Why Is My Cat Pooping Blood? (And What Can You Do About It?)
It’s the litter box discovery no cat parent ever wants to make—a pile of poop with blood in it. While it’s certainly alarming, don’t panic! Let’s dive into what might be causing your feline friend to leave behind a red-tinged calling card, and what you should do if you spot it.
First Things First: How to Tell If It’s Really Blood
Step one: Confirm it's actually blood. After all, your cat might have eaten something that stained their poop red (no judgment if your cat has a thing for tomato sauce or a sneaky snack off the dinner table).
But if it’s bright red and looks like fresh blood, there’s a good chance it’s hematochezia, which means blood from the lower digestive tract (such as the colon or rectum). If the blood is dark and tarry, it’s called melena, which means the blood originated higher up in the digestive tract, like the stomach.
Neither of these is normal, but each can point to different causes.
Top Causes of Bloody Cat Poop
So, why is your kitty pooping blood? Let’s look at some of the more common (and a few uncommon) reasons behind it.
1. Dietary Changes or Food Intolerance
Sometimes, a change in diet or eating something they shouldn’t have can irritate a cat's gastrointestinal (GI) tract. A sudden switch from kibble to wet food or chowing down on the dog’s dinner could lead to inflammation, causing small amounts of blood in their poop.
What to do: If you've recently changed your cat's food, consider going back to the old diet for a bit and reintroducing the new one gradually.
2. Constipation
Cats, like humans, can get constipated. When they're straining to poop, it can cause tiny tears in the rectum, leading to blood streaks in their stool.
What to do: Make sure your cat is drinking enough water (throw in a kitty water fountain for extra fun!) and eating a diet with enough fiber to keep things moving smoothly.
3. Parasites (Yes, Gross Ones)
Nobody likes to think about it, but parasites like worms, giardia, or coccidia can wreak havoc on your cat’s digestive system. These little freeloaders can cause inflammation, diarrhea, and yes, bloody poop.
What to do: Take your cat to the vet for a stool sample test. If parasites are the cause, your vet will prescribe medication to get rid of these unwanted houseguests.
4. Infections
Bacterial or viral infections—like salmonella or panleukopenia—can also lead to bloody stools. These can be quite serious, especially in kittens or older cats with weaker immune systems.
What to do: If your cat is acting lethargic, has diarrhea, vomiting, or is losing weight, it’s time to schedule a vet visit.
5. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the GI tract, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and bloody stools. Unfortunately, no one has quite figured out what triggers IBD in cats (could be food allergies, could be stress—cats are complicated like that).
What to do: IBD is a condition that requires long-term management, usually through diet changes and medications prescribed by your vet.
6. Colitis
Colitis is inflammation of the colon and is a fairly common cause of bloody stools. Cats with colitis may have diarrhea, and their poop might be covered in mucus as well as blood. The good news? Colitis can often be managed with the right diet, medication, and some lifestyle tweaks.
What to do: Again, your vet is the hero here. They can help figure out what’s causing the inflammation and recommend the best treatment.
7. Cancer (In Rare Cases)
Though it’s uncommon, cancers like colorectal tumors can cause blood in the stool. Obviously, this is the most serious cause on the list, but it’s worth mentioning because catching it early can make a big difference in treatment outcomes.
What to do: If you notice ongoing symptoms, including weight loss, poor appetite, or consistent bloody stools, it’s crucial to get your cat checked out.
When Should You See a Vet?
While some causes of bloody poop might be minor (like a dietary slip-up), it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If your cat has:
- Blood in their stool more than once
- Diarrhea or vomiting along with the bloody poop
- Signs of pain while pooping (like yowling in the litter box)
- A decrease in appetite or energy
It's time to give your vet a call! They’ll be able to diagnose the issue and get your cat feeling better in no time.
At-Home Tips While You Wait for the Vet
If you’ve booked a vet appointment but want to do something in the meantime, here are a few steps you can take to keep your kitty comfy:
- Hydrate: Make sure your cat is drinking plenty of water. If they’re not a fan of plain water, try adding a little tuna juice to entice them.
- Bland diet: A few days of plain boiled chicken or a prescription GI diet can help soothe your cat’s tummy.
- Litter box check: Monitor their litter box for any changes (yes, this means you’re on poop patrol for a few days).
The Bottom Line (Pun Intended)
Finding blood in your cat’s poop can be scary, but it’s not always a cause for major alarm. By keeping an eye on your cat’s overall behavior and getting them checked out by a vet, you can get to the bottom of the issue and keep your furry friend healthy and happy.
