What Could Be Causing My Cat's Rectal Bleeding?

Finding blood in your cat's stool can be a frightening sight, but there are many possible causes, some of which are easily treatable. Blood in cat stool can be either fresh (red) or digested (black). Fresh blood usually appears as bright red streaks on the outside of a stool, or as drips of blood from the anus, whereas digested blood tends to turn the whole stool black. Fresh blood in a stool usually indicates a problem in the lower part of the guts, but digested blood usually points to bleeding further up the guts. There are many possible causes of bloody stools in cats, including constipation, intestinal parasites, food intolerance, organ dysfunction, and cancer or growths in the digestive tract. If your cat is passing blood with its faeces, you should always contact a vet to rule out anything serious and ensure they receive any necessary treatment.

Dietary changes and food intolerance

If your cat is experiencing rectal bleeding, it is important to consult a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and rule out any serious conditions. One possible cause of rectal bleeding in cats is food intolerance or allergies. Cats can develop intolerances or allergies to common ingredients such as chicken, turkey, wheat, soy, or corn. Additionally, consuming spoiled food or a sudden change in diet can also trigger food intolerance symptoms.

If food intolerance or allergies are suspected, your veterinarian may recommend a specialized diet to identify and address specific triggers. This could involve a "novel protein" diet, which includes proteins that the cat has not previously encountered, such as certain fish species or unusual meats like venison. Another option is a hydrolyzed diet, which uses a single protein source that has been digested and processed to reduce its allergenic potential. These diets aim to provide highly digestible proteins with low antigenicity, reducing the risk of an immune response that could lead to inflammation and rectal bleeding.

In some cases, cats with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or other gastrointestinal issues may benefit from diets containing highly fermentable fiber, such as fructooligosaccharides. These prebiotic diets promote the growth of beneficial bacteria while inhibiting harmful bacteria, which can help manage IBD and reduce rectal bleeding. Soluble fiber supplements, such as psyllium, can also be added to regular diets to improve fecal consistency and reduce irritation in the lower bowel.

It is important to work closely with your veterinarian to determine the best dietary approach for your cat, as the specific triggers and underlying conditions can vary. They may recommend dietary changes in conjunction with other treatments, such as probiotics, medications, or, in severe cases, surgical interventions. Remember, rectal bleeding can have various causes, and a thorough evaluation by a veterinarian is crucial to ensure your cat receives the most appropriate care.

Intestinal parasites

If your cat is infected with intestinal parasites, it will be treated with a de-wormer or anti-protozoal medication, depending on the specific parasite identified. It is important to keep a record of any medications given to your cat and to follow up with microscopic examinations to ensure the parasites have been eliminated.

In addition to intestinal parasites, there are several other possible causes of blood in your cat's faeces or anus, including food allergies, ingestion of irritant substances, bacterial infections, protozoal infections, physical irritants, anal gland diseases, gastrointestinal tract tumours, and rectal polyps. It is important to consult a veterinarian to determine the exact cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Rectal polyps or tumours

The exact cause of rectal polyps in cats is not yet understood, but several factors are believed to contribute to their development. These include chronic inflammation, genetic factors, age, diet and environmental factors. Chronic irritation or inflammation in the rectum can lead to an overgrowth of cells, resulting in polyp formation. Some cats may also be genetically predisposed to developing rectal polyps, and older cats seem to be at a higher risk. Dietary imbalances, frequent gastrointestinal upsets, or exposure to certain environmental toxins might also increase the risk of polyp formation.

The symptoms of rectal polyps in cats can include blood in the stool, straining during defecation, frequent licking or grooming of the anal area, visible mass or growth, constipation or diarrhoea, weight loss and reduced appetite, and signs of pain or discomfort.

If you suspect your cat may have a rectal polyp, it is important to consult a veterinarian immediately. The diagnostic process typically includes a comprehensive physical examination, a digital rectal examination, a colonoscopy, and sometimes radiography (X-rays) and ultrasound. Treatment options depend on the size, location and number of polyps, as well as the cat's overall health. The most common treatment is a rectal polypectomy, which involves the surgical removal of the polyp from the rectal wall. Other treatment options include laser ablation, cryosurgery, and medication to reduce the size of the polyp.

Anal gland abscess or infection

Anal sac disease, commonly called anal gland disease, can be caused by impacted, infected, or ruptured anal glands. Anal glands are two small pouches located on either side of a cat's anus, which produce a foul-smelling fluid that is expelled during bowel movements. This fluid contains chemicals that act as territorial markers.

Anal sac disease can occur when the anal sac ducts become swollen, preventing the sacs from emptying properly during defecation. This can lead to impacted anal glands, which can then become infected. Bacteria that are normally flushed out during bowel movements can enter and infect the sacs, leading to abscess formation and rupture.

Symptoms of anal gland disease include scooting or dragging the anal area along the ground, licking or biting at the rectum or tail, hair loss around the base of the tail or belly due to excessive grooming, and reluctance to defecate.

Treatment for anal gland disease depends on the severity of the condition. Impaction may be treated by expressing the sacs and flushing out the solidified material, as well as infusing the sac with anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medication. Infected anal glands are treated with antibiotics and pain relief medications. If the anal sacs are abscessed and have not ruptured, surgical treatment to lance the abscess may be necessary.

Anal gland disorders are not common in cats, but they can be a medical emergency. If your cat is experiencing anal gland impaction or infection, with symptoms such as swelling, pain, loss of appetite, or discomfort, seek veterinary care immediately.

Constipation

If your cat is constipated, they will have difficulty pooping and may produce dry, rock-hard stool. Cats that are constipated will often posture and strain to defecate. The stool that is able to pass may be firm and jagged, causing tiny tears on its way out. This trauma may result in streaks of blood on the stool or a small amount of bleeding from the rectum.

If your cat is experiencing constipation, rehydration, enemas, and treatment of any complicating factors are often recommended. In some cases, surgery may be required.

If your cat is straining to defecate, it's important to consult a veterinarian to determine the cause and receive proper treatment.

Frequently asked questions