If you notice blood in your cat's stool, it's important to act quickly. While it may not necessarily be a serious condition, it could indicate an underlying health issue. The first step is to contact your vet and book an appointment. In the meantime, there are several home remedies you can try to help your cat.
Firstly, ensure your cat stays relaxed and well-hydrated. It's important to provide them with clean drinking water to prevent dehydration, especially if they are experiencing frequent bowel movements. You can also add 2mg of CBD oil to their water, as CBD can help treat bowel problems caused by inflammation in the colon.
Secondly, monitor your cat's diet. If they are used to home-cooked meals, you can try feeding them a mixture of cooked rice and boiled hamburger, which may help relieve diarrhoea. Alternatively, you can give them mashed potatoes, which are easy to digest and provide vitamins and fibre. It's also important to avoid giving your cat dairy products, as these can irritate their digestive system and lead to intestinal problems.
Finally, keep your cat's stress levels low. Colitis, or inflammation of the intestines, can be triggered by stress. Try to minimise any major changes in routine and introduce new pets to the household gradually.
Remember, it's always best to consult your vet before attempting any home remedies, and to seek emergency assistance if your cat shows other symptoms such as fever or vomiting.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Types of blood in stool | Hematochezia (bright red blood) or Melena (dark brown/black, tarry blood) |
Reasons for blood in stool | Trauma, constipation, colitis, foreign body, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, infection, intestinal parasites |
Treatment | Bland or prescription diet, stress reduction, medication, IV fluids, surgery |
Home remedies | Natural digestive aids (e.g. Psyllium nigrum, Avena sativa, Aloe ferox), fibre supplements, water, rice and boiled hamburger/chicken, mashed potatoes |
When to seek veterinary attention | Large volume of blood, lethargy, inappetence, depression, signs of trauma or pain, failure to pass stool within 24-48 hours |
What You'll Learn
Natural digestive aids
If you notice blood in your cat's stool, it's important to consult a veterinarian, especially if your cat is lethargic, inappetent, depressed, or showing other signs of trauma or pain during defecation. In the case of a large volume of blood, veterinary attention is crucial. However, if your cat shows no other signs of illness and there is only a small amount of blood in the stool, you can try some natural digestive aids at home.
Firstly, you can add fibre to your cat's diet. Include 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of bran, psyllium husk, or mashed pumpkin in their meals. Alternatively, you can switch to a commercial high-fibre diet. If constipation due to fur balls is suspected, try giving your cat 1/4 teaspoon of cod liver oil or a commercially available paraffin-based pet laxative once a day for three days to aid in stool passage.
It's also important to ensure your cat is well-hydrated. Provide them with plenty of fresh, clean water to drink, which will help flush out any toxins from their system. If your cat is pooping frequently, they may be at risk of dehydration, so make sure they have access to water at all times.
If your cat's diet is the problem, try switching to natural cat food without additives, preservatives, or artificial colours. Opt for a diet that is rich in fibre to promote healthy digestion. Additionally, make sure your cat is not consuming spoiled food, roadkill, garbage, or table scraps, as these can cause digestive issues and bloody stools.
Probiotics can also be beneficial for your cat's digestive health. After a period of fasting, feed your cat cooked rice and skinless chicken along with plain yogurt, as the bacterial cultures in the yogurt will help calm the digestive system. You can also try supplements that contain probiotics, such as Under the Weather Pet | Ready Balance for Cats, which is an oral probiotic and prebiotic gel that provides beneficial bacteria, live probiotics, vitamins, and prebiotic inulin.
Digestive enzymes are another natural way to support your cat's digestion and immune function. These enzymes help break down complex foods into smaller compounds that can be easily processed and absorbed by the body. You can find feline digestive enzyme supplements that include protease, lipase, and amylase, which work to break down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, respectively. Some supplements also contain cellulase, which breaks down fibre found in grains and vegetables.
Remember, it is always best to consult with your veterinarian before starting any new supplements or treatments for your cat, especially if the condition persists or worsens.
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Dietary changes
If your cat has blood in its stool, it is important to act quickly. Contact your vet and schedule an appointment. In the meantime, you can try some dietary changes to help your cat's digestion.
Firstly, ensure your cat stays hydrated. Intestinal problems and diarrhoea can cause dehydration, so always keep a water bowl available and accessible. You can also give your cat a 50-50 water and Pedialyte solution, but check with your vet first.
If your cat is used to home-cooked meals, you can feed it a mixture of cooked rice and ground beef or boiled hamburger. This can help to relieve your cat's diarrhoea. If your cat doesn't like rice, you can give it mashed potatoes, which are easy to eat and digest and provide vitamin C, potassium and fibre.
If your cat has bloody stools and diarrhoea, you can try a food fast of at least 24 hours, followed by a water fast of 12 hours. This will allow your cat's digestive system to focus on dealing with the disruption, rather than processing new food. After the fast, feed your cat cooked rice and skinless chicken with plain yoghurt, as the bacterial cultures in the yoghurt will help calm the digestive system.
You can also try natural digestive aids such as Psyllium nigrum, Avena sativa (oats) or Aloe ferox. These are natural cleansers of the digestive system and can be found in a single capsule at online pet sites or recommended by your vet. You can also give your cat natrium muriacticum, a salt that supports digestion and skin health, along with the natural cleansers.
If the problem is caused by your cat's diet, try switching to natural cat foods without additives, preservatives or artificial colours. If your cat is an outdoor cat, bring it indoors so you can monitor its diet and see if the blood disappears from the stools.
Make any food changes gradually, as quick dietary changes can make intestinal problems worse and cause stress for your cat.
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Natural supplements
If your cat has bloody stools, it is important to consult your veterinarian for advice and treatment options. In the meantime, there are some natural supplements and remedies you can try to help improve your cat's digestive health and reduce inflammation. Here are some detailed suggestions:
Natural Digestive Aids
Psyllium Nigrum, Avena Sativa (oats), and Aloe Ferox are natural digestive cleansers that can help remove blood from your cat's stools. These can be found in a single capsule at online pet sites or recommended by your veterinarian. Natrium muriacticum, a type of salt that supports digestion and skin health, can also be given alongside these natural cleansers for added benefit.
Dietary Changes
Switching to a natural cat food without additives, preservatives, or artificial colors can help if the blood in your cat's stools is due to dietary allergies or intolerance. Additionally, ensure your cat has access to plenty of fresh and clean water, as this will help flush out any toxins from their system.
If your cat is experiencing bloody stools and diarrhea, it is recommended to put them on a fast of at least 24 hours without food and 12 hours without water. After the fast, feed them cooked rice and skinless chicken along with plain yogurt, as the bacterial cultures in yogurt help calm the digestive system.
Canned Pumpkin
Canned pumpkin is a natural remedy that can improve your cat's digestive health. Pumpkin is rich in fiber, which helps regulate bowel movements and reduce constipation. It also has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated intestines. Start with a small amount, such as a teaspoon, and adjust the dosage as needed under the guidance of your veterinarian.
Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support a healthy digestive system by regulating gut flora and reducing inflammation. You can introduce probiotics into your cat's diet through supplements or probiotic-rich foods like plain yogurt. Consult your veterinarian to choose the right product and dosage for your cat's specific needs.
Herbal Remedies
Herbs like slippery elm and marshmallow root are known for their digestive benefits and can help alleviate inflammation and irritation in the intestinal lining. Consult your veterinarian for guidance on dosage and administration, as they can advise on any potential warnings or side effects.
Fluid Therapy
If your cat is experiencing bloody stools, diarrhea, or vomiting, they may be at risk of dehydration. Fluid therapy can be done at home through subcutaneous fluid injection, where you administer supplemental fluid under your cat's skin using a catheter and a fluid bag. This is especially important for cats, who often don't drink enough due to their weak thirst drive.
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Stress reduction
In addition to stress reduction, it's important to provide your cat with plenty of clean drinking water, especially if it is pooping a lot, as this can lead to dehydration. You may also want to put your cat on a bland diet of cooked rice and skinless chicken, or mashed potatoes, which are easy to eat and digest and provide important nutrients. If your cat is used to home-cooked meals, you can also try a rice and boiled hamburger combo.
If your cat is experiencing stress-related colitis, you should discuss ways to eliminate stress with your veterinarian, including the possibility of prescription medication for anxiety or nervousness.
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Fluids and electrolytes
If your cat is pooping a lot, it is losing fluids and electrolytes, so ensure it has access to clean drinking water to prevent dehydration and maintain its energy levels, especially if a vet recommends fasting.
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Frequently asked questions
There are two types of blood in cat stool: Hematochezia, which is bright red blood, and Melena, which is black, tarry blood.
The main symptom is the presence of bright red or dark brown to black blood. This may occur with other signs such as diarrhoea, inappropriate defecation, and frequent unproductive trips to the litter box.
Blood in cat stool can be caused by a number of irritants or infections. Common causes include dietary changes, colitis, protozoa infections, panleukopenia, inflammatory bowel disease, trauma to the rectum, and unknown causes.
While a small amount of blood may not be an emergency, you should still monitor your cat's behaviour and contact your veterinarian for advice. Keep your cat relaxed, hydrated, and fed with a bland diet. Collect a stool sample and make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible.