Why Is My Kitten Pooping Blood?

Finding blood in your kitten’s poop can be alarming for any pet parent. Whether you’re a seasoned cat owner or new to caring for a kitten, this situation raises immediate concerns about your furry friend’s health. But before you panic, know that there are many possible causes—some mild, some serious—and solutions are available. 

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about why your kitten might be pooping blood, including expert insights from Dr. Stephanie Liff, Lemonade’s favorite vet.

What does blood in a cat’s poop look like?

The appearance of blood in your cat’s poop can give important clues about its origin and underlying cause. Typically, blood in your kitten’s stool falls into two categories:

• Bright red blood (fresh blood): This usually indicates an issue in the lower digestive tract, such as the large intestine, rectum, or anal gland. It’s not uncommon to see this in cases of colitis or anal gland irritation.
• Dark or black blood (melena): This signifies bleeding in the upper digestive tract, like the stomach or small intestine. The blood gets partially digested, giving it a tarry or coffee-ground appearance.

Examining your kitten’s stool consistency is also crucial. Loose stools or bloody diarrhea might suggest colitis or intestinal parasites, while hard stools could point to constipation causing damage to the rectum or anal area.

What are the most common causes of blood in a cat’s stool?

There are several common causes for blood in your kitten’s stool. These include:

Intestinal parasites

Parasites are one of the most common reasons for blood in a kitten’s stool and are usually the first thing vets check for. Infections from roundworms, hookworms, or other parasites are especially frequent in young kittens and can cause irritation or inflammation in the digestive tract.

Dietary issues

Sudden dietary changes or food intolerance can irritate the digestive tract, leading to bloody stools or colitis (inflammation of the colon).To avoid this, stick to gradual transitions when changing your kitten’s food, and always consult your vet before making any diet changes.

Stress

Stress colitis is a common result of environmental changes, such as moving to a new home or adding a new pet to the family. Stress can inflame the large intestine, leading to blood in the stool.

Constipation

Hard stools can scrape the rectum or large intestine, causing fresh blood to appear in your kitten’s feces.

What are less common causes of bloody stools?

Some less frequent, yet notable, causes of blood in a cat’s stool include:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract can lead to bleeding, diarrhea, and weight loss. IBD often requires long-term management.
• Bacterial infections: Infections like salmonellosis or panleukopenia can affect the gastrointestinal tract and lead to bloody diarrhea.
• Foreign body ingestion: If your kitten swallows a sharp or indigestible object, it can cause trauma to the digestive tract, leading to blood in the stool.
• Anal gland issues: Problems with the anal glands, such as impaction or infection, can lead to blood near the rectum or in the stool.
• Food allergy: While food allergies can cause digestive upset and inflammation, they are very uncommon in kittens, with Dr. Liff noting they occur in less than 3% of cases.

More severe causes needing urgent care

These conditions are less common but more serious and can lead to severe complications:

• Intussusception – A potentially life-threatening condition where part of the intestine folds into itself, causing a blockage.
• Severe worm burden – A heavy load of parasites can damage the intestinal lining and lead to complications.
• Obstruction – A blockage in the digestive tract, often caused by ingesting a foreign object.

Dr. Liff explains, “These kinds of issues, could lead to anemia or dehydration,” making prompt veterinary care essential.

How serious is blood in a kitten’s stool?

The severity of blood in your kitten’s stool depends on the underlying cause and accompanying symptoms. For instance:

• Mild cases: A small amount of bright red blood with no other symptoms might not be an emergency but still warrants monitoring and a vet visit.
• Serious cases: If your kitten exhibits additional symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, or severe diarrhea, consult a veterinarian immediately. These could indicate a life-threatening issue, such as a blockage, organ dysfunction, or exposure to toxins.

If blood appears in the stool just once and then stops, I’m probably not as worried. But it depends on duration and severity. Bloody diarrhea is more concerning than formed stool with some blood. Delaying treatment can lead to dehydration, death, or very expensive treatment that could have been avoided with earlier intervention.

Dr. Stephanie Liff

How do veterinarians diagnose the cause of bloody poop in kittens?

Your vet will use a combination of diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of blood in your kitten’s stool. These may include:

• Stool sample analysis: A fecal examination can detect intestinal parasites or bacteria.
• Physical exam: Your vet will check for signs of anal gland issues, abdominal pain, or foreign bodies.
• X-rays or ultrasound: These imaging tools can identify blockages, tumors, or other abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Blood tests: These can reveal infections, organ dysfunction, or other systemic issues.

Dr. Liff advises that both a fecal and physical exam are key: 

The first thing to check is a fecal, but also a physical exam. That will indicate the severity of the situation and how to proceed from there.

Dr. Stephanie Liff

As for cost, she notes that fecal testing without pet insurance typically ranges from $25 to $125.

What treatments are available for bloody stools in kittens?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the bloody stools. Common approaches include:

• Medications: Anti-parasitics for intestinal parasites, antibiotics for bacterial infections, or anti-inflammatory drugs for colitis and IBD.
• Dietary changes: Vets may recommend hypoallergenic or easily digestible cat food for kittens with food intolerance or allergies. Gradual dietary changes are key to avoiding further irritation.
• Hydration support: Dehydration from diarrhea or bloody stools can be dangerous for kittens. Your vet may administer fluids to restore hydration.
• Surgery: In cases of blockages or severe gastrointestinal trauma, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Always follow your vet’s treatment plan closely, and ensure your kitten completes any prescribed medication.

Before we go…

Finding blood in your kitten’s poop isn’t something to ignore, but it’s also not always a reason to panic. Remember to consult your vet whenever you see blood in your kitten’s stool, as they can identify the underlying cause and guide you toward the right treatment.

And hey, while you’re keeping your kitten healthy, why not consider protecting them with pet insurance? Lemonade offers pet insurance that helps cover unexpected veterinary expenses, so you can focus on giving your kitten the love and care they deserve. Click below to get your free quote today.

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