernels and a cat is so much smaller than a human. Your vet may tell you not to give her table food at all. I realize that is hard when they stare at you with those begging eyes, though. You may just want to limit to things the cat might more naturally eat in the wild. She really couldn't hull and pop her own popcorn :). I would give her little bites of meat, for example.

Please be completely honest with your vet about what the cat has eaten in the last week or two as well, so he or she can be informed and treat the cat in the proper manner.

There is no need to feel bad or guilty if a food has caused problems. I once tried to feed my daughter's dog a raw diet and the little dog grew deathly ill. It just did not agree with her system. At the time, I thought I was doing the right thing, however.

Please check back and let us know if your cat is okay. Sending well wishes your way.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

I have just noticed that my cat has been having bloody and runny stool. It started this morning, after she had had a solid non bloody stool. The blood is dark red and there is a strong odor with it. She has been given people food before such as chips, popcorn, cheese, eggs... I'm not sure what it is or what to do.

-- Contributed by: Danielle

Hi Susan,

If she is struggling to go to the bathroom, you really need to take her to the vet. This could be the symptom of any number of problems, from organ failure to some type of blockage to a minor infection. I wouldn't delay, but get her in as quickly as possible. Please check back and let us know if she's okay. I have a Siamese myself and she too is fifteen.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

My female 15 year old Siamese cat suddenly started straining to go the bathroom and at this point I'm not sure if she was trying to urinate or have a bowel movement. Also, I just noticed the presence of watery, bloody drops in her bed. What can I do? Please help me.

-- Contributed by: Susan Riggs

Hi Allison,

It is really hard to say which cat had the bloody stool, when you have that many. I would probably separate the one that has been ill and put him in a contained area with his own litter box to see if it is him. If so, take a sample of the feces to the vet, and go back for a visit to see what might be going on. If it turns out to not be him, then you may have to just start containing one cat at a time until you discover which one has the bloody stool. The medication should not cause the bloody stool, although it might cause loose stool.

Another thing to look at is whether the blood is bright red or darker. The vet will want to know this, because it will help him rule out some things and tell him where the blood is coming from (lower intestine, etc.).

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

Hi,

I just noticed that one of my cats has a bloody loose stool. I have only seen one of these. I have 5 cats so it's hard to know which cat has the bloody stool. One of my cats recently visited the vet for an infection in his ear that had spread down to his throat. He was given 2 injections. One was baytril and the other was penicillin. He is also taking oral tabs of amoxicillin. Do you think these could be causing the bloody stool?

Thank you, Allison

-- Contributed by: Allison
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