Blood in cat stool usually points to something minor and treatable, but it can also be something more serious and severe. When talking about it, it’s good to check out the other signs associated with it to know for sure. 

In this guide, we’ll share all the common causes and how to help. 

What Does Blood in Cat Stool Mean?

A healthy cat’s stool should usually be firm but not too hard. It’s normally brown in color and easy to pass. 

When there’s blood, this usually means that the bleeding is happening in the lower part of the digestive tract, like the colon or rectum. It often shows up as streaks of red on the outside of the stool or tiny drops in the litter box. This is called hematochezia. 

Another type is when the blood in cat stool is dark and tarry. This points to bleeding higher up in the digestive tract, like the stomach or intestines. The blood has been digested, giving it a black and sticky appearance. This is called melena. 

Sometimes, the mucus can be mixed with blood. This often indicates irritation or inflammation in the large intestine.

When Is Blood in Cat Stool Serious?

Blood in your cat’s feces often comes with a series of symptoms, including: 

• Severe Vomiting and Diarrhea. Severe vomiting and diarrhea often indicate severe gastrointestinal irritation. Cats with these symptoms will be at risk of dehydration.

• Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss. If you notice your cat’s poop has blood, as well as losing their appetite and weight, it can be a serious issue. 

• Lethargy and Weakness. A lethargic cat can also be a concerning sign. In severe cases, they can also appear weak and may collapse. 

• Excessive Straining and Frequent Trips. Straining and spending a lot of time in the litter box can also be worrying, especially if your cat has blood in feces. 

• Visible Pain. Cats may cry, meow, and vocalize their pain while straining to defecate poop with blood. 

• Large Amounts of Blood or Mucus. A lot of blood and mucus can signal severe irritation and inflammation, especially if the blood is dark or tarry. 

Why Is There Blood in My Cat’s Poop​?

Seeing blood in your cat’s feces can be because of several factors, some mild, some severe. Here are the common ones: 

Dietary Changes or Food Intolerance

Cats have sensitive stomachs, and sudden changes in diet can trigger digestive upset or allergic reactions. These can cause irritation in the gastrointestinal tract, which can be why there’s blood in cat feces. This can be due to switching food, table scraps, or foods cats are allergic to. 

Parasites and Infections

Parasites and worms in cats are one of the major reasons for blood in cat poop. Roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and parasites like Giardia can damage the intestinal lining. This can result in diarrhea, mucus, and visible blood. 

Plus, these can also make way for infections that can also inflame the intestines and cause blood to come with a cat’s feces. 

Gastrointestinal Issues

Problems within the gastrointestinal tract, such as IBD and colitis, can cause ongoing inflammation of the intestinal lining. Because of this irritation, cats can experience bloody diarrhea. Cats with these issues can also have mucus in their bloody poop.

Constipation

If your cat is constipated and straining in the litter box, the tiny blood vessels near the anus can rupture. This is one of the reasons why there can be blood in cat feces. This can worsen if constipation is not addressed.

Foreign Objects

Some cats also ingest things they shouldn’t, such as small objects, bones, and toys. These can scrape the digestive tract or even block it entirely, causing irritation, bleeding, and even life-threatening obstruction.

Anal Gland Issues

Cats have small scent glands near the anus that can become infected or blocked. When these situations happen, they can rupture, resulting in blood stool or blood smears all across the anal area.

Medications or Toxins

Some medications can upset a cat’s digestive tract, especially in cats with sensitive digestive systems. Toxins in particular can be a concern, as these can cause severe gastrointestinal irritation that leads to bleeding, particularly dark, tarry stools.

Tumors or Growths

Another reason why there’s blood in cat poop is tumors or growths. When there are tumors in the intestines or rectum, they can easily get hit by all the contents that pass through. Some tumors can even ulcerate, leading to bleeding. 

Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety are big parts of a cat’s digestive system. When they are in emotional distress, their bodies take a toll, manifesting as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.