Finding blood in your cat’s stool can be alarming. In some cases, it may be caused by a minor issue, while in others, it could be a sign of a serious health condition. Blood may appear as bright red streaks or as black, tarry stool. The way the blood looks often provides important clues about the source of the problem. Understanding these signs, along with the possible causes and treatments, can help you protect your cat’s health and know when urgent veterinary care is required.
Quick Overview:
Blood in a cat’s stool can be seen in two main ways. Fresh, bright red blood (hematochezia) usually indicates bleeding from the colon or rectum, while black, tarry stool (melena) suggests digested blood originating from the stomach or small intestine. Both conditions should be taken seriously. Immediate veterinary care is needed if your cat passes black/tarry stool, large amounts of blood, or shows additional symptoms such as vomiting, severe diarrhea, lethargy, pale gums, or loss of appetite. Kittens, senior cats, and those with existing health problems are at greater risk and should be seen right away.
What Does Bloody Poop in Cats Look Like?
Bloody stool in cats can have different appearances depending on where the bleeding originates. Bright red streaks, drops, or jelly-like clots mixed with stool usually point to bleeding from the lower gastrointestinal tract, typically the colon or rectum. This type of bleeding is called hematochezia. In contrast, black, sticky, coffee-ground-like stool suggests that the blood has been digested higher up in the gastrointestinal tract, such as in the stomach or small intestine. This is known as melena and is often more serious.
Although these visual signs can give some indication of the problem, they never replace a veterinary examination.
Quick Reference Table
| Appearance | Likely Source | How Serious? | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bright red streaks/drops | Colon/rectum (lower GI) | Mild to serious | Call your vet; same day if persistent or with other signs |
| Black, tarry stool | Stomach/small intestine (upper GI) | Often urgent | See a vet immediately |
| Mucus + red blood | Colitis, IBD, parasites common | Varies | Vet exam; stool tests recommended |
How Serious Is Blood in a Cat’s Stool?
Some cases of blood in stool may be mild, such as those caused by a sudden diet change or minor inflammation of the intestines. However, there are situations where bloody stool is a sign of a life-threatening condition. Melena, large amounts of blood, frequent episodes, or the presence of additional symptoms like vomiting, weakness, fever, loss of appetite, or pale gums often indicate ulcers, poisoning, clotting disorders, or severe infections. The seriousness of the problem is determined by the color, amount, and frequency of the blood, as well as your cat’s overall health.
When to Contact a Vet
You should contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat passes black, tarry stool, or if there is a significant amount of blood. Blood accompanied by vomiting, fever, lethargy, dehydration, or pale gums should also be treated as urgent. Cats that are very young, elderly, or already have health problems are especially vulnerable and must be seen quickly. In addition, persistent diarrhea, constipation lasting longer than 24–48 hours, ribbon-thin stool, or repeated straining to defecate all warrant veterinary attention.
Types of Blood in Cat Stool
Hematochezia (Bright Red Blood)
Hematochezia refers to fresh, bright red blood that originates from the lower gastrointestinal tract, usually the colon or rectum. It is commonly seen with conditions such as colitis, parasitic infections, constipation, anal fissures, polyps, or irritation caused by dietary changes.
Melena (Black, Tarry Stool)
Melena is black, sticky, tar-like stool caused by digested blood from the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as the stomach or small intestine. It is typically associated with ulcers, inflammation, tumors, swallowed blood, or foreign bodies. This form is considered more urgent and requires immediate veterinary care.
Common Causes of Blood in Cat Stool
Colitis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Colitis, or inflammation of the colon, is one of the most frequent causes of blood in stool. Cats with colitis often pass soft feces mixed with blood and mucus. Chronic cases are often linked to inflammatory bowel disease, a long-term condition that disrupts nutrient absorption and causes recurring bloody stools.
Dietary Indiscretion or Sudden Diet Changes
Cats have sensitive digestive systems, and sudden changes in food or consumption of inappropriate items can irritate the intestines. This irritation may lead to inflammation, resulting in fresh blood in the stool.
Intestinal Parasites
Parasites such as hookworms, coccidia, and Giardia damage the lining of the intestines, causing bleeding. Even indoor cats are at risk, as eggs and larvae can be brought inside on shoes, soil, or insects.
Bacterial and Viral Infections
Infections can also cause bloody stools. Viral diseases such as feline panleukopenia or severe bacterial infections inflame the gastrointestinal lining, leading to blood and diarrhea. These conditions often require urgent veterinary treatment.
Constipation, Anal Fissures, and Polyps
Cats that strain during bowel movements may develop anal fissures, which are small tears that bleed. Similarly, rectal polyps can bleed during defecation, causing visible streaks of red blood in the stool.
Toxins and Medications
Some toxins and medications, especially NSAIDs and corticosteroids, can erode the stomach and intestinal lining, leading to ulcers and internal bleeding. Cats are extremely sensitive to human medications, making accidental ingestion particularly dangerous.
Foreign Bodies and Tumors
Foreign objects that are swallowed may cause internal injury, resulting in bleeding. Likewise, tumors in the gastrointestinal tract, whether benign or malignant, can damage tissues and cause persistent blood in stool.
Clotting Disorders
Clotting disorders, sometimes caused by rodenticide ingestion or platelet abnormalities, make even small injuries bleed excessively. Cats with clotting problems may show blood in stool along with other unusual bleeding.
Stress-Related Colitis
Cats are sensitive to stress, and emotional triggers such as moving homes or changes in routine can lead to stress colitis. This condition often results in loose stools mixed with mucus and fresh red blood.
Symptoms to Watch For
Diarrhea and Constipation
Changes in bowel habits often accompany bloody stools. Cats may have frequent loose stools or may struggle with constipation. Both can cause irritation and bleeding.
Mucus in Stool and Straining
The presence of mucus alongside blood often points to colitis or parasitic infections. Straining, or tenesmus, is also common and can worsen rectal irritation.
Vomiting and Appetite Loss
Bloody stool is frequently accompanied by vomiting, reduced appetite, or unexplained weight loss, suggesting that the digestive system is not functioning properly.
Lethargy and Fever
A cat that seems unusually tired or develops a fever may be fighting infection or systemic illness. Combined with blood in stool, these signs should be taken seriously.
Pale Gums and Weakness
Significant or repeated blood loss can cause anemia, which often shows as pale gums, fatigue, or weakness.
Behavioral Changes and Pain
Cats often hide signs of illness. Behavioral changes such as avoiding contact, hiding, or showing discomfort when touched around the abdomen may indicate pain or internal disease.
What Tests Are Needed?
When a cat is examined for blood in stool, veterinarians may use several diagnostic tests. Fecal testing can detect parasites or infections, while an occult blood test identifies hidden blood not visible to the naked eye. Bloodwork, including complete blood counts and clotting profiles, can reveal anemia, infection, or clotting problems. Imaging tests such as X-rays or ultrasounds may be needed to detect tumors, foreign bodies, or intestinal abnormalities. In chronic or unexplained cases, endoscopy or colonoscopy with biopsies may be performed.
Treatment Options for Blood in Cat Stool
Parasite Control
If parasites are identified, cats are treated with appropriate dewormers or antiprotozoal medications. Follow-up tests are often required to confirm complete elimination.
Managing Infections
For bacterial or viral infections, treatment often involves supportive care, including fluids to prevent dehydration, anti-nausea medications, and gastrointestinal protectants to soothe the digestive tract.
Treating Colitis and IBD
Cats diagnosed with colitis or IBD are usually placed on specialized diets, supplemented with probiotics, and may receive anti-inflammatory medications. These conditions often require long-term management.
Relief for Constipation and Anal Fissures
Constipation and anal fissures are treated by improving hydration, adding dietary fiber, and using stool softeners. Pain relief may also be provided when necessary.
Ulcers and Melena
Ulcers that cause melena are treated with gastrointestinal protectants and by addressing the underlying cause, such as stopping harmful medications or treating infections. Severe cases require urgent veterinary care.
Foreign Bodies and Tumors
When a foreign object or tumor is responsible, surgery or endoscopy may be necessary to remove the source of bleeding and restore normal digestive function.
⚠️ Important: Human medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen are highly toxic to cats and should never be given.
Home Care While Waiting for a Vet Appointment
If you have a veterinary appointment scheduled, you can provide supportive care at home. Offering a bland, vet-approved diet such as boiled chicken and rice can ease digestive irritation. Hydration is essential, so provide wet food, fresh water, or cat-safe broth. Keeping a stool diary or photos helps your vet track the changes. If you own multiple cats, isolate the one showing symptoms until parasites are ruled out.
Prevention Tips
Vaccinations
Up-to-date vaccinations, particularly against feline panleukopenia, help prevent infectious causes of bloody stools.
Parasite Prevention
Year-round parasite control, along with regular fecal testing, reduces the risk of intestinal worms and protozoal infections.
Dietary Consistency
Cats thrive on stable diets. Sudden changes in food should always be introduced gradually to avoid upsetting the digestive system.
Stress Reduction
Providing safe spaces, enrichment, and a predictable routine helps reduce stress colitis and related gastrointestinal issues.
Avoiding Unsafe Medications
Never give cats unprescribed medications, particularly NSAIDs or aspirin, as these can cause ulcers and internal bleeding.
Routine Veterinary Care
Regular check-ups allow vets to catch health problems early, especially in kittens and senior cats who are more vulnerable to digestive illness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a little blood in my cat’s stool an emergency?
A single streak of blood may not be urgent, but if it recurs, is heavy, or appears as black/tarry stool, veterinary care is needed—especially if your cat seems unwell.
2. Can stress cause blood in a cat’s stool?
Yes. Stress-related colitis can cause mucus and fresh red blood in the stool, often after changes in the household or routine.
3. What is the difference between hematochezia and melena?
Hematochezia is fresh, bright red blood from the lower gastrointestinal tract. Melena is black, tarry stool caused by digested blood from the stomach or small intestines.
4. What tests will my vet run?
Typical tests include fecal parasite screening, antigen or PCR panels, bloodwork, imaging (X-rays, ultrasound), and sometimes endoscopy or biopsy.
5. Can indoor cats get parasites?
Typical tests include fecal parasite screening, antigen or PCR panels, bloodwork, imaging (X-rays, ultrasound), and sometimes endoscopy or biopsy.
6. How do I tell melena from normal dark stool?
Melena is usually very dark, sticky, and tar-like with a strong, unusual odor. If you’re unsure, save a stool sample and contact your vet.
Final Call to Action
If you are seeing blood in your cat’s stool, don’t wait and hope the problem resolves on its own. Schedule a veterinary visit as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can make the difference between a quick recovery and a serious health crisis. Your cat’s well-being depends on prompt action.
