My cat's soft stool has blood. Is megacolon a risk without constipation?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Barb. I'm glad to hear that she is still eating and acting like herself. If a cat experiences a bit of difficulty passing a bowel movement, they will strain. This can irritate the colon resulting in bright red blood streaks on the feces. Contact you veterinarian in the morning. Fecal testing will likely be recommended to rule out any intestinal parasites causing the blood. A diet modification may be needed to make it easier for her to pass stool if this becomes a repeated problem for her. You can add canned food for the extra moisture content or your veterinarian may recommend a higher fiber food or supplement. I hope this information helps!

It is possible that this particular stool was difficult to pass and you helping to remove it may have caused a small amount of bleeding from the rectal tissue. Cats can become constipated, and if she has been passing less stool than usual, straining to defecate and had a decreased appetite I would recommend seeing a veterinarian. There are some other things that can cause blood in the stool as well including intestinal parasites, colitis or even inflammatory bowel disease. If the blood is persistent you should make an appointment to see your veterinarian as well.

Blood in the stool is very worrisome to owners and I understand that but if it is a one time occurrence I would not be overly concerned. The most common reason for this colonic irritation is internal parasites. I suggest you speak to your vet about deworming. The two common parasites to cause blood in stool is hookworms and coccidia both of which are treated with different dewormers. You should have your vet run a fecal test first to figure out if that is the underlying reason. I would also suggest you start her on a probiotic and use it for at least 2 weeks. I recommend Fortiflora but any probiotic for cats should be OK (no human probiotics). ( https://www.amazon.co.uk/Purina-FortiFlora-Cat-GR-1/dp/B019K79PZY/ref=sr_1_3?crid=278E7D3H93B4O&keywords=fortiflora+for+cats&qid=1560006557&s=gateway&sprefix=fortiflora+for+dogs%2Caps%2C306&sr=8-3 ) Hope this helps. If you have more questions you can always opt for a private consultation where we can chat back and forth. That way you can ask as many questions as you'd like. Best wishes.

I would be worried about constipation. If he is having trouble passing stool they will get blood and mucus. They will also vomit when they are constipated. He may need an enema to help remove the feces. They may be able to feel his belly and see if they feel hard stool present or they may want to take xrays. Try and encourage as much water as possible and if he will eat canned food try that. The high moisture content can help. IF it continues they will want to see him and give an enema and possibly put him on a stool softener.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Diarrhea with blood can be observed with conditions such as colitis, gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, intestinal parasites, among many other possibilities. I recommend that you have Clover evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They may choose to check for parasites and to start medications for diarrhea depending on the results. Good luck! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

Bunny may be constipated. You can get laxatone over the counter and administer 1/2-1 tsp by mouth twice a day to help move the stool along, but since Bunny seems uncomfortable now, bringing him to your vet for an exam, an enema to clear out his colon, and lactulose to give at home as well as a prescription diet called Royal Canin GI Fiber Response to keep this from happening again would likely be the best option. Good luck!

I am very sorry to hear that Petunia is experiencing this issue, I am sure it is unsettling. From what you are describing, a soft bowel movement which becomes liquid and has fresh blood in it, it sounds as though Buddy has colitis, or inflammation of the last portion of the large intestines. There are several causes of colitis in cats, ranging from bacterial infections, parasite infestations, IBD, or ingestion of contaminated food. Since you have only noticed one such episode I would continue to monitor Petunia at home for the time being. Provide a bland diet of boiled boneless chicken breast for a few meals, then switch to a sensitive stomach diet preferable by royal canin or hills science diet as these two brands are veterinarian tested and approved. I would also suggest using a broad spectrum de-worming treatment. Here are some helpful links; https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-things-you-can-do-at-home-if-your-pet-has-diarrhea/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/most-common-causes-of-diarrhea-in-cats/ If the episodes continue, if Petunia becomes depressed, passes large amounts of blood, vomits, or seems very uncomfortable take Petunia to see her vet. I hope this answer was helpful and more importantly that Petunia feels better soon. Warmest regards to you both.