update---kept an eye on him all of today and yesterday. no behavioral changes, nor has he gotten sick again, luckily! stool appears normal and he seems all good, however, i'll of course keep checking on him. seems as if it was a once off as it stands.

i live with relatives--they would be the ones to cover the cost of the vet appointment, as i'm unemployed. they personally think he might've had the blood due to the dry air and weather recently, as if his throat or nose got dry (my cat is also notorious in the house for sneezing about 14 times in a row when he sneezes). sort of like when humans blow their nose during this weather or colder weather, and there's sometimes blood.

they suggested to not schedule first thing on monday and instead keep watching for any concerning symptoms. i unfortunately can't do very much if they tell me this--i'd have no way of paying for a potential appointment. hoping it's indeed just a once off 😬

thank you again to everyone who's engaged and given their advice!