My old cat has diarrhea and purple blood in her poop. Is it serious?

You can add a probiotic to the diet to help and this can be purchased at any pet store or vets office. The other recommendation would be to find a different food. Try to pick one with a different meat ingredient than what you are currently on to see if it is a food allergy

Hello, thank you for using PetCoach. I suggest you have him dewormed and I would also start him on a probiotic (Fortiflora). If you do those two things and the diarrhea doesn't start to resolve in a few days then you need to take him to a vet for an exam. ( https://www.1800petmeds.com/purina+fortiflora-prod10376.html ) ( https://www.1800petmeds.com/drontal+for+cats-prod10073.html ) I don't think the oral flea/tick med is the issue but of course it can be. If you use that again in the future and the diarrhea starts again then you can probably confidently say that it is the issue in which case I would stop using it. Usually if that is the case the diarrhea starts within 24 hours of administration. Two weeks later, it is not likely. The new food is also possibly the culprit but again, you didn't switch cold turkey and it doesn't sound like he is eating that much of it anyway. Again, possible but not likely. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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.

I suspect food allergy or IBD. I recommend you try the following: 1. Change the diet to Purina ProPlan Sensitive Skin and Stomach. I have had a lot of luck with clients using this diet and it has really helped. Change the diet slowly over a week's time to prevent further GI upset. ( https://www.purina.com/pro-plan/cats/sensitive-stomach-skin-cat-food ) 2. Start her on a good probiotic made for cats like Fortiflora. It comes as a 30 day course. I would do all 30 days. ( https://www.proplanveterinarydiets.com/products/fortiflora-cats-probiotics/ ) If after this, no improvement or the problem returns then more testing for IBD would be needed. I would not be worried about the blood unless it persists for days on end. I know it is concerning to you but it is just from the colon being irritated. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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.

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.

The blood you are seeing in the stools may be stress colitis. I suggest you do the following: 1. Put her on a GI supplement for diarrhea that also has probiotics: https://worldtails.securevetsource.com/itemView/view/198944_HomeDelivery.pml?productId=132480 2. Put her on a GI food that will help with digestion: https://worldtails.securevetsource.com/itemView/view/198944_HomeDelivery.pml?productId=114749 3. Use some Feliway diffusers in your new place until she seems more comfortable. These really help with stress: https://worldtails.securevetsource.com/itemView/view/198944_HomeDelivery.pml?productId=117324 This is what I would start with. Hope this helps. Best wishes!