I have never had this with any of my cats, so I dont think it would be common for blood to be in it?
This is a new cat, he was living as stray untill 3 weeks ago, when I took him on. He is very scared and hides most of the day, only going about the house on a night . And another problem, he is that big I dont think I would get him into a cat box, He's easily an 8-9 kg cat.
Well, as for how commonplace it is, I can only report what vets and vet nurses have told me (and we've spoken to quite a few). Despite having had this a number of times, Dot's had no lasting probs... even the diarrhoea has gone now.
Re boxes, there are boxes big enough for very large cats. I bought mine at the vets - it's an open cage-y type thing. I was looking around PaH yesterday and they have carriers in all sizes - you could even get a small dog carrier. The cage type is much easier to get the cat into, as it is top-opening and this is much less stressful for Dot. She also seems to like being able to see all around. Team Svartalfheims have big NFCs, they might be able to offer some advice.
If the whole vet experience is too much for Oliver, they could come to him... no doubt it'll cost and arm and a leg though.
C.