The appearance of blood in a cat's stool causes fear in the pet owner. The causes of bloody feces in a pet are varied - from damage to the sensitive mucous membrane of the anus due to constipation, to serious pathological processes developing in the internal organs. The vast majority of them are associated with diseases of the digestive system.
The color of heme fractions secreted with feces deserves special attention. Thus, the appearance of scarlet blood, without signs of coagulation, signals disorders in the rectum or parts of the large intestine. Dark-colored blood may indicate a malfunction in the upper parts of the digestive system.
The appearance of blood fractions in a cat’s feces is a serious symptom indicating disorders in the body. It is recommended to consult a veterinarian for diagnostic measures and the appointment of an adequate treatment regimen.
What does urine normally look like in cats?
Normal pet urine is clear and may be pale yellow, straw, or orange in color. In many ways, the shade of urine is determined by the nature of the cat’s metabolism and its diet. It contains no inclusions. Removing decay products, salts, enzymes, vitamins, and foreign substances from the body, normally animal urine does not have a sharp, specific odor.
What about mucus in the stool?
Slippery. Slimy. Nasty. These are all words veterinarians hear from cat owners describing excessive mucus in their cats' stool. Mucus is a normal secretion of the intestinal tract to help lubricate and moisten the intestines and facilitate fecal passage. It is not uncommon to observe some greasy or slippery coatings on your cat's feces. It is abnormal to see a lot of mucous, often clear to pale yellow-green fluid, accompanying your cat's bowel movements. Fecal mucus is an example of “the more the merrier.”
Blood in a cat's urine - causes
Blood in a cat’s urine may be a consequence of disturbances in the functioning of the organs of its genitourinary tract or the presence of various diseases. These include:
- urolithiasis (urolithiasis);
- cystitis (inflammation of the bladder);
- pyelonephritis (inflammation of kidney tissue);
- diphtheria vaginitis (inflammation of the vaginal mucosa);
- other pathological conditions.
Also, blood in a cat’s urine can appear in animals whose bodies are undergoing infectious processes (one of the symptoms of viral peritonitis, piroplasmosis, leptospirosis). The manifestation of this symptom is typical for pets with oncology and cats diagnosed with helminthic infestation.
Hematuria can develop while taking certain medications: cytostatics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids. As a temporary phenomenon, blood may appear after catheterization of the bladder or operations on the pet’s genitals (sterilization, castration). In some cases, blood in the urine can be detected in a pregnant cat. It is a consequence of exacerbation of chronic diseases, which can cause complicated childbirth and death of offspring.
The appearance of blood in a cat's urine can be caused by chemical poisoning. This pathological condition can be caused by injuries to internal organs received by a pet as a result of a fall from a height or a traffic accident. One of the causes of hematuria is an imbalance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in a cat’s diet.
- inexpensive feed,
- monotonous menu
- acidity imbalance
All this can provoke various diseases, the symptom of which is brown urine.
Other factors that influence blood in your kitten's stool
In addition, the cause of painful bowel movements in cats can be the consequences of consuming low-quality food, feed and bioactive additives. Quite often, in the process of preparing cat food, unscrupulous manufacturers include harmful artificial additives in the composition, intended to maintain the expiration dates stated on the packaging, as well as to give the animal a stronger taste sensation. The consequence of consuming such food is loose stool, which the animal passes at first. Further, the situation may worsen - blood may appear in the stool.
If there are more severe gastrointestinal diseases in an adult cat or kitten, which cannot be determined at home, further treatment and the prognosis for full recovery depend on many factors. If these are types of colitis, liver dystrophy or tumor formations, then the number of chances for recovery depends on the timeliness of contacting specialists at a veterinary clinic. Undertaking and doing anything yourself is a huge risk for the health of your beloved pet. Therefore, as soon as the owner notices that the domestic cat’s stool has changed and he is defecating with blood, the only right decision is an urgent visit to the doctor.
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Symptoms of pathology
The presence of blood in a cat’s urine is not the only sign of diseases of the genitourinary system or injuries to internal organs. Along with it (depending on the cause of hematuria), the animal may experience:
- frequent urination;
- suffocation of general health;
- partial or complete loss of appetite;
- low mobility, drowsiness, apathy.
The cat meows loudly, trying to go to the toilet, and shows nervousness and anxiety. In six out of ten cases, the pet's body temperature rises, vomiting and other eating disorders appear.
Experiencing discomfort and pain, the animal begins to urinate in the wrong places. It loses interest in what is happening around it and tries to hide in a dark place to achieve privacy. A sick pet has a reduced response to external stimuli. It seemed like just yesterday he was actively taking part in outdoor games, he was cheerful and cheerful, but today he has difficulty moving and reacts aggressively to any touch from his owner.
How is the treatment carried out?
Effective medications
Treatment is prescribed depending on the type of parasite, for example, a frequently used drug is Pyrantel.
If blood impurities during a cat's toilet visit are caused by helminthic infestation, it will be necessary to identify the type of parasites. Then the doctor prescribes a course of treatment, which is based on eliminating the specific pathogen. Often prescribed:
- "Kaniquantel";
- "Dirofen";
- "Febtal";
- "Pyrantel".
If the problem is caused by intoxication of the body with poisons, a specific antidote is administered to the cat. When no more than 3 minutes have passed after consuming this substance, the owner can provide first aid to the animal, which consists of inducing vomiting. For these purposes, it is recommended to add 50 ml of peroxide to 100 milliliters of water. The solution is given depending on the cat’s body weight. For 1 kg of weight there are 2 tsp. solution. After vomiting has been induced, use activated charcoal or Enterosgel.
After 3 hours, you should give the cat a laxative. It is permissible to use castor oil.
If colitis is observed, resort to the antibacterial drugs Tylosin and Metronidazole. Anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals are also used, for example, Sulfasalazine. It cannot be done without maintenance therapy. For these purposes, vitamin and mineral complexes for animals are prescribed.
Traditional treatment
In combination with classical treatment, it is recommended to give your pet mint infusion, which is taken before meals.
In combination with medications, it is permissible to resort to the help of healers’ recipes. One of the most useful is mint infusion. To prepare it, you will need to take 1 tablespoon of the plant, add 500 ml of hot water and leave for half an hour. The infusion is given to the cat once a day before eating. Dried fruits, for example, prunes and dried apricots, will also help improve digestion.
The right approach to nutrition
Veterinarians from the Zoovet clinic recommend that owners of animals who have blood after going to the toilet switch their cats to natural food. Your pet should be given boiled lean meat, buckwheat, eggs and vegetables. It is important to exclude fermented milk products from the menu. It is permissible to return to industrial complementary foods after the cat’s condition has completely normalized and a course of therapy has been completed.
Blood in a cat's urine - natural causes
A change in the color of urine or its composition is not always a sign of pathology. Sometimes it can be caused by the physiological characteristics of the pet’s body (relevant for females). The following can lead to the appearance of blood clots in urine:
- estrus – when urine mixes with genital secretions;
- bearing offspring - when the body is reconstructed and prepared for the appearance of offspring;
- the period after childbirth - when vaginal discharge continues after lambing.
All of the above factors are not a cause for concern. The exception is prolonged bleeding, which requires diagnosis and consultation with a specialist.
What can cause blood to appear in an animal's stool?
First of all, it is worth paying attention to the fact that prolonged loose stool in an adult cat or kitten itself requires consultation with a specialist, especially if it is diluted with mucus or blood. Often, such symptoms act as harbingers of illness, signaling the occurrence of serious pathological processes in the pet’s body. Under no circumstances should you postpone a visit to the doctor. He will not only help you find out the causes of your cat’s health problems, but will also prescribe appropriate treatment. If you do nothing, the consequences for your pet can be very dire.
The determining factors due to which a cat goes “out of need” with blood for some time are mainly the following:
- the presence of a bacterial infection in the cat’s gastrointestinal tract, the presence of helminthic infestations;
- severe allergy or reaction to an intolerant product;
- benign tumor formations (cysts, polyps);
- cancer of the lower intestine;
- accidental ingestion of poison used to kill rodents;
- damage to the anus;
- problems and disorders of blood clotting;
- intestinal obstruction, constipation.
What to do if your cat is peeing blood?
If your cat pees blood, you should immediately contact a veterinarian. If this is not possible, the owner should provide first aid to his pet:
- place the animal in a warm and dry place;
- exclude dry and solid foods from his diet;
- provide free access to drinking water.
It is strictly forbidden to give your cat any medications. Any mistake with the dosage or method of administering the medicine will lead to irreversible consequences. Decoctions of bearberry, parsley or juniper will help reduce inflammation. Remove toxic waste products - horsetail decoction.
Diagnostics
Based on the owner’s story, the pet will first need to undergo a study to clarify the alleged diagnosis:
- test feces for protozoa, helminths and coprogram (just in case, it is better to collect a test ready before visiting the doctor);
- donate blood (detailed form of analysis);
- collect a urine test (if required);
- take an x-ray or ultrasound of internal organs;
- do a colonoscopy (examination of the large intestine with an endoscope).
Such an examination will allow the doctor to determine exactly why the cat appeared in feces with blood, after which the animal will be prescribed targeted treatment.
Diagnosis of the patient's condition
It is not always possible to identify hematuria in a pet on your own. Sometimes the owner of the pet learns that there is blood in a cat’s urine only after microscopy of its biological material.
Important: the analysis allows us to establish not only the fact of the presence of hematuria, but also the source of the bleeding. In accordance with it, it can be extrateral, renal and postrenal.
Extrateral - the urinary system is involved secondarily (a consequence of systemic diseases accompanied by hemorrhagic syndrome).
Renal - occurs when the source of bleeding is located in the kidneys.
Postrenal – the result of injury to the urinary tract and bladder.
To find the root cause of hematuria, veterinarians conduct a comprehensive examination of animals, which includes:
- collection of anamnestic data;
- initial examination;
- performing laboratory tests (general urine analysis, biochemical blood test, etc., etc.).
In some cases, the cat is sent for further examination. In particular, she may undergo cystoscopy, radiography or ultrasound of the abdominal organs, and other studies aimed at differential diagnosis and making an accurate diagnosis.
Stool with a blood clot in a cat or dog
Some time ago, an old friend of mine told me how scared she was when she noticed a blood clot in her dog’s stool. It was the holidays, and she took pity on me and didn’t want to bother me. As a result, she got an adventure that cost her quite a round sum and several days of hassle.
I think many have encountered a similar situation. And I consider it necessary to tell you about what is behind such a striking and spectacular symptom as blood in the stool.
So, let's start in order...
What causes blood in stool?
The blood clot itself is not as dangerous as it seems at first glance. Its task is to draw attention to the problem and give a signal about the state of the diseased organism. That is, one should not be afraid of blood, but solve the problem that this blood communicates.
The condition of the clot tells the doctor a lot: about the severity and strength of the inflammatory process, about the condition of the intestines, about the functioning of the blood coagulation system and much more...
Bleeding occurs due to the inflammatory process in the large intestine. The causes of this inflammation can be a variety of irritants. Violation of the acidity of feces, viruses, helminths, various protozoa, neoplasms, rough mechanical particles (for example, bone fragments), allergic reactions - there are quite a few reasons for this condition.
A blood clot in the feces of a dog or cat is a signal of problems, which can be identified by a comprehensive examination of your pet and close contact between the owner and the attending physician.
The appearance of a blood clot is a sign that should prompt the owner not only to refuse first aid, relieving the external symptoms of the inflammatory process with antibiotics, but also to treat the underlying cause of the disease.
How to find the reason?
From what is written above, you, dear reader, have probably already understood that simply treating such phenomena “at random” is not only not useful, but even dangerous. By smoothing out the signs of the inflammatory process and “extinguishing” the secondary infection, you can allow the main cause of the disease to continue to destroy your pet’s intestinal wall.
This means that it is necessary to accurately determine the cause that causes the primary destruction of the intestinal wall. This can be done if you analyze all the circumstances associated with changes in your pet’s health. It is better to do this together with a specialist who knows what questions to ask you in order to collect an accurate history (information about the occurrence and course of the disease) and what diagnostics to prescribe in order to identify the main cause.
To diagnose such a problem, as a rule, a complex method is used, which includes both general clinical examination methods and special diagnostic methods.
Depending on the collected medical history and the results of general clinical tests (blood and stool tests), the doctor will draw up a special diagnostic plan, which may include ultrasound and x-ray examinations, virological and parasitological immune tests, stool microscopy, endoscopic examination, cytology and/or histology of the intestinal wall , and sometimes a trial treatment.
The doctor draws up a diagnostic plan for the patient based on the collected medical history. Diagnosis of inflammatory reactions of the intestinal wall can be multi-stage due to the variety of possible causes with very similar symptoms.
Depending on the complexity of the problem, diagnosis may take longer.
For example, protozoa cannot always be detected in feces due to the fact that their development cycles involve uneven release of these microorganisms into the intestinal lumen. Sometimes they are simply not present in the feces. In addition, a whole association of microorganisms often coexists in the intestines of cats and dogs, which can influence the numbers of other members of the association. Therefore, having destroyed one of the members of this association, we often get a massive proliferation of the remaining representatives of the association of microorganisms.
And if, for example, the disease provokes a violation of bile secretion, then it does not always have time to recover quickly, and the digestive disturbance continues, despite the destruction of harmful microorganisms. Therefore, additional treatment and nutritional therapy may be required.
It also happens that under certain living conditions it is simply impossible to completely get rid of a parasite. These could be, for example, lamblia (giardia). Having rid your pet of them today, you can again see manifestations of giardiasis in a week, because the pet drinks water contaminated with these protozoa or gets them from licking contaminated toys and other objects.
I hope you now understand why laboratory diagnosis of such diseases and further treatment are not always successful the first time. Or they are insufficient. This situation cannot please the owners, and sometimes leads to distrust of the doctor. But you already know that the reason may not be the doctor.
Therefore, even if the doctor’s first actions do not bring the desired result, just ask the doctor about further plans. If the doctor has a certain strategy, then you have a lot of chances to achieve success in diagnosis and treatment. And changing a doctor, at best, will lead to a rollback of diagnosis and treatment to the beginning.
Trust in a doctor is a very important part of a multi-stage diagnosis.
But sometimes, changing your doctor can help you. This must be done when the doctor does not have a clear treatment strategy, when he is “lost” and does not know “where to think next.”
How to help your pet?
All assistance will be divided into first aid and, in fact, treatment of the underlying disease. First aid relieves the severity of the reaction to the inflammatory process, helps fight secondary infection and allows you to normalize the process of defecation. In some cases, it is necessary to further enhance blood clotting to avoid excess blood loss through the damaged intestinal wall.
As a rule, in most cases, antimicrobial drugs (in most cases, semi-synthetic penicillins with clavulanic acid), antispasmodics and agents that envelop the intestinal wall are used for first aid. In cases of severe bleeding, hemostatic agents (etamsylate, aminocaproic acid, tranexam) are used.
First aid is only the first step in finding and fixing the problem.
The use of first aid helps to cope with a one-time symptom of intestinal bleeding, but in any case, you still need to identify the underlying cause of the disease and treat your pet. This is especially true for acute conditions in which an unresolved cause (for example, bone fragments in the intestines) can cost the pet’s life.
How to deal with the problem radically?
To cure your cat or dog, you need to accurately determine the root cause of the problem. We have already described the diagnostic features above. And the selection of treatment depends on the diagnosis.
If the cause is bone fragments in the feces or other mechanical particles, then Vaseline oil or even a surgeon’s scalpel will come to the rescue. If the problem is caused by helminths (worms), then a course of anthelmintics and supportive therapy will help you. If the reason is a broken diet, then you cannot do without normalizing the diet, and if protozoa or microbes, then it’s a matter of selecting an effective remedy for this particular pest.
After completing a course of treatment, it is necessary to monitor its results using the same methods that were used to make the diagnosis. If, despite the disappearance of clinical symptoms, the problem has not been completely eliminated, then, on the advice of a doctor, you should either repeat the course of treatment, or change the drug and take a new course. And so on until complete recovery.
If the cause of the disease cannot be completely eliminated (viral nature, allergic reactions, etc.), then, thanks to correctly prescribed complex treatment, you can achieve stable remission and learn how to quickly and effectively provide first aid to your four-legged friend.
What happened to my friend?
While going out for a walk, she met a neighbor who told her that blood in her dog’s stool was almost fatal. Frightened Olga (that was her name) began urgently calling emergency veterinary emergency numbers. The doctor arrived, gave several injections, and took tests. He promised to prescribe a course of treatment based on the results.
By the way, the wealthy Olga, having heard the cost of the services provided, shuddered slightly. My services in such a situation would cost her about 2 times less. But she didn’t specify the cost of the doctor’s services before calling... So she had to pay.
Based on the test results, the doctor called and made recommendations. At the same time, remembering the doctor’s words, Olga realized that the doctor’s words differed significantly from what he did and what he tested for... But, as a caring housewife, she decided to follow all the doctor’s instructions, who gave her dog a rather serious diagnosis, although the results it was confirmed and was not analyzed. As a result, a few days later Olga finally called me because the problem had returned. During the examination, we found out that the first aid corresponded to the described symptoms, especially since the dog felt better. But what concerned further treatment had to be significantly adjusted, especially considering the unbalanced diet of Olga’s favorite and the repetition of the unpleasant symptom.
Olga completed the course of treatment, the dog was given proper nutrition, and now Olga and her pet are doing well.
Be careful yourself, choose your doctor wisely, trust your doctor, follow his instructions and believe in the success of your treatment. And everything will definitely work out!
Natalya Troshina, veterinarian (DVM)
How to collect urine for analysis?
You should remove the filler from the tray and wash it thoroughly. After the animal passes the baby, its biological fluid should be collected with a disposable syringe or pipette and poured into a specialized sterile container (sold in veterinary pharmacies). If your cat refuses to go into the litter box without litter, you can fill it with a non-absorbent substrate.
Remember: the optimal volume of urine for analysis is 20 ml. It should be collected no later than 2 – 4 hours before going to the veterinary clinic to obtain an accurate result.
Your actions
What to do if your cat has bloody stool? If the blood impurities are small and this condition is not accompanied by other signs (high fever, vomiting), then wait until your pet’s next visit to the litter box.
Contact your veterinarian immediately if:
- Your cat is clearly having difficulty defecating (strains significantly, meows or moans loudly);
- Visits the toilet to defecate too often and her appetite (thirst) has decreased significantly;
- There are bright red blood in the stool more than once, and their size is larger than a speck.
Do not attempt to cure your cat at home - only a qualified veterinarian can make an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment options for hematuria
The cat's treatment regimen is selected in accordance with the results of the diagnosis. In general (regardless of the diagnosis), it involves eliminating the root cause, stabilizing the pet’s health, and relieving the main symptoms of the disease. So, in particular, if there are signs of dehydration, the cat is prescribed drips with saline and glucose. If a bacterial infection is detected, the pet is prescribed broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Along with drug therapy, work is being done to make changes to the cat's diet. Ready-made dry food and solid food are excluded from her menu. It is recommended to feed the animal with foods that are easily digestible.
Important: the therapeutic diet must be agreed upon with a veterinarian. Because only he can determine which food will benefit a sick pet, and which will aggravate his health.
In some cases, the pet is sent for surgery. This method is resorted to only when the cat’s life is in danger (blockage of the urethra, the formation of too large stones, the presence of a malignant neoplasm). The treatment program is selected individually. The veterinarian takes into account not only the cause of hematuria, but also the general condition of the pet and the characteristics of its body.
When to take your pet to the doctor
You should contact your veterinarian in the following cases::
These manifestations are often accompanied by additional symptoms:
- decreased appetite;
- diarrhea with vomiting;
- increased frequency of urination;
- lethargy, apathetic mood of the pet;
- pronounced thirst;
- sudden weight loss;
- the cat runs its butt on the carpets (a sign of problems with the anal sinuses).
With these signs, you also need to observe how many times a day the cat walks around, how often there is blood and how much of it, whether there are other foreign impurities (mucus, remains of fur or undigested food, etc.). You also need to pay attention to the cat’s behavior and mood, how he eats, how much he drinks, whether there is vomiting and fever. You will need to tell the veterinarian about all this when your pet comes in for an appointment. This will help speed up diagnosis and initiation of treatment.
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