Cat Poop with Blood: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention

If you’re like most cat parents, keeping tabs on your cat’s bathroom habits is probably not your favorite part of the job. But whether you’re scooping the litter box or simply checking for cleanliness, one thing you definitely don’t want to see is blood in your cat’s poop. It’s alarming, to say the least, and can immediately trigger worries about your cat’s health.

While blood in cat poop can sometimes point to serious medical conditions, there are many potential causes—some minor, others requiring swift veterinary care. This guide will break down why you might be seeing blood in your cat’s stool, how to treat the problem, and what steps you can take to prevent it in the future.

What Does Blood in Cat Poop Look Like?

Before diving into the possible causes, let’s talk about what you might actually see in the litter box. Blood in cat poop can vary depending on its source within the digestive system. Here are the main types of bloody stools you might encounter:

• Bright red blood (Hematochezia): This indicates that the blood is fresh and likely comes from the lower digestive tract, such as the colon or rectum. It may appear as streaks of red on the surface of the poop or even in small droplets.
• Dark, tarry blood (Melena): Dark, sticky, or tar-like poop suggests that the blood has been digested and comes from the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, such as the stomach or small intestines. Melena often looks like coffee grounds and can be harder to notice, especially in darker-colored poop.

In either case, bloody stools are a sign that something’s not quite right, so it’s important to pay attention and take action. But before you panic, let’s look at some common causes for blood in cat poop.

Common Causes of Blood in Cat Poop

Blood in your cat’s stool can result from a wide range of issues, some more concerning than others. Here are the most frequent culprits.

1. Dietary Indiscretion or Allergies

If your cat has recently eaten something unusual—whether they’ve raided the garbage, sampled human food, or been given a new type of cat food—their digestive system might be rebelling. A sudden change in diet or food allergies can irritate the intestines, leading to inflammation and bloody stools.

Signs to watch for:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea (with or without blood)
• A bloated or gurgling stomach

In these cases, the blood is usually bright red, indicating it’s from the lower part of the digestive tract, and may resolve once the irritant is removed from your cat’s diet.

2. Colitis

Colitis refers to inflammation of the colon and is a common cause of bloody stools in cats. Colitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, bacterial infections, parasites, or an underlying inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Cats with colitis often pass small amounts of stool frequently, which may be accompanied by mucus or bright red blood.

Signs to watch for:

• Frequent trips to the litter box
• Straining to poop
• Loose stools with mucus or blood

Colitis can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term), depending on the underlying cause. While mild cases may resolve on their own, chronic colitis requires veterinary treatment to identify and manage the root issue.

3. Constipation

While it might seem counterintuitive, constipation can also cause blood in your cat’s stool. When a cat is constipated, they may strain excessively to pass hard, dry stools. This straining can irritate the rectum and cause small tears, leading to bright red blood streaks in or on the poop.

Signs to watch for:

• Hard, dry stools
• Straining in the litter box
• Infrequent bowel movements

Mild constipation can often be managed with dietary changes, increased water intake, and adding fiber to your cat’s diet. However, severe or chronic constipation may need veterinary attention.

4. Intestinal Parasites

Parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms can cause bloody stools in cats. These invaders latch onto the intestinal walls, leading to irritation, inflammation, and sometimes small amounts of bleeding. In some cases, you might even spot worms in your cat’s poop alongside the blood (which is a double dose of nightmare fuel).

Signs to watch for:

• Diarrhea or soft stools
• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• Visible worms in stool

If parasites are the cause, a simple fecal test at the vet’s office can confirm the diagnosis, and deworming medications can effectively treat the problem.

5. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

IBD is a chronic condition where the intestines become inflamed for unknown reasons, though it’s thought to be related to immune system issues or food sensitivities. Cats with IBD often have recurring episodes of diarrhea or soft stools, sometimes with blood or mucus. The condition can be tricky to manage, requiring long-term treatment with special diets, medications, and ongoing veterinary care.

Signs to watch for:

• Recurring diarrhea or soft stools
• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Vomiting

6. Trauma or Injury

Sometimes, the cause of blood in your cat’s poop is external trauma. If your cat has injured its anus or rectum—whether from excessive licking, straining, or even a foreign object—it may result in small amounts of fresh blood. These injuries usually resolve with time but should be monitored to prevent infection.

Signs to watch for:

• Licking or biting at the rear end
• Straining to poop
• Sudden appearance of blood without other symptoms

7. Intestinal Tumors or Cancer

While rare, intestinal tumors or cancer can cause blood in cat poop, especially in older cats. Tumors in the digestive tract can lead to ulcers, bleeding, and blockages, causing dark, tarry stools (melena) or fresh blood in the stool. Early detection is key, so if your older cat has persistent bloody stools along with other worrying signs, a vet visit is essential.

Signs to watch for:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Vomiting

8. Infections (Bacterial or Viral)

Bacterial infections, such as salmonella or E. coli, can cause bloody diarrhea in cats, as can certain viral infections like feline panleukopenia. Infected cats may also have symptoms like fever, vomiting, and severe dehydration. In these cases, bloody stools are often a sign that your cat’s gut is inflamed or ulcerated.

Signs to watch for:

• Sudden onset of diarrhea (often watery or bloody)
• Fever
• Lethargy
• Vomiting

Infections can be serious and require prompt veterinary treatment, especially if your cat shows signs of dehydration or weakness.

What to Do if You Find Blood in Your Cat’s Poop

Discovering blood in your cat’s stool can be unsettling, but it’s important to stay calm and follow these steps:

1. Assess the Situation

Take note of your cat’s overall behavior and health. Is your cat eating, drinking, and playing as usual, or do they seem lethargic or in pain? Mild, one-off instances of blood in the stool may not be cause for immediate alarm, but any additional symptoms—such as vomiting, weight loss, or loss of appetite—should prompt a trip to the vet.

2. Check the Type of Blood

Examine the poop (yes, it’s gross, but necessary!). Is the blood bright red or dark and tarry? Fresh blood usually points to an issue in the lower GI tract, while dark, digested blood can indicate a problem higher up in the digestive system. This information will help your vet narrow down potential causes.

3. Monitor for Changes

If your cat is acting normally and you’ve only seen a small amount of blood, it might be okay to monitor them for the next 24-48 hours. However, if the bloody stools continue or worsen, or if your cat starts displaying other signs of illness, it’s time to schedule a vet visit.

4. Visit the Vet

If the blood in your cat’s poop persists, you’ll need to take them to the vet for a thorough examination. The vet will likely perform a physical exam, take a stool sample, and possibly run blood tests or imaging studies to determine the cause. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include medications, dietary changes, or more intensive interventions.

Treating Bloody Stools in Cats

The treatment for blood in your cat’s poop depends on the underlying cause. Here’s a breakdown of common treatments based on different diagnoses:

• Dietary changes: If food allergies, sensitivities, or dietary indiscretions are causing the issue, your vet may recommend switching to a bland diet or a hypoallergenic food. This can help soothe the intestines and reduce inflammation.

• Deworming medications: If intestinal parasites like roundworms or hookworms are to blame, a round of deworming medication will likely clear up the issue. Make sure to complete the entire course of treatment to eliminate all worms and larvae.

• Antibiotics or antivirals: In the case of bacterial or viral infections, your vet may prescribe antibiotics or antivirals to treat the infection and help your cat’s digestive system heal.

• Steroids or anti-inflammatories: For chronic conditions like IBD or colitis, anti-inflammatory medications or steroids may be prescribed to reduce gut inflammation and improve your cat’s overall comfort.

• Surgery: In more severe cases—such as if a tumor or foreign object is causing the bleeding—surgery may be required. Your vet will discuss the risks and benefits of any surgical procedures.

• Hydration and supportive care: If your cat is dehydrated from diarrhea or has lost a significant amount of blood, your vet may administer fluids or other supportive care to help them recover.

Preventing Blood in Cat Poop

While some causes of bloody stools are out of your control, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk and keep your cat’s digestive system in top shape.

1. Maintain a Consistent Diet

Sudden changes in food can upset your cat’s digestive system and lead to bloody stools. Try to keep your cat on a consistent, high-quality diet, and introduce any new foods gradually to avoid gastrointestinal upset.

2. Regular Vet Visits

Routine veterinary checkups are essential for detecting and treating potential issues before they become severe. Annual fecal exams can also catch parasites early, preventing them from wreaking havoc on your cat’s gut.

3. Prevent Parasites

Use flea prevention products and ensure your cat’s environment is clean to prevent parasitic infections. If your cat goes outdoors or is exposed to other animals, regular deworming may be necessary.

4. Encourage Hydration

Ensuring your cat stays hydrated can help prevent constipation, which can lead to bloody stools. Cats are notorious for not drinking enough water, so consider using a cat fountain or wet food to increase their water intake.

5. Minimize Stress

Stress can trigger colitis and other digestive issues in cats. Keep your cat’s environment calm, provide them with plenty of enrichment, and try to minimize major disruptions to their routine.

Conclusion

Seeing blood in your cat’s poop is never a welcome sight, but understanding the possible causes can help you respond effectively and get your cat the care they need. From diet issues to parasites, colitis, and more serious conditions like IBD or cancer, the reasons for blood in cat poop are varied—but they’re all treatable with prompt veterinary care.

If you notice blood in your cat’s stool, take note of any other symptoms, monitor their behavior, and don’t hesitate to consult your vet. With the right treatment, your cat can be back to producing clean, healthy poop in no time!