Cat and I both have mucous in stools?

Question

My cat and I both have very mucusy stools sometimes they have very small specks of blood in the mucus, I was getting seriously concerned about cancer I still am, but my cat recently had diarreah in my room.. and I noticed while cleaning it, her stool was mucousy and pretty much just like mine.It had a speck of blood in it, mine occasionally do too

Mine has been going on for a couple weeks now and I just had a negative fecal occult blood test.

Why on earth would we both have this? Could it be related or just a coincidence

Cheers,

P.S I am going into doctors and taking her to vets asap.

Answer 1

why don't you get your own stool to sit and stop sharing the cats

Answer 2

Mucous is a clear, white, or yellowish jelly-like substance. It assists to protect the inner lining of the intestine and helps ease the passage of stool. It is normal to excrete some mucous for this reason with a movement, but generally it should not be easily visible.

There are a number of reasons why mucous may appear in stools. Generally it indicates an inflammation of the intestines.



Irritable Bowel Syndrome

In IBS, an increase in mucous production sometimes occurs and then is passed in bowel movements, especially with diarrhea-predominant IBS. Often episodes are caused by diet. Common aggravators include fat, eggs, dairy products, spicy foods and coffee, so elimination of these one at a time can help you identify which are the problem ones. Avoid a food for 20 – 30 days, then try it to see if you get an adverse reaction. Lack of fiber is often associated with IBS, so gradually increase the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and bran in your diet and consider fiber supplements.



Ulcerative Colitis

The mucous membrane of the epithelium lining of large intestine becomes inflamed, in this condition. Ultimately, ulcers develop and start bleeding. This results in an increased production of mucous and therefore also increasing the amount of mucous excreted by the body.



Crohn's Diseases

Mucous production is not as highly associated with Crohn's Disease, but may be apparent. Other symptoms include abdominal pain, often in the lower right area, and diarrhea. Rectal bleeding, weight loss, arthritis, skin problems, and fever may also occur. Bleeding may be serious and persistent, leading to anemia.



Cystic Fybrosis

This condition often includes symptoms of coughing or wheezing, frequent chest and sinus infections with recurring pneumonia or bronchitis, chronic diarrhea, prolonged jaundice, prolapsed r****m, salty skin and oily, mucousy stools.



Bacterial of Parasitic Infections

Bacterial infections, such as those from Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella and Yersinia can also cause mucous in the stool.



Yeast Infection (candida)

Much more common in women then men, candida commonly causes itching in the genital area, pain when urinating and a thick vaginal discharge as well as potentially being a cause for mucous in the stool. Grapefruit Seed Extract, Oregano Oil, Caprylic Acid or Colloidal Silver are all possible natural remedies that can be tried to aid in relief of yeast infections. Try a single remedy for about 30 days to gauge it's effectiveness. Making yogurt part of your regular diet will help prevent future infections from setting in.



Bowel Obstruction

The passage of mucous may occur in the case of bowel obstruction. Additionally, constipation, severe cramps, abdominal distention, and vomiting are associated with this condition.



Diet Related

Another source of mucous in stools includes bacterial overgrowth and food allergies and sensitivities, often easily corrected with dietary changes and supplements. With bacterial overgrowth, bloating and gas usually worsen after eating any sugar including in foods such as bread, pasta, rye, rice, or milk (lactose being a type of sugar). In contrast, people with food allergies and sensitivities react to specific foods.

In the instance of the mucous being diet related, it's a wise idea to increase water intake and herbal can be used to sooth the irritated intestine. Slippery elm, marsh mallow or a teaspoon of finely ground flaxseed stirred into a cup of hot water are good natural remedies.

In all instances, it is recommended you check with a doctor before self treating.

Dogs with colitis will have mucous in their stools. Collitis is irritation of the intestine and can be caused by a range of things from a change in diet or consumption of a large amount of indigestible fibre like grass, to parasites like whipworm or protozoan parasites. There are also some more serious ailments that case this so if it is a permanent rather than intermitant problem then I would recommend a visit to your vet.

It is very good to educate yourself before you go to the doctor

Here is a forum on mucous and blood and stool

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/478294

Answer 3

Glad to hear you're going to the doctors - make sure you take a stool sample with you for testing. Do the same for your cat. Do you share your leftovers with your cat?

Good Luck hope its nothing serious.

Answer 4

the m.ost likely explanation is worms. my dogs used to have that problem

Answer 5

its good that your going to the docs AND taking ya cat to the vet :)

it could be just coincidence, but Id mention it to both ya doc, and her vet, just in case. There arent many diseases that carry over from human to feline that show up with the same symptoms..so could u do me a fave and post anything you may find out (if its not to personal of course)

I have cats, and its always good to learn something new :)

Answer 6

There could be a chemical in the air that is causing this.

Answer 7

It could be a few things, maybe your both eating similar foods and your giving the cat your scraps, the food could be contaminated. It could be something else, such as worms, tape worm or parasites which animals can spread to people if in close contact. It could be a virus, or you may both happen to have a vitamin deficiency.

See a doctor, get some tests done, such as blood test, full colonoscopy, X rays.

The vet will probably have similar tests for the cat.

You may want to tell both the vet and the doctor that the cat is sharing your symptoms.