Do cats often have bloody stools? Cats are very sensitive creatures, and gastrointestinal sensitivity is a common problem. This can manifest as blood or mucus in the stool, constipation, or loose stools. In this article, we will briefly introduce several common bowel movement conditions to help you better understand your cat's health.

Blood in the stool

If your cat's stool contains blood, it could be due to damage to the lining of the colon or anus. Blood in the stool is red and persistent. If your cat's stool is black, tarry, or coffee-ground in color and persists, it could be due to bleeding in the stomach or small intestine. Blood is digested and discolored as it passes through the small intestine, resulting in a darker stool.

Mucus in stool

If your cat's stool contains mucus and they have frequent bowel movements within a short period of time, this could indicate an intestinal problem. Normally, the intestines secrete a small amount of mucus. However, if the amount is large or the mucus is noticeably coated in the stool, appearing pale yellow-green, it's likely a sign of colitis. Your cat may experience discomfort and pain during defecation.

Causes of blood and mucus

Blood and mucus may be caused by a variety of factors, including dietary changes, food intolerances, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), intestinal parasites (such as Giardia lamblia), colitis, severe infection, trauma, abscesses, rectal polyps/tumors, anal abscesses/infections, constipation, spontaneous megacolon in cats, poisons/toxins (such as rat poison), and sepsis in the kidneys, liver, and other organs.

Light brown/yellow paste

If your cat's stool appears light brown or yellow, it may be due to fat malabsorption. Additionally, some intestinal diseases, such as irritable bowel disease or pancreatitis, can also cause stool to appear light brown or yellow. If this symptom occurs, seek medical attention as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.

greasy stools

Greasy stools may be a sign of malabsorption syndrome, a condition in which fat is poorly absorbed, resulting in a greasy or slippery stool surface. Additionally, some intestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel disease or pancreatitis, can also cause greasy stools. If you experience this symptom, see a doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.

Foamy stool

Foamy stools can be a sign of a bacterial infection, such as E. coli, which produces gas and can cause frothy stools. Other causes of frothy stools include food allergies and excessive digestion. If foam is present in your stool, you should see a doctor as soon as possible for an evaluation.

Watery, pudding-like stools and increased frequency of bowel movements

Watery, pudding-like stools and increased frequency of bowel movements may be caused by a food intolerance, colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, hyperthyroidism, or cancer. If this persists for several days or longer, you should see a doctor for evaluation and treatment.

In summary, your cat's stool can reflect its health, so it's important to pay attention and maintain good nutrition and healthy habits for your cat's health. If you notice any abnormal symptoms, you should see a veterinarian as soon as possible for evaluation and treatment to ensure your cat's health and well-being.

Cats can usually take in an appropriate amount of "probiotics" to supplement good bacteria and balance intestinal flora, thereby strengthening the health of the cat's gastrointestinal tract and alleviating gastrointestinal discomfort.