Dark red/brown marks on the floor

Sumire
Sumire Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone,

Sorry to bother you, especially if I've posted this in the wrong section, but I'd really like your opinion.

Last night, I found some dark red/brown marks on my wooden floor. It looked a bit like dried blood, but it wasn't there earlier in the evening (it must have happened between 10pm and midnight). I know my cat was in that spot at some point, but I didn't see what he was doing. That said, I didn't hear anything either (and I promise you, I would have heard even a sneeze, as it's enough to wake me up when I'm sleeping).

I've seen these kinds of marks before, but they were much smaller and there were fewer of them. And that was several months ago now.

I can't help but wonder if it's coming from my cat. The thing is, I have no idea what it could be, or what I should be checking for or keeping an eye on? :/

Other than that, he's eating and drinking normally, and I haven't noticed anything odd in his litter tray (wee and poo every day). His behaviour hasn't changed; he's still playing, coming for cuddles, etc.

Also, I can't see any traces of blood on him, or any visible injuries.

I called the vet this morning, and they aren't sure what it could be, other than maybe cystitis (but wouldn't that be more like drops rather than a stain?), a very heavy sneeze (but I didn't hear anything?), or fleas (but he doesn't go outside).

The only little thing I've noticed since last night is that his eye is "watering". It's only slight, but there was a watery drop under his eye (once last night, and once just now). I don't suppose there's a connection, is there?

Anyway, thanks for reading, and if you have any ideas, or can just let me know if you think it's likely to be from the cat or not...

Translated from French
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10 answers
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    • ThaiLuna
    Thailuna Icon representing the flag French
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    If they are small brown marks, it could be tear staining. It's quite common in flat-faced Persians. Even if the tears are clear, they 'oxidise' and turn brown.

    Do you think this is normal for the Bengal breed? My cat's eyes are watering a lot... and I'm finding several brownish stains on my white worktop every morning.

    Thanks

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    ThaiLuna
    Thailuna Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi everyone, I’m having the same issue with my Bengal. For a while now, I’ve been noticing brownish stains on my white worktop every morning. She’s leaving quite a few of them, not just one or two... I know it used to be my windows, where she spends most of her time, that would get covered in sticky drops that were really hard to scrub off. But I don’t think she was doing it as much then as she is now... I suspect it's eye discharge, but is it normal for their eyes to water this much? That’s my question.

    Does anyone know if Bengals are more prone to this?

    Thanks in advance for your help!

     

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    ProvetoJuniorConseil
    Provetojuniorconseil Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there,

    If you're finding dark red or brown spots on the floor, it could indeed be blood. It's possible your cat is bleeding due to cystitis, but you'd normally see other signs as well, such as more frequent trips back and forth to the litter tray. It could also be coming from their stools if they're too dry, so it's worth checking their poo when you change the litter. It could even be something like a torn claw. 

    I'd definitely recommend seeing a vet about it.

    Have a good day, 

    Chloé

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    G
    Goumette Icon representing the flag French
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    Nothing to do with fleas!....

    It’s a shame the vet's answer wasn’t posted. It could have helped other people

    whose cats are suffering from the same issue. Mine, as it happens!

    Translated from French
    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Evening, while reading through your post looking for answers for my cat, I’ve realised it’s actually flea dirt!
    Translated from French
    Sumire
    Sumire Icon representing the flag French
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    Hmm, yeah, I see. Thing is, these aren't really droplets... And was she doing that every day, or at least fairly regularly? Yeah, personally the stains are completely odourless :/ That's the bit that's puzzling me as well.
    Translated from French
    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    The drops were a very dark brown (I actually thought it was blood at first, but it wasn't) and I had to scrub to get them off. It happened once on the floor tiles and once on... me. The vet told me it usually has a really strong smell, but I must admit I didn't think to check at the time. I've no idea what causes full anal glands, but the vet expressed what was left of the 'fluid' and my girl hasn't had any more issues since.
    Translated from French
    Sumire
    Sumire Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi, Thanks to both of you for your replies! I'm still not 100% sure if it's actually 'blood' as such (it just reminds me of it). His stools are normal, and it didn't happen right after he’d been to his litter tray... in any case, there’s no sign of any blood in the tray itself. Diet-wise, he’s on a mixed diet several times a week (mostly dry food, but I’m giving him wet food more and more often). He seems to be drinking well too, and I’m thinking of getting him a little water fountain soon as well. Regarding worms, he’s wormed every 4 months; the last time was on 16th May. Perhaps I should do it again? @Mypearl: did the droplets turn into 'dried-in' stains on the floor, or was it something liquid/a bit thick? What surprises me is that the marks are... very dry, have no smell, and seem to be dried-on every time... What causes impacted anal glands?
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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there, as Celdric mentioned, a trip to the vet would be a good idea; there are so many possible causes that only a vet will be able to properly diagnose. In the meantime, keep an eye on your kitty to try and work out where these spots are coming from. My girl did the same thing last year—it was actually spurts of dark reddish-brown droplets. After the vet checked her over, it turned out her anal glands were just too full.
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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there,

    It might be that your cat has some bleeding in his stools. Did he drop a little bit of residue that was sticking to his bum shortly after having a poo?

    If you're unsure, keep an eye on his poo to see if there’s any blood in it. It’s not the end of the world, but it does need sorting out. It could be caused by a diet that’s too dry, so you should make sure he’s drinking enough: try a water fountain or mixing in some wet food. It could also be due to worms—is he wormed regularly? Or it might be bacterial, so a quick trip to the vet wouldn't hurt.

    Kind regards

    Translated from French

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