we all do. we do it every time we change the sand or hear the call of compacted clay being torn apart. I’m talking about inspecting our cat’s poop. We humans are inexplicably interested in monitoring our companion animal’s eliminations. and that’s a good thing. early identification of a “potty problem” can prevent more serious complications and restore a sick kitty to health. According to petinsurance.com, “intestinal upset/diarrhea” was the sixth leading medical condition for cats in 2015. One of the most common intestinal irregularities reported by cat parents is blood or mucus in the feces. Should you be concerned if you see drops of blood or clumps of mucus in the litter box? let’s find out. what is normal cat poop like? tootsie rolls. yes i went there. Normal cat feces are two to three inches long, half an inch in diameter, well formed, and brown to tan in color. If you’re wondering, researchers at the UK’s Waltham Center for Pet Nutrition have published a handy illustrated “Poop Scoring System” that you should check out. if your cat has abnormal stools, you can “sort” the stool. Scoring fecal quality and estimating quantity can help your vet more quickly and correctly diagnose your cat’s condition. most cats defecate once a day. the smell shouldn’t knock you out. You should be able to pick up the poop without it slipping through your fingers (if you like to pick up poop by hand). I’ll leave it at that they make litter box utensils, if you’re wondering. and gloves, if you insist on handling this sort of thing.
what does blood look like in my cat’s poop? Blood in a cat’s poop can be difficult to identify. For starters, sand can sometimes discolor and hide, or create, changes in appearance. if the blood originates from the lower intestinal tract, especially the distal colon (large intestine) or rectal region, it will most likely appear to be blood. red or pink blobs or spots are often found on the sides of the litter box and on top of the feces or litter. blood from the upper part of the intestinal tract, particularly from the small intestine, will be black or brown. this color change is due to partial digestion by enzymes secreted in the small intestine. this blood will often appear as dark spots, specks, or coffee grounds. It is important to note that both constipation and diarrhea can cause blood in cat feces. bright red blood without diarrhea or hard, dry stools usually indicates that the problem is closer to the rectum and anus. what about the mucus in the poop? viscose. slippery. Gross These are all terms I’ve heard from cat parents describing excess mucus in their cat’s feces. mucus is a normal secretion from the intestinal tract to help lubricate and moisten the linings and make it easier for stool to pass. it’s not unusual to see some greasy or slippery coatings in your cat’s feces. It is abnormal to see a large amount of viscous fluid, often clear to pale greenish-yellow, accompanying your cat’s bowel movements. fecal mucus is an example of “more is worse.” What causes blood or mucus in my cat’s poop? There can be many causes for blood or mucus in a cat’s poop. some common reasons include:
- changes in diet and food intolerance
- inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- intestinal parasites such as giardia
- infections
- trauma or abscess
- rectal polyps or tumors
- anal gland abscess or infection
- idiopathic feline constipation or megacolon
- poisons or toxins
- cancer
what should I do if I see blood or mucus in my cat’s poop? any changes in your cat’s bowel movements should be reported to your vet immediately. today’s constipation can become tomorrow’s intestinal obstruction. loose stools this morning can lead to dehydrating diarrhea overnight. blood in the stool, red or black, is always worrisome. digested dark blood can indicate a serious condition, while red blood can be anything from benign changes in food to cancer. what will my vet do to determine the cause of blood or mucus in my cat’s poop? Most of these problems can be diagnosed with a history, physical examination, and microscopic examination of the stool. your vet will look for blood, parasites, bacteria, and other indicators of the cause. in the most serious cases, x-rays, ultrasounds, and blood and urine tests will be performed. treatment will be based on the exact diagnosis. If you notice something strange in your cat’s poop, don’t delay; seek veterinary help. I’ve seen too many cats too late to help, simply because her guardian expected her to resolve herself. my best advice is to keep spying on your cat’s litter box. you don’t have to tell anyone; your secret is safe with me. if you’re not sure, ask your vet; he or she will be your best resource in determining which toys and objects are safe for your cat and can also give you tips on how to prevent your cat from eating foreign objects.
