Scooping your cat’s litter box might not be the best part of pet parenting, but it’s one of the most important responsibilities. Since cats can’t tell us when they’re unwell, monitoring cat poop is a great way to track of their health. Making this a habit helps you spot early warning signs, especially if your cat poops with blood.
Noticing blood in your cat’s poop can be upsetting, and it’s natural to feel concerned when their stool looks unusual. Because there are many reasons why cats poop with blood, it’s important to understand the possible appearances, causes, and when to call your veterinarian. This guide will walk you through what to look for, what it might mean, and how to respond if you ever find blood in your cat’s poop.
What Does a Bloody Cat Stool Look Like?
The appearance of blood on cat poop can vary depending on where the bleeding starts, how much blood is present, and the consistency of the stool. Sometimes you may see faint streaks, while other times the stool may look dark, tarry, or even watery. Recognizing these differences helps you better understand what may be happening when your cat poops with blood.
Black or dark stool (Melena)
If your cat’s stool looks black, tarry, or like coffee grounds, it may signal bleeding in the upper digestive tract (esophagus, stomach, etc.). When this occurs, blood becomes partially digested before passing through your cat’s system. If your cat poops with blood that appears this way, it may be due to ulcers, blockages, or other serious conditions requiring veterinary attention.
Bright or light red blood
When you see bright red streaks or flecks, it usually means bleeding near the end of the digestive tract (large intestine, anus, etc.). This type of blood in cat poop may be caused by issues like constipation, parasites, or dietary issues. Mild cases normally resolve on their own, but persistent or worsening bleeding requires veterinary attention.
Blood and mucus in poop
When the large intestine becomes irritated, it may secrete extra mucus to protect its lining. While small amounts of mucus can be normal, the combination of blood and mucus usually indicates inflammation of the colon, or colitis. Triggers may include stress, parasites, or sudden changes in diet.
Blood clots in stool
If enough blood collects in the lower digestive tract, it can form dark red, jelly-like clots in your cat’s poop. This is often a sign of active bleeding and should never be ignored. While minor irritation can sometimes cause small streaks, visible clots may point to infections, parasites, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Blood in diarrhea
If your cat poops with blood that appears in loose or watery diarrhea, it often means the blood vessels in the large intestine or rectum are irritated or damaged. Common triggers include stress, sudden dietary changes, parasites, or inflammatory bowel disease. It’s also important to note that bloody diarrhea can quickly cause dehydration and may appear alongside vomiting symptoms(open in new tab).
Watery blood
In severe cases of bloody diarrhea, a cat’s stool may appear like water mixed with blood. This is a true emergency, as it often signals heavy intestinal bleeding. Left untreated, it can quickly lead to dehydration, anemia, or life-threatening complications.
Why Is There Blood in My Cat’s Poop? Is it Serious?
Finding blood on the poop of a cat should always catch your attention. Small streaks may sometimes come from minor irritation, constipation, or stress, but they can also signal more serious problems such as infections, parasites, or inflammatory bowel disease.
If you only notice a tiny amount of blood and your cat seems normal, make it a point to still monitor the litter box closely and watch for new symptoms. Contact your vet if bleeding persists or if you observe any of the following:
Large amount of blood in stool
Pale, blue, or deep red gums
Repeated vomiting
Severe diarrhea
Pain or weakness
Lack of energy
Cat is very young, very old, pregnant, or has existing health issues
Common Causes of Blood in Cat Poop
There are many reasons why a cat poops with blood, ranging from minor digestive irritation to more serious medical conditions. Understanding the most common causes helps pet parents know when to monitor at home and when to call the vet.
Diarrhea, Constipation or Straining
Constipation in cats can result in dry, hard stools that can scrape the rectum and leave streaks of blood in your cat’s poop. Conversely, frequent or watery diarrhea irritates the intestinal lining, leading to bleeding over time. Both conditions can cause discomfort, and if your cat poops with blood regularly, it’s important to seek veterinary advice.
Parasites or Infections
Parasites such as Hookworms, Giardia, or Coccidia can damage the digestive tract and cause bloody stools. Even indoor cats can be affected through contaminated food, fleas, or contact with other animals. Bacterial and viral infections, including salmonellosis or feline panleukopenia, may also cause bleeding alongside diarrhea and weight loss. Regular check-ups and understanding more about the effects of worms in cats(open in new tab) will help you secure your pet's health.
Dietary Changes or Food Intolerances
Cats have sensitive digestive systems, and sudden changes in their diet can easily upset their stomachs. Switching food too quickly, exposure to food allergens,(open in new tab) or feeding nutritionally imbalanced meals, can increase the risk of bloody stool.
To keep your furry friend healthy, always transition diets gradually, watch for signs of food sensitivities, and provide nutritionally complete and balanced cat food. Feeding high-quality meals not only supports daily vitality but is also the best way to stay on top of your cat’s nutrition(open in new tab) and improve longevity.(open in new tab)
Colitis or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Colitis refers to inflammation of the colon, which may be sudden or chronic. Triggers include stress, intestinal worms, or food intolerance. More severe, long-term inflammation is called IBD, which damages the intestinal lining and can lead to bloody stool, mucus, diarrhea, or weight loss.
More Serious Causes (Polyps, Cancer, Trauma)
In some cases, blood in your cat’s poop may be linked to more serious issues. Stressful events such as moving homes, boarding, or loud noises like fireworks can upset digestion and trigger diarrhea that may contain blood. Beyond stress, benign growths, malignant tumors, or polyps inside the digestive tract can bleed. Trauma from accidents, surgery, or swallowing foreign objects may also lead to visible blood on your cat's poop.
When to Worry About Blood on The Poop of Your Cat
Not every case of blood in cat poop is an emergency, but none should be ignored. A small streak of blood may clear up in a day or two, while other cases signal something more serious. Knowing what to look for helps you decide whether to monitor at home or head to the vet.
Light or bright red blood:
A small streak of fresh red blood may be linked to stress, minor irritation, or constipation. If your cat seems well, monitor for 24–48 hours. If your cat poops with blood repeatedly, or new symptoms like lethargy, appetite loss, or vomiting appear, call your vet.
Dark red or black blood:
Stool that looks dark, tarry, or like coffee grounds suggests bleeding higher in the digestive tract. This requires urgent veterinary care, as it may signal ulcers, blockages, or internal injury.
When to seek urgent care:
Always contact a vet immediately if you notice large amounts of blood, pale or very red gums, repeated vomiting, severe diarrhea, weakness, or weight loss. In life-threatening cases, go directly to the nearest emergency clinic.
What to Do If Your Cat Poops with Blood
When it comes to blood in poop cat concerns, the right approach makes all the difference. Start by monitoring your cat closely, paying attention to stool frequency, texture, and the amount of blood present. Watch for other symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, appetite loss, or weight changes, as these can help your vet determine urgency.
Here are the steps to follow:
Observe: Track frequency, stool texture, and any additional symptoms.
Collect: Save a fresh stool sample and keep it refrigerated for your vet.
Act: Book a veterinary visit if the blood persists or your cat appears unwell.
How Vets Diagnose Cats That Poop with Blood
If your cat poops with blood, treatment begins with a physical exam. This helps your vet check for signs to determine the root cause of your cat’s case. Shortly after, your vet may then recommend:
Fecal tests – to check for parasites and bacteria.
Blood and urine tests – to detect anemia, infection, clotting issues, or organ dysfunction.
Imaging (X-rays or ultrasound) – to reveal foreign objects, tumors, or internal injuries.
Endoscopy and biopsies – under anesthesia, a camera is used to view the digestive tract directly; tissue samples may be collected if conditions like IBD or cancer are suspected.
Your vet will also ask about your cat’s health history (illnesses, surgeries, medications), lifestyle (diet, stress, indoor/outdoor access), and details about the stool (onset, duration, frequency). Bringing a fresh stool sample can speed up diagnosis.
Treatment Options for Blood in Cat Poop
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Stress-related cases may improve with adjustments at home. Diet-related issues may require temporary food changes or elimination diets. Parasites and infections are treated with prescribed medication.
In more serious cases, such as blockages or significant blood loss, your cat may need intravenous fluids, surgery, or even a transfusion. Supportive care like probiotics or highly digestible diets may also be recommended, but only under veterinary guidance. Never attempt to self-medicate. Only a licensed vet can determine the safest treatment when your cat poops with blood.
Preventing Blood in Your Cat’s Stool
As with all illnesses, prevention is always better than cure. Here's what you can do to minimize the risk of your cat pooping blood.
Balanced diet: Feed complete and balanced cat food.(open in new tab)
Hydration: Ensure easy and constant access to water to support fluid intake(open in new tab).
Regular vet visits: Periodical health checks catch issues early.
Parasite control: Keep a proactive approach to worm management(open in new tab) and flea prevention(open in new tab).
Stress management: Maintain routines and play with your cat regularly to help them deal with stress(open in new tab).
A Healthy Cat is a Happy Cat
Noticing changes in your cat’s stool can feel worrying, but it’s also a reminder of how much our pets rely on us. Small habits like checking the litter box regularly, feeding the right food, and regular visit give your cat the best chance at staying healthy. With the right care and timely vet support, most cats bounce back quickly and return to their playful, loving selves.
For more guidance on keeping your cat healthy and happy, explore the WHISKAS® care blog(open in new tab). You’ll find expert advice on nutrition, hydration, health, and everything in between to help your cat live its best life!