Few things stop a cat parent in their tracks like noticing blood in their cat’s stool. You scoop the litter box as usual — but instead of a normal clump, you see streaks of red, spots, or unusually dark stool. Immediately, the worry sets in. Is this serious? Is my cat in danger? Do I need to call the vet right now?
If you’ve found yourself asking, “Why does my cat have blood in his poop?”, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common yet alarming concerns cat owners face.
The good news is that not every case of bloody stool signals a life-threatening condition. Sometimes, it’s caused by something minor like dietary irritation. But in other cases, blood in the stool can indicate infections, parasites, or even more serious conditions that require veterinary care.
This article will give you the clarity you need. We’ll cover:
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The different types of blood in cat poop (and what they mean)
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The most common causes — from mild to severe
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When to worry and call the vet immediately
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How to support your cat at home while monitoring
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Real-life examples from cat parents
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Mistakes to avoid if you notice blood in your cat’s stool
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FAQs that answer the most common (and niche) questions cat owners have
By the end, you’ll understand what might be happening inside your cat’s digestive system, and you’ll know exactly what steps to take next.
First Things First: What Does “Blood in Cat Poop” Mean?
Blood in your cat’s stool can appear in different forms, and the color/appearance often tells you where it’s coming from:
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Bright red blood (hematochezia): Usually indicates bleeding in the lower digestive tract (colon or rectum). Often fresh blood, visible on or around the stool.
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Dark, tarry stools (melena): Suggests digested blood coming from higher in the digestive tract (stomach or small intestines). This can signal more serious issues.
Sometimes you may also notice mucus mixed in with stool, which often points to inflammation in the colon.
Why Does My Cat Have Blood in His Poop? The Most Common Causes
1. Dietary Indiscretion or Food Sensitivities
Cats have delicate digestive systems. Sudden food changes, eating human food, or consuming spoiled food can irritate the intestines, leading to inflammation and streaks of blood.
Clues:
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Recent food switch
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Diarrhea or soft stools along with blood
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Otherwise normal behavior
2. Constipation and Straining
Straining in the litter box can cause small tears (anal fissures) or irritation in the rectum, leading to bright red streaks of blood.
Clues:
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Small, hard stools
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Cat spending more time in the litter box, looking uncomfortable
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Blood streaks on the outside of stool rather than mixed in
3. Parasites
Intestinal parasites like hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, or coccidia can cause bloody stools, especially in kittens. Even indoor cats are not fully immune — they can get parasites from contaminated food, soil, or fleas.
Clues:
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Soft stools or diarrhea with blood
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Weight loss despite eating
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Worms sometimes visible in stool or around anus
4. Infections (Bacterial or Viral)
Bacterial infections such as salmonella or viral conditions like feline panleukopenia can cause intestinal bleeding. These are less common but can be serious, especially in young or unvaccinated cats.
Clues:
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Lethargy, fever, vomiting alongside bloody stool
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Cat acting “off” rather than normal
5. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD is a chronic condition where the intestinal lining becomes inflamed, leading to diarrhea, mucus, and occasional blood.
Clues:
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Recurring or chronic diarrhea
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Vomiting in some cases
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Cat may lose weight over time
6. Stress or Environmental Changes
Yes, stress can affect the gut. Moving houses, introducing a new pet, or loud disruptions can trigger colitis (inflammation of the colon), sometimes leading to bloody stools.
7. Foreign Objects or Trauma
If your cat swallowed something sharp (string, bone fragment, plastic), it can irritate or damage the intestinal lining, causing blood.
8. Anal Gland Problems
Cats have small scent glands near the anus. When they become infected or impacted, irritation and blood can occur.
Clues:
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Scooting on the floor
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Excessive licking around anus
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Discomfort while pooping
9. Serious Conditions: Cancer, Polyps, or Ulcers
While less common, tumors or ulcers in the digestive tract can cause chronic blood in the stool. These cases are more likely in older cats.
When to Worry: Red Flags That Mean a Vet Visit Is Urgent
Not every streak of blood is a medical emergency, but some signs mean you should call your vet right away:
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Large amounts of blood in stool
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Black, tarry stools (melena)
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Persistent diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours
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Cat is lethargic, vomiting, or refusing food
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Sudden weight loss
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Blood in stool combined with pale gums (possible anemia)
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Blood in a kitten’s poop (kittens dehydrate and decline very quickly)
What to Do at Home While Monitoring
If your cat seems otherwise healthy and the bleeding appears minor:
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Observe Closely
Keep a stool log: frequency, consistency, and presence of blood/mucus. -
Check for Obvious Triggers
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Did you switch foods recently?
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Did your cat get into the trash or plants?
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Any new stress in the home?
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Hydration Is Key
Diarrhea or bleeding can dehydrate a cat. Encourage water intake with a fountain or by adding water to wet food. -
Feed a Bland, Easy-to-Digest Diet
Some vets recommend temporary diets like boiled chicken and rice or specialized sensitive-stomach cat foods. -
Parasite Prevention
Ensure your cat is up to date on deworming and flea control.
Important: Never give your cat human medications for diarrhea or bleeding. Many are toxic to cats.
Common Mistakes Cat Owners Make
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Waiting too long when blood keeps appearing, thinking it will resolve on its own
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Assuming indoor cats can’t get worms
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Punishing litter box accidents caused by discomfort
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Overfeeding treats or milk that upset digestion
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Trying human remedies without veterinary guidance
Real-Life Example
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Case 1: “Max the Explorer” – Max, a 2-year-old indoor/outdoor cat, started leaving small streaks of red blood in his poop. He was playful and eating normally. A vet visit revealed roundworms. After deworming treatment, the issue resolved completely.
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Case 2: “Luna’s Scare” – Luna, a 9-year-old cat, had dark, tarry stools and seemed a little less energetic. Her owner rushed her to the vet. Tests showed stomach ulcers. Early treatment prevented a much more serious outcome.
These examples show why context matters: sometimes it’s a simple fix, other times it’s urgent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there bright red blood in my cat’s poop?
Bright red blood usually comes from the lower intestines, rectum, or anus. It may be caused by straining, constipation, colitis, or anal gland issues.
Why is my cat’s poop black and tarry?
Black, tarry stool (melena) indicates digested blood from higher up in the digestive tract. This is more serious and should prompt immediate veterinary attention.
Can stress cause blood in my cat’s poop?
Yes. Stress colitis is common in cats. Big changes in environment or routine can lead to inflammation and bleeding.
Should I take my cat to the vet right away?
If your cat is acting sick, if blood is heavy or persistent, or if the stool is black and tarry — yes, go immediately. For small streaks in an otherwise healthy cat, you can monitor for 24–48 hours.
Can worms cause bloody poop in cats?
Absolutely. Worm infestations are one of the leading causes, especially in kittens or cats without regular deworming.
My kitten has blood in its stool — is it serious?
Yes, kittens can deteriorate quickly. Always seek veterinary help for kittens with blood in stool.
Final Thoughts: Trust Your Instincts
Seeing blood in your cat’s poop is always unsettling. Sometimes, the cause is minor and resolves quickly, but it can also signal something much more serious. The key is to pay attention to the details: the color, the frequency, and your cat’s overall behavior.
If your cat seems perfectly fine otherwise, monitor closely and check for obvious causes. But if the blood persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms, don’t wait — call your vet.
Your cat can’t tell you what’s wrong, but their stool gives important clues. Paying attention now can make all the difference in their long-term health.