Cat Vomiting, Diarrhea with Blood: What to Do?

It’s distressing to see your beloved feline friend experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, and especially blood in their stool. This combination of symptoms is a clear indication that something is seriously wrong and requires your immediate attention. While it’s crucial to consult with a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, understanding potential causes and initial steps can help you provide the best possible care for your cat.

Potential Causes of Vomiting, Diarrhea, and Blood in Cats

Several factors can contribute to this unpleasant situation. Here are some of the most common culprits:

Gastrointestinal Parasites: Parasites like roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and coccidia can irritate the intestinal lining, leading to inflammation, diarrhea, and even bleeding. These parasites are often contracted through ingestion of contaminated food, water, or soil. Fecal exams are essential to identify the specific type of parasite and determine the appropriate deworming medication.

Infectious Diseases:

Feline Panleukopenia (Cat Distemper or Cat Plague): This highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease is especially dangerous for kittens. Symptoms often include fever, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea (often bloody), and a severely decreased white blood cell count. Prompt veterinary care, including supportive treatment and antibiotics to prevent secondary infections, is crucial for survival. Vaccination is the best preventative measure against feline panleukopenia.

Bacterial Infections: Salmonella, E. coli, and Clostridium are just a few bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal distress in cats. These infections can be contracted through contaminated food or water. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. Veterinarians can diagnose bacterial infections through fecal cultures and prescribe appropriate antibiotics.

Feline Coronavirus (FCoV): There are two forms of FCoV, the mild enteric form and the deadly Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) form. While the enteric form usually causes mild diarrhea, it can sometimes lead to vomiting. Infection with FCoV increases the likelihood of mutation to FIP. FIP causes a number of symptoms depending on whether it is the “wet” form or the “dry” form, but usually it is fatal, and there is no proven effective treatment.

Dietary Indiscretion and Food Intolerance: Cats are known for their sensitive stomachs. Sudden changes in diet, eating spoiled food, or ingesting toxic substances can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Some cats also have food intolerances or allergies to certain ingredients, such as grains, dairy, or specific proteins. An elimination diet, under the guidance of a veterinarian, can help identify food sensitivities.

Foreign Body Ingestion: Cats are curious creatures, and sometimes their curiosity gets them into trouble. Swallowing non-food items like string, toys, or bones can cause intestinal blockages or perforations, leading to vomiting, abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhea. X-rays or ultrasounds are often necessary to diagnose foreign body ingestion, and surgery may be required to remove the object.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): IBD is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and loss of appetite. The exact cause of IBD is unknown, but it’s believed to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Diagnosis typically involves biopsies of the intestinal lining, and treatment often includes dietary changes, medication to suppress the immune system, and probiotics.

Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can disrupt digestion and lead to vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. Pancreatitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including diet, infections, and certain medications. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests and imaging, and treatment may include supportive care, pain management, and antibiotics.

Toxins and Medications: Certain household cleaners, plants, and medications can be toxic to cats and cause gastrointestinal problems. Always keep potentially harmful substances out of your cat’s reach. If you suspect your cat has ingested a toxin, contact your veterinarian or a poison control center immediately.

Stress: Just like humans, cats can experience gastrointestinal upset due to stress. Changes in the environment, loud noises, or the introduction of new pets can all trigger stress-related vomiting and diarrhea.

What to Do When Your Cat is Vomiting, Has Diarrhea, and Blood in Stool

1. Isolate the Affected Cat: If you have multiple cats, isolate the affected cat to prevent the potential spread of infectious diseases.

2. Observe the Symptoms: Note the frequency and consistency of the vomiting and diarrhea. Take a picture of the stool for your vet, especially if blood is present. Also, pay attention to the color of the vomit and stool, as this can provide clues to the underlying cause.

3. Withhold Food: Giving the digestive system a break for 12-24 hours can help reduce inflammation and allow the intestines to heal. However, always provide access to fresh water to prevent dehydration.

4. Monitor Hydration: Dehydration is a serious concern, especially with vomiting and diarrhea. Check for signs of dehydration, such as sunken eyes, dry gums, and decreased skin elasticity. If your cat is not drinking, you can offer small amounts of unflavored Pedialyte or water via a syringe.

5. Contact Your Veterinarian Immediately: Bloody vomit or diarrhea is never normal and warrants prompt veterinary attention. Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination, run diagnostic tests (such as bloodwork, fecal exams, and imaging), and develop a tailored treatment plan.

6. Follow Veterinarian’s Instructions: Adhere strictly to the treatment plan prescribed by your veterinarian. This may include medications (such as antibiotics, anti-parasitics, or anti-inflammatory drugs), dietary changes, and supportive care.

Diagnostic Tests

To determine the underlying cause of your cat’s symptoms, your veterinarian may perform the following tests:

Fecal Exam: To check for parasites, bacteria, and other abnormalities.

Bloodwork: To assess organ function, check for infection, and evaluate electrolyte balance.

X-rays or Ultrasound: To look for foreign bodies, intestinal blockages, or other structural abnormalities.

Endoscopy or Colonoscopy: To visualize the lining of the gastrointestinal tract and obtain biopsies for further examination.

Treatment Options

Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the vomiting, diarrhea, and blood in the stool. Common treatment options include:

Deworming Medications: To eliminate intestinal parasites.

Antibiotics: To treat bacterial infections.

Anti-inflammatory Medications: To reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.

Fluid Therapy: To rehydrate and correct electrolyte imbalances.

Dietary Changes: A bland, easily digestible diet can help soothe the digestive system.

Probiotics: To restore the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Surgery: In cases of foreign body ingestion or intestinal obstruction, surgery may be necessary.

Prevention

While it’s not always possible to prevent vomiting, diarrhea, and blood in the stool, here are some steps you can take to reduce the risk:

Keep your cat up-to-date on vaccinations and deworming.

Provide a high-quality, balanced diet.

Avoid sudden changes in diet.

Keep potentially toxic substances out of your cat’s reach.

Provide a clean and stress-free environment.

Schedule regular veterinary checkups.

Important Considerations

Never administer human medications to your cat without consulting a veterinarian. Many human medications are toxic to cats.

If your cat is a kitten, seek veterinary care immediately. Kittens are more susceptible to dehydration and complications from vomiting and diarrhea.

If your cat’s condition worsens or does not improve after treatment, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Seeing your cat experiencing these symptoms can be alarming, but by remaining calm, gathering information, and seeking prompt veterinary care, you can help your feline friend get back on the road to recovery. Remember that early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a positive outcome.