What is Vomiting of Blood?
Hematemesis is often a sign of gastrointestinal disorders or bleeding. Contact your veterinarian immediately during the first instance if possible, as this can be a sign of a problem.
While vomiting in cats can be quite common, vomiting of blood, known as hematemesis, may be an indication of a serious condition in cats that warrants immediate veterinary attention. The blood in a cat’s vomit may be bright red or dark-colored with an appearance often likened to “coffee grounds”, which can be differentiated from spots of blood present in the vomit. Spots of blood in the vomit may result from irritation caused by vomiting. However, it is a good idea to seek veterinary attention despite what the blood looks like or what you think the cause may be.
Vomiting of Blood Average Cost
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Average Cost
$800
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Symptoms of Vomiting of Blood in Cats
If blood in your cat’s vomit is bright red, it is fresh and may have been caused by external trauma to the esophagus, such as swallowing a foreign object, or an oral condition. Darker blood may indicate issues lower in the digestive tract. If the problem persists, seek immediate veterinary attention for your cat as soon as you notice any of the following signs:
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness or lethargy
- Pawing at the mouth or teeth
- Diarrhea
- Blood present in the stool
- Black colored stool
- Shallow breathing
- Signs of anemia
- Depression
- Signs of pain
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Seizures
Causes of Vomiting of Blood in Cats
There are several causes of vomiting of blood in cats. Your veterinarian will be able to determine the cause upon diagnosis. Possible causes include, but are not limited to:
- Adverse reaction to medication
- Gingivitis
- Trauma to the esophagus
- Ulcers located in the gastrointestinal tract or esophagus
- Respiratory disease
- Certain cancers, particularly if tumors are bleeding
- Blood clotting conditions
Diagnosis of Vomiting of Blood in Cats
Your veterinarian will ask you about any specific events or known disorders that may have led to the vomiting. Be sure to answer all your veterinarian’s questions to the best of your ability, and be prepared to provide a list of any medications your cat is currently taking.
Your veterinarian can use a number of tests to determine the cause of vomiting of blood. The veterinarian may make a tentative diagnosis based on presentation of symptoms. Tests are required for a definitive diagnosis. Your veterinarian may analyze your cat’s blood and urine in addition to performing an endoscopy, c, ultrasound, or x-rays. If cancer is suspected, the veterinarian may take a biopsy of the gastrointestinal tract.
Take a small sample of vomit or stool to the veterinarian with you if you can, as while veterinarians cannot effectively test vomit samples for disease and other conditions, seeing the appearance of the vomit or stool may be helpful.
Treatment of Vomiting of Blood in Cats
Treatment will vary based on the underlying cause:
Disease
In many cases of vomiting of blood caused by disease, treatment may be more aggressive depending on the disease. Certain diseases may be managed by drug therapy. Gingivitis can be treated through a thorough dental cleaning. Hospitalization and intravenous fluid therapy may also be required to restore electrolytes and fluids lost during vomiting.
Ulcers
The veterinarian may prescribe medication that will help prevent the ulcer from causing any more harm to the lining of the stomach and reduce the acidity of the stomach environment. A special or bland diet is usually also prescribed. Surgery is another possible method of treatment for ulcers, which will require an endoscopy beforehand to locate the ulcers. Your veterinarian will schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor the ulcers through endoscopy.
Cancer
Depending on the location and stage of the cancer, treatment methods may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation treatment. Your veterinarian will discuss your options with you based on your cat’s specific needs.
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Recovery of Vomiting of Blood in Cats
Recovery and prognosis will vary based on the underlying cause and the recommended course of treatment. Be sure to follow all your veterinarian’s treatment and recovery instructions carefully.
If your cat has been diagnosed with gingivitis, you will need to ensure that you take proper care of your cat’s teeth by brushing them each day, if it is not painful for your cat. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you on a dental care regimen.
If your cat has been prescribed drug therapy to treat gastrointestinal ulcers, it is imperative that you administer the medication for the entire duration of the recommended treatment period even if symptoms start to clear up. Failure to do so could result in aggressive recurrence.
If your cat has had surgery, ensure that he or she does not irritate the surgery site. After any major operation or procedure, you’ll need to provide a warm, safe place for your cat to rest. Additionally, you should ensure that clean drinking water is always available and accessible. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you on dietary changes.
Vomiting of Blood Average Cost
From 427 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$800
Top
Vomiting of Blood Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
maine coon
Seven Years
42 found this helpful
42 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting Blood
Two of my cats are vomiting blood that is bright red. Neither one has been outside or exposed to plants or poison. I did give them canned meat last night and they don't usually have it. The only emergency vet near by is an hour and a half away. Is there anything I can do or watch for to help them or should I go to the vet?
Jan. 29, 2021
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
42 Recommendations
Hello, vomiting blood is very concerning and the best thing that your cats see a vet. This meat could have been bad and upset their stomachs. Usually, when a pet is vomiting, I recommend a bland diet. But vomiting blood could be an indication of a GI ulcer or something more serious wrong that would need immediate vet attention.
Jan. 29, 2021
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charishmakatari@gmail.com
6months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
He has been spayed on Saturday and is now vomitting in red colour foam worried
Sept. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
Vomiting blood is a problem, I see why you are concerned. If he/she is still having this problem, it would be best to have your veterinarian look at your pup to make sure that all is okay, and see if any treatment is needed.
I hope your puppy is okay!
Oct. 8, 2020
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stray cat
three years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting Something Bright Red And Not Eating
what does this mean, we werent able to go to the vet due to quarantine
Sept. 26, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
3 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. .
Possible causes for what you are describing might be parasites, or intestinal infections or blockages. Since I cannot see her, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get treatment if needed.
Oct. 17, 2020
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Mixed Breed
Seven Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting Blood
My cat vomited white foam around 3 times, followed by blood. She also had soft poop for around one week. I went to vet 2 weeks ago and they gave her a shot, some pills to stop vomit and vitamin C. My doc suspected that she had flea fever or food poisoning. After the visit she is back to normal but after 2 weeks she vomit blood again with slight diarrhoea. However, she can eat and play well.
Sept. 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
I hope that your pet is feeling better. If they are still having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 22, 2020
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Himalayan mix cat
Three Years
8 found this helpful
8 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
my cat was recently diagnosed with fleutd. I changed to the prescription foods recommended. He has been eating less. He also has a flea infestation and recently got a seresto collar. Today he vomited 2x second had some blood in it .
Aug. 30, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
8 Recommendations
So sorry to hear about your cat. Vomiting blood is never a good sign. It may be best if he sees your vet. Sometimes the change in food can cause an upset stomach but this could be something else. YOu can try a bland diet for him of boiled chicken with his food to see if that helps his stomach. If he continues, it would be best to see your vet. I hope your cat starts to feel better soon.
Aug. 31, 2020
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Nebelung
Louie
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Pink Vomit
My cat goes out to the garden and eat some kind of plant I think it's lemon grass. Whenever he does, he vomits. However,this time he vomitted two times and the second time there was a bit of pinkish liquid. He was vomitting a week earlier due to worms, but took the treatment immediately and got better. I am not sure how severe this is and it is very late no Vet is available. I would really apreciate some help. Thank you!
stray
Otis
8 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Dark Bright Slimy Blood
I have 3 cats. My tortoiseshell is my original cat. I have a 8 year old male cat who is big, but stomach has always looked saggy and indented since we took him in a few months ago. I have a younge male that showed up at my door this past Christmas. I found a large amount of blood. Its always outside a litter box so I'm not sure if its vomit or feces. I'm assuming its vomit. It looks like the color of ketchup and bbq sauce mixed, and slimy. Nothing else in it. Just straight up blood. I'm guessing it is the 8 year old male. Considering I had no intention of keeping the two males more than a couple days until finding homes I did not take them to the vet. At this point I can not take them to the vet. Absolutely no money to do so. No programs are available to help.
Vomiting of Blood Average Cost
From 427 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000
Average Cost
$800
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
