Blood when kitten poos

[soozejukes]

We have had our 2 rescue kittens for 2 weeks and I have noticed that occasionally there are spots of bright red blood in the litter after one of the kittens has pooed. They are approx. 13 week old brothers and I think it is the biggest (and very timid) of the two who is doing it. We see him drink water everyday and he likes the Hills science plan dried food more than the wet food whereas his brother eats mainly the wet food. His poo does not seem overly hard but as this has happened a few times now I am starting to worry. What could be causing it and does it need a trip to the vets? They have had their vaccinations and worming tablets (milbemax). They are eating well and are fine in themselves and not showing any signs of distress when using the litter tray.

I think I'd vet him/them myself - and see if you can collect a sample of the fresh poo to take with you to the vets in case they want to analyse it. I'd have thought some intestinal infection or parasite but your vet will be able to see if there's any problem.

(How long did the rescue say they'd look after problems for you with their vet? Some will do it for a shortish while.)

Thanks for such a quick reply.

I've got the poo that I've just collected but will that be too old by tomorrow?

Got a months free petplan insurance but don't think that'll cover it.

Just been quoted £26 to see the vet plus medications if required - does that sound reasonable? It's with the same vets hat the rescue centre used and where I took them for next dose of worming tablets last week. They weighed them whilst we were there. If its an infection or parasite can this be passed between them as they use the same bowls and litter tray?

You can see later on if the insurance will cover it I guess.

£26 sounds OK to me - it's about the cost of a consultation with my own vet or maybe a bit less. I'd chill and take the current poo if that's all you've got - but you may get some fresher by tomorrow to take in its stead which would probably be better. If you have it!

As to transmission? Well that depends what it is. In theory, they could both have something if it's an infection/parasite and as you did say that you only thought you knew which kitten it was, and they're only little, I'd pop them both in the carrier and take them.

Let us know how you get on.

PS - it's possible that it might be due to some food intolerance. The vet will advise you though.

Taken them to the vets. Temperatures ok and gained weight (200g+ each) since last week. Given them a different wormer for next 3 days just as a precaution. Vet not too concerned just told to keep an eye on them and see how they are in a week. It's definitely the larger kitten who's doing it.

Well finished course of second wormer Panacur today and still have blood in poo. Not sure what to do now. Will it take a few days for treatment to work if it is parasites? Didn't expect to have problems so soon...

The vet did say to wait a week didn't he? (And it's only been two days.) If you're concerned, why not give the practice a quick buzz tomorrow morning if they're open to check. (Many vets are open on Saturday morning.)

Is he still fine in other ways?

Yes seems ok in himself thanks. Will wait but just wondered if anyone had any experience of this and if it cleared up or got a diagnosis?

Vet prescribed it more as a precaution as this type of worm (gardia) could be spread to humans and have a child.

Mentioned polyps but too small to be examined. Can't see it being a food intolerance as still on same food that they've always been on and he's a lot bigger and heavier than his brother.

Someone else may have experience - and there are vets who post here who may comment. I can see that you're concerned though, so why not give the vet a buzz tomorrow morning. Better that than worrying all weekend.