Seeing blood in your home and not knowing where it comes from can be scary, but what is even scarier is when you see it is coming from your pet. Cat’s can vomit for many reasons, but if it is even slightly blood tinged then it is cause for concern. They often vomit to get rid of a hairball or something that does not sit well with them, but the reason behind the vomiting can be more sinister.
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Content:
- What Does Blood in Cat Vomit Look Like
- Why Is My Cat Throwing Up Blood
- Home Remedy for Cat Vomiting Blood
- Conclusion
What Does Blood in Cat Vomit Look Like
Cat vomit that has blood in it can appear as a streak of bright red blood in or around the vomit, thick fresh blood clots or coffee like grounds in the vomit.
The thick bright red colour indicates that it is fresh blood from the gastrointestinal tract, mouth or oesophagus, and the coffee ground look is typically digested blood.
If your cat has vomited bile or food more than once it is imperative to keep an eye on your pet to see if it worsens or becomes blood tinged. It is very handy to have a pet camera set up at home so that you can check in on your pet while you are not home.
Dr. Tutt says: “Periodontal disease is commonly encountered in feline practice. Gingivitis, followed by inflammation of the rest of the periodontal tissues, can lead to chronic oral infection, bacteraemia, pain and ultimately tooth loss.”
Why Is My Cat Throwing Up Blood
There can be many reasons for cats to vomit blood or blood-tinged vomit, such as:
- Toxin ingestion (rat poison)
- Foreign body ingestion (such as a fishhook)
- Clotting disorder
- Parasites
- Gingivitis
- Trauma
- Damage to oesophagus
- Cancer
- Kidney or liver disease
- Lead toxicity
- Irritation of the lining of the gastrointestinal tract due to chronic vomiting
- Bacterial, viral or fungal infection
“Owners of cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) were more likely than owners of cats without CKD to report clinical signs typical of CKD such as polyuria or polydipsia, decline in appetite, vomiting, decline in activity, or halitosis at the hospital visit during which the diagnosis of CKD was made.” As stated by Dr. Greene in his research on chronic kidney disease.
Home Remedy for Cat Vomiting Blood
There is no home remedy for a cat that is vomiting blood, the safest course of action for your feline friend is to consult with a veterinarian when you first see this problem occur. In times like this Petcube Emergency Fund is essential so that you can provide your cat with the best possible treatment and not have to worry about the costs involved. Tests would need to be done and even x-rays to determine the cause of the blood in the vomit and this adds up.
Dr. Hauck says in his article on Chronic Vomiting in Cats: “There are numerous causes for chronic vomiting in cats, and therefore a detailed and comprehensive patient history and a systematic diagnostic approach are key steps in determining the cause for vomiting and the most appropriate treatment plan.”
Conclusion
When blood in cat vomit is seen, taking a wait and see approach is not in the best interest of your cat as they may have a life-threatening illness or injury. Do not waste any time and contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.
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