Coughing up hairballs is easy-peasy to deal with and usually nothing to worry about. But seeing blood in your cat’s vomit can definitely be alarming.
In this blog, we’ll dig our claws into what it might mean and when it's time to seek professional veterinary care. Lucky for you, when you call VEG ER for Pets, you can speak with a doctor who will answer your questions. Walk in anytime and we’ll examine your cat right away.
Why is my cat throwing up blood?
Seeing blood in your cat’s vomit can be alarming - and for good reason. While it doesn’t always signal a life-threatening situation, vomiting blood is never considered normal and should not be ignored. Knowing the reasons behind it, what can cause it, and when to seek care can help you act quickly if your cat needs immediate treatment.
These are some common causes your cat might be throwing up blood:
Changes in diet.
A sudden change in food can upset your cat's stomach, irritating the lining of the esophagus or stomach enough to cause small amounts of blood to appear in your cat’s vomit.
Swallowing a foreign object or caustic substance.
Cats are curious and can sometimes swallow small household items, including toys, string, or batteries. These objects can cause an obstruction, scratch or tear the digestive tract, or cause chemical burns and other serious injuries. In some cases, this can lead to blood in your cat’s vomit and become a potentially life-threatening emergency.
Gastrointestinal disorders.
Conditions affecting the stomach or intestines, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or gastritis can damage the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. This irritation could lead to blood in your cat’s vomit.
Infection.
Certain bacterial, fungal, viral, or parasitic infections can cause inflammation or ulcers in the digestive tract, leading to vomit and sometimes blood.
Blood clotting condition.
Disorders that affect your cat’s ability to clot can lead to bleeding throughout the body, including the digestive tract.
Stomach ulcer.
Ulcers are open sores that develop in the lining of the stomach or upper intestines. As these sores bleed, cats may vomit bright red or material that looks like coffee grounds, indicating partially digested blood.
Cancer.
Although less common, cancers affecting the stomach and intestines can cause bleeding within the digestive tract.
These reasons are just examples - a professional diagnosis from VEG is vital in order to get your cat the right treatment. Call your local VEG 24/7 or walk in anytime if you think your cat is having an emergency situation, no appointment needed.
What does blood in cat vomit look like?
Blood in your cat's vomit doesn't always look obvious. It can range from bright red streaks of fresh blood to tiny blood specks, larger blood clots, or even blood mixed with mucus. You might notice blood in watery or clear liquid if your cat is vomiting on an empty stomach, or mixed into white foam, which can happen after repeated retching. Some cats may even have blood in a hairball, which is never considered normal and could indicate irritation or an underlying medical condition.
In some cases, the blood may not be red at all. If it has been partially digested, it can appear dark brown or black and have an appearance that resembles coffee grounds. This usually means the bleeding has been occurring higher up in the digestive tract and should be treated as an emergency.
No matter what it looks like - or how much blood you see - blood in your cat's vomit should never be ignored - your cat should be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
What should I do if my cat throws up blood?
You may be wondering if your cat throwing up blood is an emergency. The truth is - it depends.
If your cat is vomiting up blood, first, try to stay calm. You don’t want your cat to pick up on your panic. After all, your fluffy friend is probably already a little shaken up. Second, check if your cat has any other symptoms. Maybe something’s been lingering that you now think might be related?
Observing your cat's overall behavior and physical condition gives the veterinarian critical clues to help in the diagnosis.
Ask yourself some questions that will help you convey your cat’s condition:
Is your cat lethargic?
Did your cat lose their appetite?
Did your cat have diarrhea?
Is your cat showing signs of discomfort?
Is my cat throwing up blood an emergency?
If you find blood in your cat's vomit, especially if accompanied by other symptoms, it's time to contact your nearest VEG. Prompt veterinary attention leads to timely treatment and may prevent further complications.
When you call or come in, your cat will be triaged right away. That means we’ll greet you quickly and find out what’s going on. In addition to telling us about the symptoms, talk about the blood’s appearance and try to be as descriptive as possible.
My cat has blood in their vomit and stool.
If your cat has blood in both their vomit and their stool, it’s a sign that there may be bleeding somewhere along their digestive tract. This combination of symptoms can occur with serious conditions such as swallowed foreign objects, stomach ulcers, severe gastrointestinal inflammation, infections, certain toxins, blood clotting disorders, or cancer.
Because blood loss can become dangerous quickly, blood in both vomit and stool should always be treated as a veterinary emergency. In addition to vomiting and diarrhea, your cat may seem lethargic, refuse food, or show signs of abdominal pain. Even if your cat only vomited or passed bloody stool once and otherwise seems okay, it's important to have them evaluated right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help stop the bleeding, address the underlying cause, and improve your cat's chances of a full recovery.
Is your cat peeing blood along with vomiting blood?
If your cat is vomiting blood and peeing blood, they should be evaluated by an emergency veterinarian immediately. While these symptoms aren't always caused by the same condition, they can occur together with serious illnesses such as blood clotting disorders, certain toxins, severe infections, or diseases affecting the kidneys or urinary tract.
Because both vomiting blood and blood in the urine are abnormal, prompt veterinary care is essential to determine the cause and begin treatment as quickly as possible.
How VEG can help diagnose and treat your cat if they’re vomiting blood
Our emergency veterinary team will perform a thorough physical exam to determine the cause of your cat’s symptoms. This may also include blood tests, imaging, or endoscopy. Don’t worry, you’ll stay with your pet the entire time. You’ll be involved in your cat’s care journey and are free to ask questions throughout your stay at VEG.
Be sure to discuss any changes in your cat’s behavior or appetite that you’ve noticed, because that information is invaluable in diagnosing and treating your cat effectively. Our goal is to understand your cat’s overall health in addition to finding the cause for the appearance of blood. Then we can take the best course of action to help your fur baby.
Based on the diagnosis, we’ll tailor the treatment to your cat's specific needs. This may involve:
Dietary changes
Medications
Surgery (in some cases)
Our unique and expert level of care doesn’t stop after treatment. There will be a recovery period and follow-up care. Your cat's health, comfort, and recovery are our priorities. We’ll guide you through the care process, advising on home care, and follow up with your primary care vet or a specialist who will monitor your cat's progress.
VEG is ready for every cat emergency
When you’re at VEG, you’ll know why pet parents rave about their experience. We’re not the normal animal hospital, by design. From our open-concept ER to the way we’ll sit on the floor with your cat (or wherever they’re most comfortable), and from the kindness of our expert emergency staff to the invitation to be a superhero - as a participant in your pet’s care - VEG is ER care the way it should be.
Find a VEG near you - we’re here for you and your cat 24/7, even on holidays!
