Finding blood in your cat’s stool can be alarming. Sometimes the cause is minor, such as straining during constipation, but blood in the feces can also be a sign of parasites, infection, poisoning or serious illness. It always deserves a call to your vet.
What Does Blood in the Stool Look Like?
- Bright red blood or streaks (hematochezia) usually comes from the lower part of the digestive tract: the colon, rectum or anus. It may be mixed with mucus.
- Black, tarry stools (melena) usually mean bleeding higher up in the digestive tract, such as the stomach or small intestine, where the blood has been digested. This is often more serious.
Take a photo of the stool, and if possible, collect a fresh sample in a clean container for your vet.
Possible Causes
- constipation and straining, which can cause small tears in the lining of the rectum (read more about constipation in cats);
- diarrhea and colitis (inflammation of the colon), for example after a sudden diet change or from stress (read more about diarrhea in cats);
- intestinal parasites, such as worms, coccidia or Giardia (read more about worms in cats);
- infections, such as feline panleukopenia in unvaccinated cats;
- food intolerance or allergies;
- swallowed objects, such as bones or sharp items;
- poisoning, especially with rodent poisons, which stop blood from clotting (read more about poisoning in cats);
- anal gland problems;
- inflammatory bowel disease, polyps or tumors, which are more common in older cats;
- some medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs.
When to Call the Vet
Call your vet if you see blood in your cat’s stool. Go to a vet immediately if your cat:
- passes a large amount of blood, or black, tarry stools;
- is also vomiting, especially if there’s blood in the vomit;
- is lethargic, weak or has pale gums;
- stops eating;
- may have been exposed to rat poison or another toxin;
- is a kitten.
Your vet will ask about your cat’s diet, behavior and any other symptoms, examine your cat and may run stool tests, blood tests, X-rays or an ultrasound to find the cause. The right treatment depends on the cause.
What You Can Do
- make sure your cat has fresh water;
- don’t change your cat’s food or give treats until you’ve spoken to your vet;
- keep an eye on your cat’s litter box, appetite and energy, and note any changes;
- don’t give any human medicines or home remedies, which can make things worse.
Prevention
- deworm your cat regularly, as your vet recommends;
- change food gradually;
- keep rodent poisons, medicines and small objects out of reach;
- keep your cat’s vaccinations up to date;
- help your cat stay hydrated and regular with wet food and plenty of water.
