Bloody Poop in Cats: Decoding the Causes and When to Seek Vet Help

Discovering changes in your cat’s litter box habits can be a key indicator of their overall health. Consistent stool is a sign of a healthy digestive system, but deviations, especially bloody poop, warrant attention. Unless a recent dietary shift explains it, your cat’s stool should generally maintain a consistent appearance day-to-day. Healthy cat poop is typically formed or somewhat firm, brown to dark brown in color, and without an overly offensive smell or runny consistency.

When you observe something unusual, particularly blood in your cat’s stool, it could signal an underlying health issue. This symptom should never be ignored, prompting a closer look at your feline friend’s well-being.

Decoding the Appearance of Bloody Poop in Cats

The appearance of blood in cat poop can vary significantly. The color and form can provide clues about the source and severity of the issue within your cat’s digestive system. Understanding these differences is crucial for communicating effectively with your veterinarian.

Black, Tarry Stool (Melena): Black cat poop, known as melena, indicates bleeding originating higher up in the digestive tract. This includes areas like the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. As the blood travels through these parts, it undergoes partial digestion, resulting in a dark, tarry, black stool appearance.
Bright Red Blood in Stool (Hematochezia): Fresh, bright red blood in your cat’s poop, medically termed hematochezia, points to a problem in the lower digestive tract. Specifically, this type of bleeding is associated with issues in the large intestine, rectum, or anal region.
Bright Red Blood in Cat Diarrhea: When bright red blood is present in cat diarrhea, it suggests damage to blood vessels in the lower digestive tract – the large intestine, rectum, or anus – caused either by the underlying condition causing diarrhea or the diarrhea itself.
Blood from the Anus: If you notice bright red blood emanating directly from your cat’s anus, it often indicates localized issues affecting the rectum, anus, or adjacent structures. This could involve problems with the anal glands, for instance.
Blood and Mucus in Cat Poop: Increased mucus along with blood in your cat’s stool is often a sign of the large intestine reacting to irritation. The intestinal lining may produce extra mucus in an attempt to protect itself.
Watery Blood in Cat Stool: In severe cases of bloody diarrhea in cats, the stool may become predominantly watery and mixed with blood, indicating a significant issue requiring immediate attention.
Blood Clots in Cat Poop: If there is a considerable amount of blood originating from the lower digestive tract, it can sometimes form clots. These clots may appear dark red and have a gelatinous consistency in the stool.

Is Bloody Stool in Cats a Serious Concern?

Bloody poop in cats is always a cause for concern and should never be disregarded. The seriousness can vary, but it’s crucial to assess your cat’s overall condition to determine if it constitutes an emergency. If you observe any of the following signs alongside bloody stool, immediate veterinary attention is necessary:

Significant amount of blood in the stool
Pale, bluish, or deep red gums – which can indicate blood loss or poor circulation
Repeated episodes of vomiting
Severe diarrhea, particularly if it’s profuse or watery
Signs of pain, such as whimpering, hiding, or reluctance to be touched
Noticeable weakness or lethargy
Lack of energy or unusual inactivity
If your cat is very young (kitten), elderly, pregnant, or has pre-existing health issues, they are at higher risk.

Conversely, if your cat passes a very small amount of blood in their stool but otherwise seems alert, active, and behaves normally, an immediate emergency vet visit might not be required. However, close monitoring is essential. Keep a vigilant eye on their litter box habits and watch for any new symptoms. If the bloody stool persists or your cat starts showing any signs of illness, promptly schedule an appointment with your regular veterinarian.

Unpacking the Potential Causes of Bloody Poop in Cats

Numerous factors can lead to bloody stool in cats, ranging from mild to severe conditions. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment.

Diarrhea: Any condition that triggers severe or chronic diarrhea can irritate the delicate intestinal lining, leading to inflammation and bleeding.
Constipation in Cats: Conversely, hard, dry stools associated with constipation can also cause bleeding. As the stool passes, it can scrape against the walls of the rectum and anus, damaging blood vessels.
Intestinal Parasites in Cats: Certain intestinal parasites, including hookworms, Giardia, and coccidia, are known to cause bleeding in the digestive tract. These parasites can damage the intestinal lining, leading to blood in the stool.
Organ Dysfunction: Dysfunction of major organs can indirectly lead to bloody stool. Kidney disease in cats can cause ulcers in the digestive tract that bleed. Liver disease can sometimes impair blood clotting, contributing to bleeding. Organ dysfunction often also results in secondary diarrhea, which as mentioned above, can cause bloody stool.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Cats: IBD is a chronic inflammatory condition of the digestive tract. The inflammation associated with IBD can become severe, causing ulceration and bleeding in the lining of the digestive system.
Bacterial, Viral, and Fungal Infections: Various infections affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, such as feline panleukopenia and salmonellosis, can result in bloody diarrhea and stool.
Foreign Bodies in the Digestive Tract: Cats are curious creatures and sometimes ingest objects they shouldn’t. Bones or other foreign materials swallowed by a cat can cause physical damage to the digestive tract, leading to bleeding.
Cancer and Growths in the GI Tract: Both benign polyps and malignant cancers within the digestive tract can be a source of bleeding. In some cases, cancers located outside the GI tract, like mast cell tumors, can also cause gastrointestinal bleeding.
Toxins and Poisoning: Ingestion of caustic or toxic substances can erode the lining of the GI tract, leading to bleeding. Anticoagulant rodenticides (rat poison), for instance, interfere with normal blood clotting, which can manifest as bloody stool.
Medications: Certain drugs, particularly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids, can cause gastrointestinal ulcers, especially with overdosing or long-term use, and affect blood clotting, potentially resulting in bloody stool.
Stress in Cats: Stress can significantly impact a cat’s digestive system. Stress-induced colitis can lead to diarrhea, and in severe cases, stress can be a contributing factor to bloody stool.
Adverse Food Reactions: Food sensitivities, food allergies, or even a sudden change in diet can upset a cat’s digestive system and cause diarrhea, which may or may not contain blood.
Trauma: Surgery or injuries to the digestive tract itself can directly result in blood appearing in the stool.

Diagnosing the Cause of Bloody Cat Poop at the Vet

Veterinary diagnosis of bloody stool in cats starts with a thorough history and physical examination. Your detailed observations are invaluable in helping your veterinarian narrow down potential causes and decide on the most appropriate diagnostic tests. Be prepared to answer questions about:

Your cat’s complete health history, including any past illnesses, injuries, surgeries, current medications (prescription and over-the-counter), and supplements they receive.
Lifestyle factors, such as outdoor access, their regular diet, any recent dietary changes, and any recent stressful events in the household.
Detailed characteristics of the bloody stool. When did you first notice it? Has it been ongoing? Are there any other accompanying symptoms you’ve observed, like changes in appetite, vomiting, or lethargy? Are other pets in the household showing similar signs?

Following the history, the vet will perform a comprehensive physical examination of your cat. A fecal examination is a standard diagnostic test to check for intestinal parasites or bacterial imbalances. Bringing a fresh stool sample from home to your vet appointment is highly recommended, as it provides the most accurate results.

If the initial fecal exam and physical exam don’t pinpoint the cause, further diagnostic testing may be necessary. Depending on the suspected underlying issues, your veterinarian might recommend:

Complete blood cell count (CBC) and blood chemistry panel: To assess overall health, organ function, and detect signs of infection or inflammation.
Urinalysis: To evaluate kidney function and rule out urinary tract issues.
Specialized laboratory tests: Such as specific blood tests for certain infections or conditions.
X-rays (radiographs): To visualize the abdominal organs and identify potential foreign bodies or masses.
Ultrasound exam: Provides more detailed imaging of abdominal organs than X-rays.
Endoscopy: A procedure using a small camera to visualize the inside of the digestive tract directly.
Exploratory surgery: In some cases, surgery may be needed for diagnosis or treatment.
Tissue biopsies: Samples taken during endoscopy or surgery for microscopic examination to identify inflammation, infection, or cancer.

Veterinary Treatment Approaches for Blood in Cat Stool

Treatment for bloody stool in cats is tailored to the underlying cause. In cases where significant blood loss has occurred, immediate stabilization may be critical. A veterinarian might start with intravenous (IV) fluids to address dehydration and, in severe cases, a blood transfusion to replace lost blood volume.

Once stabilized, treatment focuses on resolving the underlying health problem. This may involve:

Medications to eliminate intestinal parasites (deworming medications).
Antibiotics to combat bacterial infections.
Stool softeners to alleviate constipation and make bowel movements easier.
Surgery or endoscopy to remove foreign bodies or tumors, or to stop active bleeding.

Symptomatic treatment is also often part of the plan to make your cat more comfortable while addressing the root cause. For instance, anti-diarrheal medications can help manage severe diarrhea. Probiotics might be recommended to restore a healthy balance of gut bacteria and reduce diarrhea.

Dietary adjustments are frequently recommended. Depending on the diagnosis, your veterinarian may suggest a high-fiber diet, a low-fiber diet, or a hypoallergenic food trial to manage food sensitivities or allergies.

Ultimately, your veterinarian, who is familiar with your cat’s specific situation and health history, is best equipped to determine the most appropriate and effective treatment plan. Don’t delay seeking veterinary care if you notice blood in your cat’s stool – prompt diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your cat’s health and well-being.

WRITTEN BY:

Jennifer Coates, DVM
Veterinarian