Blood in Cat's Stool & Urine

A small amount of blood in a cat's urine or stool can be the sign of an easily-treatable illness or a more serious health-related issue that could result in death. A veterinary examination is recommended to ensure that a beloved pet's health is not compromised.

  1. Parasitic Infections

    • Gastrointestinal parasites such as hookworms and tapeworms are more commonly seen in kittens, young cats and outdoor cats and can result in blood and mucous in the stool. Other signs of a parasitic infection are vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration. Parasites can be eliminated with a single round of treatment administered by a veterinary practitioner, but sometimes multiple treatments may be required.

    Urinary Tract Disease

    • Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUT) is typically caused by interstitial cystitis or urinary stones (blockage) and can result in bloody urine. Cats suffering from FLUT may also exhibit signs that appear behavioral in nature, such as urinating outside of the litter box, frequent urination and frequently licking of their genitals. A cat may appear to strain when urinating. Treatment can include catheterization, surgery, medication and a change in diet. Severe urinary blockage can result in death.

    Inflammatory Bowel Disease

    • Like their human counterparts, cats can also suffer from Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), otherwise known as colitis. Bloody mucous may be noted in the cat's stool. Frequent diarrhea and vomiting are common. IBD can be successfully managed by making changes to the cat's diet, but steroid and antibiotic treatment may also be necessary.

    Cancer

    • Cancer of the bowel or urinary tract is more commonly seen in older cats and may result in blood in the cat's stool or urine. Other signs may include rapid weight loss and loss of appetite. If detected at an early stage, feline cancer is often successfully treated with radiation, surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

    Other Causes

    • Although less frequent, blood in a cat's urine or stool can also be the result of trauma to the bowel area, congenital malformations or clotting disorders.