Cat symptom
Blood in stool in cats
Red streaks, jelly-like mucus with blood, or black tarry stool. A little fresh blood from straining can be minor, but a lot of blood, ongoing blood, or black tarry stool needs prompt care.
Common causes of blood in stool in cats
- Colitis from diet, stress, or parasites
- Intestinal infections (including parvovirus in young dogs)
- A swallowed foreign object, or ulcers
- Anal gland or rectal problems
Who's most at risk
- Puppies and kittens (parvovirus, parasites)
- Pets overdue for parasite prevention
- High-stress events
- Scavengers prone to dietary indiscretion
What you can do at home
- Offer water to prevent dehydration; note the stool's color and amount
- Collect a fresh sample to bring to your vet
- Do not give human anti-diarrheal or pain medicines
When to see a vet
- Black, tarry stool (can mean bleeding higher in the gut)
- A lot of blood, or it keeps happening
- Also vomiting, weak, pale, or a young/unvaccinated pet
- A painful or bloated belly
When it's more serious
- Blood in stool with weakness, or in a young pet (possible parvovirus) — seek care now.
- Black, tarry stool can mean bleeding higher in the gut — see a vet today.
- Blood plus vomiting risks rapid dehydration — get them seen today.
What your vet may do
- Exam, hydration check, and a fecal test
- Bloodwork and possibly parvovirus testing in young dogs
- Imaging if an object or mass is suspected
- Treat the cause; fluids and gut protectants as needed
Questions to ask your vet
- Is the blood from the lower gut or higher up?
- Should we test for parvo or parasites?
- Is my pet dehydrated?
- What diet helps the gut recover?
Frequently asked questions
What causes blood in stool in cats?
Red streaks, jelly-like mucus with blood, or black tarry stool. A little fresh blood from straining can be minor, but a lot of blood, ongoing blood, or black tarry stool needs prompt care. Common causes include: Colitis from diet, stress, or parasites; Intestinal infections (including parvovirus in young dogs); A swallowed foreign object, or ulcers; Anal gland or rectal problems.
Is blood in stool in cats an emergency?
See a vet today. See a vet right away if: Black, tarry stool (can mean bleeding higher in the gut); A lot of blood, or it keeps happening; Also vomiting, weak, pale, or a young/unvaccinated pet; A painful or bloated belly.
What can I do at home for a cat with blood in stool?
Offer water to prevent dehydration; note the stool's color and amount Collect a fresh sample to bring to your vet Do not give human anti-diarrheal or pain medicines
Sources
Reviewed by the Webvet Veterinarian Team
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis, and does not replace an exam by your veterinarian. If your pet is in distress, contact your vet or an emergency clinic right away.