Expert: Jessica - 1/20/2010

Question
I own a 2y/o Siamese and a 11 y/o mix tabby. I woke this morning to bright red blood on the floor in my bathroom next to the litter box. There were several droplets, it was coagulated, so it had been there a while. I check both of my cats feet, and pressed paper towels to their butts to see if any lingered. I also check the recent stool in the litter box but all together I found nothing. I have just recently treated them to a flea dip at home, but I'm almost completely positive that would be it. My cats do dry naturally so maybe ingesting that caused some upset. Any thoughts or speculation would be greatly appreciated.


   Samantha

Answer
Hi Samantha.  I would strongly suspect the kitties had a spat, and one of them got a small cut.  Cats heal from wounds very quickly.  Unless the wound is severe, they don't continue to bleed for long at all.  Between their quick healing time, the fur which hides most cuts, and their quickness to groom off any blood that remains, it's just about impossible to find any nicks.

There could be a possibility one of the kitties had a nose bleed.  This happens occasionally in dry weather or if the cat has a sinus infection.  Inflammation can lead to ruptured blood vessels.  A nose bleed once in a blue moon may not be anything to worry about, but if either cat has symptoms such as a stuffy nose, especially bad breath or a bulging forehead, you should have a vet take a look at him.  This can be an indication of a sinus infection.

Definitely keep an eye on the litter box situation just in case the blood come from one of their anuses, and have a vet take a look at them if you see bloody stool (or urine, for that matter).

Best wishes with your two.

Jessica