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Home > Pet Pointers > Cat Care Articles > Bloody Stools in Cats

Bloody Stools in Cats

Bloody Stools in Cats

Bloody stools or hematochezia is indicated by the presence of red or fresh blood in a cat’s stools. The causes can range from minor to serious. Most often a bloody stool is an indication of a lower gastrointestinal disease. In some cases, it is a minor problem, while others can become an emergency and require intensive therapy.

What causes bloody stools?

There are a wide variety of things that can cause bloody stools in cats, including:

  • A viral infection, such as panleukopenia
  • A bacterial infection, such as salmonella
  • Parasites, including coccidiosis, hookworms and roundworms
  • Something kitty ate that didn’t agree with her
  • Allergies
  • Polypups
  • Tumors
  • Colitis
  • Trauma, including bite wounds, broken or fractured pelvis
  • Bleeding disorders
  • Foreign bodies
  • Constipation
  • Anal sac disese

How do I know what is causing my cat's bloody stools?

To determine what is causing your cat’s bloody stools, you should visit your veterinarian. Don't forget to take a stool sample with you when you go. He will use the stool sample to determine if your cat has parasites, bacteria or blood that isn't visible to the naked eye.

Your veterinarian will most likely take a blood sample also to rule out an infection and anemia. He might also take a urine sample to rule out a problem with the kidneys and to see how hydrated your cat is.

In extreme cases, your veterinarian might order x-rays, an ultrasound or colonoscopy. The x-rays can help rule out the presence of any foreign bodies that your cat may have eaten. The ultrasound will be used to examine your cats organs and to help determine that they are functioning properly. A colonoscopy can rule our any polyups or tumors in the intestinal tract.

How are bloody stools treated?

Bloody stools are usually treated depending what is causing them. Treatment might be a simple as dietary changes, deworming or a round of antibiotics. More serious conditions could require surgery to remove blockages or tumors.

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