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We have 2 cats (a 3-4 year old neutered male & a 5 month old male that will be neutered next month). We've recently noticed small drops of blood around the house and, not knowing which cat was bleeding, have taken both to the vet for diagnosis. Tests came back negative for blood in their stool & urine. An ultrasound was also done on our kitten's bladder that did not uncover any problems. We've been advised to separate the cats to determine which is the 'bleeder' but since we have a small house & the bleeding only occurs about once a week we have been reluctant to separate them. Other than the bleeding, both cats seem to be in perfect health- eating well & very active/playful. Since their urine/stool tests came back negative, what could be causing the blood? Our vet doesn't seem to be that concerned. Both cats recently finished itriconizole (for ringworm) & our older cat just finished taking a gel medication applied directly to his eye for a bacterial infection. Should we be alarmed about this or continue to monitor our cats closely for other possible symptoms? $8

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $8

Hi,

It sounds like everything that could be done, has been done, and I'm so glad you moved on this right away and brought them both to the vet! : )

For how long have you been noticing this blood once a week?

Have you (and/or the vet) checked over their bodies and paws for any small cuts or wounds? Have you checked both sets of claws to see that one hasn't gotten caught on anything and was 'ripped' by accident? (this happened to my cat and my first indication was spots of blood on the floor). Is it possible that they have ingested any non-food item which caused an irritation in the mouth, throat, esophagus, intestines, bowel--a rubber band, twist-tie, part of a toy, etc.? I realize this most likely would have shown up in the stool, but, just attempting all possibilities...

Is it possible that both or either cat has fleas? (believe it or not, indoor-only cats can get fleas too, and there don't have to be any symptoms, like scratching). Flea dirt (looks like black specks in the fur) can appear like a spot of blood when reconstituted with water or any moisture. When a cat sits or lays in a specific spot, it can leave flea dirt residue, which can appear like blood if it gets wet.

Have you looked carefully at the inside and outside of their ears for any tiny scratches or mites?

Did the vet examine their anuses? An irritation on that area or an anal gland problem, can cause little blister-type pimples which could bleed slightly, or there could be intermittent bleeding w/o a blister/pimple, too with an anal gland problem.

If no reason was found after having all these appropriate tests, I'd monitor them carefully and consider all the possibilities above.

I fully understand why you don't want to separate them, but sometimes in a multi-cat household, it's the only way to find the culprit...if your place is small, I realize this isn't feasible.

Please keep me posted on any new developments and I hope both remain healthy and continue to act normally!

Cher

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Reply to Jessesmom's Post: This is the third or fourth week that we have been noticing the blood. They're both on Revolution so they shouldn't have fleas & we have checked over their mouths/bodies/paws for cuts. I don't know if the vet checked their anal glands...if this is the problem, will it eventually cure itself or do I need to take them back to have their anal glands examined (if they have not been examined already)? I guess my main concern was that they could have something more serious like diabetes or something...does it sound like this is less likely than the other possibilities you outlined? Thanks for your help w/this!

Hi again, Monica!

You're very welcome and thanks for the additional information! : )

No, an anal gland problem would not heal itself and would have to be treated by the vet. The anal glands are located on either side of the anus, under the skin. They release a fluid during each bowel movement. If the fluid is not released as it should be, or becomes thickened, infected or impacted, they become 'full' and this can cause discomfort to the cat, look swollen, red, or if infected, can bleed or show pus through the skin. Under normal circumstances, the vet can 'express' (empty) the anal glands to make the cat feel better, but if there's infection or other complications, this also needs to be addressed by the vet.

Sometimes a cat won't always display any symptoms re: an anal gland problem; other times, they may lick excessively in this area and/or 'scoot' their rears on the floor trying to relieve the discomfort. I realize your cats aren't showing any symptoms of this, but you can never tell...I think it's worth checking out. Call the vet and ask if they happened to examine the anal area when you were there.

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_anal_sacs.html

Bleeding from anywhere is not a symptom of diabetes, so don't worry about that.

In case the blood is occasionally coming from the nose when you see the drops, a bloody nose can be a symptom of high blood pressure, allergies, dry nasal membranes, sniffing a caustic substance (in your home, I doubt this last one!)--just another possibility to consider...

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_epistaxis__the_bloody_nose.html

I'll try to think of any other possibilities; this is certainly a 'mystery'! : )

Cher

If my answer is helpful please click ACCEPT. Click reply for more info. Please talk to me before considering leaving neg. feedback; my only goal is to provide helpful answers. Thanks!

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