Fresh blood in stool - recent remission - diet?

[Mandy and Bradley]

Hi guys,

(I just accidentally posted this over in the PZI forum but I thought it would do better here.)

I just posted a few days ago that my kitty, Bradley, was recently in remission. He's been doing great but today I noticed some blood in his stool (fresh blood) and a piece of grass in it. (He must have gotten the grass from this fake plant I have.) I have two other cats so I can't be 100% sure it was his, but by the way it was on the rug (the other two never do that and always go in the pan), I think it was his.

Anyway, could it be the Fancy Feast? He was on the better quality food before I switched him over to FF back in April. Could it be the byproducts in it? I was worried about the FF because I know it has a lot of that stuff in it, but he has been doing great sugar-wise on it. He has become diabetic-free on it so I really hope that's not it. Any ideas? Do I just wait and see if it happens again? He seems fine and is eating normally and everything. He doesn't seem sick.

(He hasn't had any dry food at all. Should he be eating some dry? I'd be afraid his diabetes comes back. Could the FF possibly not be providing enough fiber? I'm lost.

 

[Julia & Bandit (GA)]

I'd say the blood in the stool is more likely from him eating the plastic grass then FF.

And do not feed dry again! Being in remission does not mean the diabetes is gone, it' means he's no longer insulin dependent. He will always be diabetic, which means he needs a low carb wet diet for the rest of his life.

 

[Mandy and Bradley]

But I was thinking that's why he was eating the grass? Maybe his stomach was upset (which is causing the bleeding) and then went for the grass?

If it's contipation, is there a good amount of fiber in wet such as FF for them to have healthy bowels?

 

[Julia & Bandit (GA)]

LOL, you may be right! But I was thinking that's why he was eating the grass? Maybe his stomach was upset (which is causing the bleeding) and then went for the grass?

I'm confused...is the grass real grass or plastic grass?

 

[Mandy and Bradley]

No, you were right; it's that fake plasticy stuff. I noticed he goes to eat it sometimes and everytime i see him do that, it makes me wonder if he isn't feeling well. He probably thinks it's real grass.

 

[Julia & Bandit (GA)]

I've fed Bandit FF for years, with no problems. Foods with byproducts aren't ideal, but they are fine and cats do perfectly well eating them. Take a look at this article: http://catinfo.org/?link=cannedfoods#By-products

Is he showing any other signs of not feeling well? Vomiting? Lethargy?

 

[Mandy and Bradley]

I've fed Bandit FF for years, with no problems. Foods with byproducts aren't ideal, but they are fine and cats do perfectly well eating them. Take a look at this article: http://catinfo.org/?link=cannedfoods#By-products

Is he showing any other signs of not feeling well? Vomiting? Lethargy?

No, he seems fine. He just ate a bit ago. Maybe I will wait and see if it happens again? If it does, I guess I would need to call the vet.

 

[Julia & Bandit (GA)]

No, you were right; it's that fake plasticy stuff. I noticed he goes to eat it sometimes and everytime i see him do that, it makes me wonder if he isn't feeling well. He probably thinks it's real grass.

Oh boy. Who knows why he wants to eat it? Sometimes I really wish I could hear my cat's internal monologue.

I would move the plant to an area where he can't get at it. If he's acting fine my guess is that the plastic caused bleeding in his rectum and he should be fine at his next bm. If he's acting sick or if his next bm has blood in it, too, you should take him to the vet.

 

[Mandy and Bradley]

Thank you for your help!

 

[Vicky & Gandalf (GA) & Murrlin]

But I was thinking that's why he was eating the grass? Maybe his stomach was upset (which is causing the bleeding) and then went for the grass?

If it's contipation, is there a good amount of fiber in wet such as FF for them to have healthy bowels?

Fiber is not necessary for cats to have good BMs and a healthy digestive tract! That is a fallacy propagated by the pet food industry which makes more money when their food is filled with "fiber," like grains.

Cats need species appropriate food, which is meat. Please read Dr. Lisa's website http://www.Catinfo.org

Blood in stool can also be caused by stress. If he is going outside the box occasionally, there may be something in his environment which is upsetting him. It may be as simple as being bullied by another cat or by moving furniture.

If he wants to eat grass, the best thing to do is get some kitty greens from the pet store and grow them for him. It is not harmful to them. And I second the recommendation that if he seems uncomfortable or strains to poop, he needs to be seen by a vet. Eating a plastic plant is ingesting a foreign object which can rupture bowel walls.