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Types
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There are two types of bloody stools in cats: hematochezia, which is the presence of bright red fresh blood on the cat's stool; and melena, the presence of digested blood which causes the cat's feces to assume a black, tarry appearance.
Origins
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Hematochezia is often indicative of bleeding from the lower intestinal tract, such as from the colon or the rectum. Melena often indicates bleeding from the upper intestinal tract, such as from the small intestine and stomach.
Causes
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Common causes of hematochezia in cats are infectious agents, food intolerances, cancers, lower intestinal disorders and trauma. Causes of melena in cats are infectious agents, cancers, toxins, bleeding disorders, upper gastrointestinal diseases, foreign bodies and bleeding disorders.
Hematochezia Diagnostics
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Cats affected by hematochezia may have the following diagnostics tests: fecal test, complete blood count test, biochemical profile test, urinalysis test, blood clotting test, as well as abdominal x-rays, abdominal ultrasound and a colonoscopy
Melena Diagnostics
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Lab work may be required to come to a diagnosis. Cats affected by melena may have the following tests: fecal test, complete blood count test, biochemical profile test, urinalysis test, blood clotting test, barium tests as well as abdominal/chest x-rays, abdominal ultrasound and endoscopy.
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Tests Needed for Bloody Stools in Cats
The presence of blood in a cat's stool may be alarming for cat owners but often can be an isolated event. However, repeated or persistent episodes of bloody stools or bloody stools accompanied by other symptoms should be reported promptly to a veterinarian.