Dr. Brown

Dr.Tail Vet

Understanding that your 7-month-old Somali cat is experiencing diarrhea that is bloody or black in color and has occurred multiple times in a day, it's important to consider the potential causes and steps you can take at home before seeking veterinary care.

The presence of bloody or black stools in cats can indicate a condition known as hematochezia or melena. Hematochezia is typically characterized by bright red blood and suggests bleeding in the lower intestinal tract, such as the colon or rectum. Melena, on the other hand, is dark, tarry stool that indicates bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Both conditions can be serious and warrant attention.

Causes for such symptoms can range from dietary indiscretion (eating something they shouldn't have), infections (bacterial, viral, or parasitic), inflammatory bowel disease, or even more serious conditions like coagulopathies (blood clotting disorders) or internal injuries.

At home, you can take the following steps to support your cat:

1. Ensure your cat stays hydrated. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so provide fresh water at all times.
2. Temporarily withhold food for 12-24 hours to give the gastrointestinal tract a chance to settle.
3. After fasting, introduce a bland diet in small, frequent meals. Options include boiled chicken (no skin or bones) or white fish, with plain boiled rice or pumpkin.
4. Monitor your cat closely for any changes in behavior or worsening of symptoms.

However, given the severity of the symptoms you've described, it's crucial to be aware of situations that would require immediate veterinary attention. These include:

- Continued presence of blood or black color in the stool.
- Signs of increased lethargy or weakness.
- Vomiting in addition to diarrhea, especially if it's frequent or contains blood.
- A bloated or painful abdomen.
- Any difficulty breathing or changes in gum color (pale or blue-tinged gums can indicate a serious problem).

If you notice any of these signs, or if the diarrhea persists beyond a day despite home care, it's imperative to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. While at-home care can be supportive, the underlying cause of the symptoms needs to be diagnosed and treated by a professional to ensure the best outcome for your pet.

Remember to keep a record of any changes in your cat's condition, as this information will be valuable to the veterinarian in determining the cause and appropriate treatment for your cat's symptoms.

If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to come back to us! Thank you.