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Cat has worms, is bloated, and has bloody stool. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Female | unspayed | 8.5 lbs

My cat has had worm like things near her rectum for a while. Ive wormed hera few times and fed her diatomaceous earth(the foodsafe type) & now she is bloated and at night (usually when i check) she has a bloody rectum. Please help, i cannot afford a vet right now and she has me worried.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on September 21st, 2017

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

If the worms you are seeing are small pieces of rice then they are likely tape worms. You need to purchase a dewormer than gets tape worms (drontal, droncit, cestex) and check her for fleas. Fleas are the intermediate host for tape worm. Also be sure that when you dewormed her before than you repeated the first dose 3-4 weeks later.

There are some SPCAs that have low cost veterinary clinics. If the blood persists in her stool I recommend you have her seen. Blood indicates inflammation of the colon. Stop the diatomaceous earth.

I hope this helps and good luck!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Rebeccah Wood
Licensed Veterinary Technician, Registered Laboratory Animal Technologist
Published on July 31st, 2017
Hello there! Fresh, red blood in stool is usually due to irritation of the rectum, and yes, this could be caused by the worms. The soft stool can also cause this as well. A few drops of red blood in the stool is probably nothing to worry about, but I highly recommend having Lilu's stool checked for the type of worms she has as not all dewormers treat all worms. If the soft stools or blood continues, if she starts vomiting, or becomes lethargic, please bring her to the vet as soon as possible as she may have something else more serious going on.

Good luck, and I hope Lilu gets better soon!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on September 24th, 2019
Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Lillith. Blood in the stool is concerning, but if it's an emergency depends on any other symptoms. Certainly it needs to be checked out by a vet, but you don't have to rush her into a vet if she is eating, drinking, and otherwise acting normally. If she isn't eating, vomiting, has a loss of appetite, and/or is lethargic, take her into a vet immediately. Otherwise, have her seen by a vet in a day or two. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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