Blood in the stool is a common symptom in cats that can have many different causes, some of which are serious and others not so much. Blood in stool in cats can be caused by intestinal parasites, dietary allergy or intolerance, metabolic or organ diseases, and colitis. Blood in the stool usually has a red tinge to it and may look like it has been mixed in with the feces. If your cat is exhibiting this symptom, it is important to take him or her to the veterinarian for an examination as soon as possible. Treatment will also depend on the underlying cause and may include medications, dietary changes, and in some cases, surgery. Blood in stool in cats can be a frightening sight, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, most cats make a full recovery. So if your cat is displaying this symptom, don't panic - take him or her to your veterinarian for an evaluation as soon as possible.
Causes of blood in stool in cats
There are many causes of blood in stool in cats and we will explore the common causes that we see at our animal hospital.
Parasites
Intestinal parasites are a common cause of blood in stool in cats and can be caused by a variety of parasites, including roundworms and giardia. These parasites can cause inflammation and bleeding in the intestines, which can lead to blood in the stool. If your cat is diagnosed with intestinal parasites, it will likely be treated with a course of antiparasitic medications.
Dietary allergy or intolerance
A dietary allergy or intolerance can also cause blood in the stool. Cats that are allergic to proteins in their food can lead to inflammation and bleeding in the large intestine (colon). If your cat is found to have a dietary allergy, he or she will likely be put on a special diet that eliminates the offending protein. In addition, there are some ingredients that your cat may be intolerant to and reveal symptoms of blood in stool in cats.
Metabolic or organ diseases
Metabolic or organ diseases can also cause blood in the stool. Cats with liver disease, hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, or pancreatitis can all have blood in their stool. With these conditions, there will be other symptoms present in cats such as increased thirst and urination.
Dietary fiber responsive colitis
Dietary fiber-responsive colitis is a type of colitis that is caused by the lack of dietary fiber. This type of colitis leads to inflammation and bleeding in the large intestine. If your cat is diagnosed with dietary fiber-responsive colitis, the veterinarian may recommend a high-fiber diet. These cats will often show no other symptoms other than blood in the stool.
Inflammatory colitis
Inflammatory colitis is another type of colitis that can cause blood in stool in cats. This type of colitis is caused by inflammation of the colon and is often due to the infiltration of immune cells into the colon. If the infiltration also affects the small intestine, we term this inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). If your cat is diagnosed with inflammatory colitis, the veterinarian may prescribe medications such as steroids (prednisolone) or immunosuppressive drugs.
Cancer
Cancer is a less common cause of blood in stool in cats, but it does occur. If your cat is diagnosed with cancer, the veterinarian will perform additional tests to determine the type and location of the cancer. Treatment for cancer depends on the type and location of the tumor and may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
How blood in stool in cats is treated
The treatment for blood in stool in cats will depend on the underlying cause. If the cause is a parasite, the veterinarian will likely prescribe a course of antiparasitic medications. If the cause is a dietary allergy or intolerance, the cat will be put on a special diet. If the cause is a metabolic or organ disease, the cat will likely require medication for that particular disease. If the cause is inflammatory colitis, the veterinarian may prescribe medications such as steroids (prednisolone) or immunosuppressive drugs. In cases of cancer, the treatment will depend on the type and location of the tumor.
The benefits of fiber for blood in stool in cats
If your cat has blood in its stool and is perfectly normal in every other way (i.e. no other symptoms), you can start with dietary fiber supplementation. Dietary fiber supplementation can help to soothe the inflamed colon and promote healing. There are many different types of fiber supplements on the market, but a good one to try is high-quality canned pumpkin. Add 1-2 teaspoons of pumpkin to your cat's food once or twice a day. Not only will this help to treat blood in stool, but it will also help to keep your cat's digestive system healthy. Alternatively, you can supplement with psyllium fiber to your cat's diet. Metamucil® is the most common psyllium fiber and is well tolerated by cats. Start with a small dose, such as 1/4 tsp mixed into some canned food once to twice daily. Bran cereal (bran buds or flakes) is another excellent source of fiber for cats, but it can be difficult to persuade your cat to eat it. The recommended amount is 0.5 grams per cat per day.
Common questions about blood in stool in cats from cat owners
Is blood in cat stool an emergency?
No, blood in cat stool is not usually an emergency, but it is important to have the cause diagnosed by a veterinarian. Blood in the stool can be a sign of many different things, some of which are serious and some of which are not. It is important to have the cause diagnosed so that the appropriate treatment can be prescribed.
What to do if your kitten has blood in its stool
If your young kitten has blood in its stool, its stool should be analyzed by your veterinarian as parasites would be the leading cause.
Black stool in cats, what does it mean?
If you notice that your cat's stool is black, this could mean there is bleeding that is occurring in the stomach or upper small intestine. As the blood is digested, the byproduct is a black, tarry-like substance and veterinarians call this melena.
Can tapeworms cause blood in stool in cats?
No, not usually. Tapeworms are one of the few parasites that do not cause blood in stool in cats.
In summary, blood in stool in cats is a common symptom with many causes, some of which are serious and others that may not be as concerning. Blood in the stool can also have other symptoms associated with it such as vomiting or diarrhea. If you're concerned about your cat's blood in their stool, contact your veterinarian to find out what treatment should occur based on the cause. Treatment can vary from simple dietary changes to medications and even surgery in some cases. Fibre supplementation may be recommended for cats that have blood in the stool as a result of inflammatory colitis. Canned pumpkin or Metamucil are both good sources of fibre for cats.