Why Is My Cat Vomiting Blood?

Most cats vomit from time to time, often because they ate something that didn’t agree with them, or they need to get rid of a hairball.

However, when there’s blood in cat vomit (called hematemesis), taking a “wait and see” approach with your pet can be dangerous.

Let’s look at causes of a cat vomiting blood, and when it’s an emergency.

What Does Blood in Cat Vomit Look Like?

Bright red blood in cat vomit will get your attention, but sometimes blood can be hard to identify.

A small amount may just look like a light red or pink streak along with mucus, water, or other material. Blood clots in vomit are often darker red in color and appear clumpy and slimy.

Blood that has been sitting in the digestive tract for a while can be partially digested when your cat is vomiting blood. It’s often described as looking like coffee grounds.

Why Is My Cat Vomiting Blood?

There are several reasons why a cat is vomiting blood. Here are some of the most common causes of blood in cat vomit:

• Chronic vomiting—This is when cats have a history of vomiting episodes. Chronic vomiting can be caused by many underlying health issues that can irritate the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and cause internal bleeding.

• Foreign body—Cats may vomit blood if they swallow bones or anything else (such as string) that lodges in or damages the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and small intestines.

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)—Severe IBD can damage the lining of the GI tract to the point where it bleeds.

• Cancer—Cancers of the GI tract can cause blood in the vomit due to the damage of blood vessels, but cancers elsewhere—such as mast cell tumors—can also lead to GI bleeds.

• Kidney disease—Cats with kidney disease vomit frequently. The vomit may include blood due to irritation of the lining of the GI tract or ulcers.

• Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections—Panleukopenia, salmonellosis, and other infections of the GI tract may damage its lining and cause bleeding.

• Blood clotting disorders—Diseases or poisonings (certain rodenticides, for example) that prevent normal blood clotting can lead to GI bleeding.

• Drugs and toxins—Some drugs, like non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids, can cause GI ulcers or hinder blood clotting, particularly in cases of overdose. Exposure to some toxins, like caustic cleaning materials, can also cause GI bleeding.

• Postoperative complication—Surgery on the gastrointestinal tract can result in GI bleeding and blood in cat vomit.

• Shock—Heatstroke, burns, exposure to venom through a bite or sting, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), bleeding, anesthetic complications, severe infections, and anything that leads to low blood pressure and shock can damage the gastrointestinal tract and cause it to bleed.

• Liver disease—Liver disease can result in chronic vomiting and sometimes alter the ability of blood to clot.

• Swallowing blood—Your cat may have swallowed blood from a nosebleed, oral injury, or respiratory disease, which can cause them to become nauseous and vomit blood.

Is a Cat Vomiting Blood an Emergency?

A cat vomiting blood is never normal and is always an indication of a greater problem. It’s considered a true medical—and sometimes surgical—emergency.

It’s important that your cat is examined and treated right away as prompt diagnosis and treatment can potentially lead to a more favorable outcome.

Taking a "wait and see" approach could have fatal consequences, as in the case of a ruptured mass or bleeding stomach ulcer.

See a veterinarian immediately if your cat:

• Is vomiting any amount of blood, big or small

• Is experiencing persistent and/or excessive vomiting

• Has abdominal pain

• Is weak or lethargic

• Less responsive or reactive

• Has severe diarrhea

• Won’t eat or drink

• Pale or white gums

• Low heart rate or pulse

• Petechiae (pin-point red spots on the body, eyes or gums) or bruising

• Has a weakened immune system, including kittens, pregnant cats, or cats with underlying health problems

Call a veterinarian for advice if:

• Your cat is vomiting infrequently

• Your cat appears comfortable

• Your cat has a normal activity level

• Your cat is bright and alert

• Your cat has mild diarrhea or no change in stool

• Your cat has a normal appetite

• Your cat seems to feel OK otherwise

• Your cat is a healthy adult with no underlying health issues

Though it can be tough to differentiate between what’s normal and what’s concerning, always reach out to your veterinarian at the first sign that your cat is unwell.

How Vets Diagnose Blood in Cat Vomit

To start sorting through the many reasons why a cat could be vomiting blood, a veterinarian will ask a series of questions, such as:

• Has your cat previously been diagnosed with any health problems?

• Has your cat had any recent trauma or surgeries?

• Do you give your cat any medications, or could they have gotten into any drugs or toxins?

• Has your cat eaten anything unusual?

• Could your cat have gotten into anything outdoors?

• When did your cat first start vomiting?

• Did it come on gradually or suddenly?

• Was blood present when they first vomited, or did you start noticing it later?

• What other symptoms does your cat have?

Next, your vet will perform a physical examination. They will look for clues such as an abdominal mass or bruises that might point toward a blood-clotting disorder.

Your vet will typically run lab tests. These might include a blood chemistry panel and a complete blood cell count (CBC). Your cat may also need specialized diagnostic tests, such as:  

• X-rays

• An ultrasound exam

• Endoscopy

• Surgery

• Tissue biopsies

Treating a Cat Who Is Vomiting Blood

Cats that are vomiting blood may need intravenous (IV) fluids or blood transfusions to stabilize their condition. Sometimes endoscopy or surgery may be needed to stop the bleeding.

Treatment for blood in cat vomit will focus on the underlying problem.

For example, cats that have ingested an anticoagulant rodenticide will be given vitamin K, whereas a bleeding tumor in the intestine will be surgically removed.

Vets may also give your cat medications to reduce stomach acid secretions, coat ulcers, or stabilize blood clots. These medications include:

• Famotidine

• Omeprazole

• Sucralfate

• Cerenia®

How Can You Prevent a Cat From Vomiting Blood?

Unfortunately, you may not always be able to prevent your cat from vomiting blood.

However, there are a few things you can do to keep your cat safe, such as:

• Block access to foreign materials that can be ingested including chemicals and poisons—Use closed trash cans or put them out of your cat’s reach; pick up strings and other toys that have small parts that could become ingested and cause a blockage or GI tear.

• Provide proper dental care—Most veterinarians advocate for yearly anesthetic dental cleanings in addition to daily teeth brushing.

• Seek veterinary care at the onset of any vomiting—Persistent vomiting can lead to esophageal and stomach erosion leading to bleeding.

• Be aware of the side effects and potential risks of any medications given to your cat and if noted, speak with your veterinarian about stopping them.

• Keep your cat indoors—This can limit her risk of contracting life-threatening conditions and drastically reduces heatstroke, snake bites, and insect bites/stings.