A common misconception about cats is that they regularly throw up hairballs, so it’s an expectation for cat owners. However, hairballs usually indicate a problem, like a cat’s inability to pass enough hair through its waste. So, if hairballs aren’t as common as people think, what does it mean when a cat throws up blood?
If you’re asking, “Why is my cat throwing up blood?” you’re not alone. Unfortunately, vomit may include blood for many reasons, some more serious than others. Keep reading to see what the leading vet clinic in DeSoto, Texas, says about blood in cat vomit.Â
What Does Cat Vomit With Blood Look Like?
If your cat throws up occasionally without other symptoms, it could result from a hairball or food that doesn’t agree with its digestive system. These situations usually don’t warrant concern because they might not indicate a serious underlying condition. Instead, you should worry if your cat is throwing up often and you see blood in their vomit.Â
So, what does blood look like in cat vomit? It’s sometimes hard to identify since the blood isn’t always a bright red, nor is there always a lot of it.
It’s not unusual for traces of blood to be light pink or red and come out with regurgitated water, mucus, or other materials. If your cat is vomiting blood clots, the material will resemble dark-red gelatin. When blood sits in the gastrointestinal tract for a long time, it can look dark, like coffee grounds.Â
Regardless of the color and texture, blood in cat vomit usually indicates a problem with the upper GI tract, which includes part of the small intestine, the mouth, the stomach, and the esophagus. Occasionally, a cat with an injury or respiratory disease can swallow blood from their nose and lungs, which will show up in their vomit.Â
What Are the Most Common Causes of Blood in Cat Vomit?
Common pet diseases could be why your cat has trouble keeping food down. If you’re wondering, “Why is my cat throwing up blood?” one of the following conditions could be the culprit. Still, it’s necessary to visit a veterinarian immediately for a proper diagnosis and treatment.Â
Hemophilia
Hemophilia is a blood clotting disorder that makes it hard for animals to naturally clot a bleeding wound. Though this condition is rare, cats can develop it after exposure to certain toxins.Â
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, which causes gum tissue inflammation and bleeding. If your cat has this dental condition and swallows the blood from their gums, they could vomit it up.Â
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD in cats is common, although there isn’t one distinct cause for the condition. It could be due to genetic factors or incorrect immune responses to certain proteins or gut bacteria. However, if your cat has blood in their vomit due to IBD, it’ll also have other symptoms, like:
- Vomiting without blood
- Gas
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Bloody stools
Heartworms
Parasitic heartworms can inflict serious damage on cats that spend time outdoors and don’t take preventative heartworm medication. The parasites transfer to cats via mosquito bites. One of the symptoms of heartworm infection is vomiting with and without blood.Â
Chronic Vomiting
Sometimes, cats develop chronic vomiting. It could be a symptom of an underlying health condition that irritates the GI tract. For instance, frequently throwing up could irritate the esophagus, leading to streaks of pink or red blood in vomit.Â
Kidney Disease
One of the primary symptoms of feline kidney disease is frequent vomiting. Having the condition doesn’t automatically mean your cat will throw up blood, but vomiting could irritate the cat’s GI tract or cause stomach ulcers, which may cause it to vomit blood.Â
Drugs and Toxins
Some medications can cause GI tract irritation, ulcers, or problems clotting blood. Examples of these medications are corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories.Â
Your cat could also vomit blood due to toxin exposure like rat poison by ingesting the poison directly or eating a poisoned animal. That toxin can make cats sick by creating a blood clotting disorder that leads to symptoms like:
- Breathing problems
- Lack of appetite
- Lethargy
- Excessive thirst
Foreign Body
Your cat doesn’t have to be sick to have blood in its vomit. If it eats something inedible and sharp, like a bone or a piece of a toy, the object could scratch the pet’s esophagus or stomach, causing a bleed.Â
Treatments for Cats Who Have Blood in Their Vomit
If you’re asking, “Why is my cat throwing up blood?” you’re also probably looking for treatment options.
Since cats often hide their symptoms when sick, you should contact a vet whenever you notice blood in their vomit. Visit an emergency pet hospital if the situation appears serious and includes any of the following:
- Vomit with a large amount of blood
- Resistance to food and drink
- Severe vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy
- Severe diarrhea
The treatment your veterinarian provides for your pet depends on the cause and severity of its condition. For example, the vet may administer anti-nausea medicine, antacids, or stomach lining protectants to provide immediate relief. Blood transfusions, fluid therapy to address dehydration, and a special diet may be necessary for severe cases.Â
After providing immediate supportive care, the vet will treat the underlying cause of the vomiting and the presence of blood in regurgitated materials. Diagnostic testing with physical examinations, lab work, and blood clot tests are often necessary. For serious cases, the vet may perform exploratory surgeries of the GI tract or biopsies to get an accurate diagnosis.
Get Help for Your Cat at Penny Paws Animal Clinic
“Why is my cat throwing up blood?” is a question that needs an answer fast. If your cherished pet has blood in its vomit, don’t hesitate to contact a local veterinarian.Â
Penny Paws Animal Clinic has a team of skilled veterinarians providing superior pet care to DeSoto, Texas residents. We’ll perform a thorough examination and discuss a course of treatment or best practices for your cat to help stop the vomiting. Contact us today at (817) 993-1234 or visit our contact page to schedule an appointment, whether you have a neutered or spayed cat or a young kitten.