There’s Blood in my Cat’s Vomit—Should I Be Concerned?

Coughing up hairballs is easy-peasy to deal with and usually nothing to worry about. But seeing blood in your cat’s vomit—meow-za—that can 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 Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG), you can speak with a doctor who will answer your questions. Walk in anytime and we’ll examine your cat right away.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY CAT THROWS 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?

Any of these could be indicators of underlying issues your kitty may have. Coupled with blood in your cat’s vomit, these symptoms can be caused by a variety of reasons, like:

• Changes in diet
• Eating too quickly
• Swallowing a foreign object
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Infection
• Blood clotting condition
• Stomach ulcer
• Cancer

These are just examples, and a professional diagnosis from VEG is vital in order to get your cat the right treatment.

POOR WHISKERS! IS IT TIME FOR A CAT DOCTOR?

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. Blood in vomit can be like a calico in the way it presents! Try to be as descriptive as possible in your consultation with our veterinarian:

• Bright red
• A mix of bright and dark blood
• Dark brown / Have the appearance of coffee grounds

FIGURING OUT YOUR FELINE

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’s the kind of stuff that’s 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.

EXPERT VET CARE, FROM START TO FINISH

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.

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.

Save us to your contacts—we’re here for you and your cat 24/7, even on holidays!