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My cat has diarrhea and bright red blood in his stool. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 5 years and 11 months old | 11 lbs

Hello, My cat Milo has been having diarrhea and accidents outside the box. I plan to take him to the vet when they open on Monday but I'm concerned because he had a little blood on his stool today. It was bright red in color and appeared to be on the outside. What could this be a sign of? Thank you in advance. I attached a picture for review

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on September 9th, 2017

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Milo! Blood in the stool indicated inflammation in the colon. It isn't unusual to see develop with on going diarrhea. Causes of diarrhea in cats: viral or bacterial infections, intestinal parasites, food allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, toxin ingestion, metabolic conditions. Usually when blood shows up in the stool it indicates the need for antibiotics. If the blood continues I recommend you take Milo to the Vet sooner than Monday. I hope he is still eating and drinking and he isn't vomiting or lethargic. I hope this helps and I wish Milo a speed recovery!

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 11th, 2019

    Poor Riley! The diarrhea could be due to many conditions including eating something he shouldn’t have, bacterial over growth, parasites or even organ disease or poisoning. Blood in the stool is always worrisome because it signifies severe inflammation or a more serious cause of diarrhea. I recommend to have him examined by the veterinarian today. Make sure to bring in a sample of fresh stool. The doctor will check him for parasites and bacterial over growth. Other diagnostics may be recommended as well. Many times a bland diet can help and then a slow, gradual introduction to the normal food can be done. A bland diet can consist of 25% boiled white meat chicken and 75% boiled white rice. This should all be plain. I hope Riley starts feeling better quickly! Please feel free to post any additional questions.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 14th, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Blood in the stool, whether it is formed or diarrhea, indicated inflammation in the colon. This can be from: intestinal parasites, viral or bacterial infections, a new food or treat, food allergy, she ate something that is causing inflammation, pancreatitis, or inflammatory bowel disease. If new food or new treats were introduced in the last 1-2 weeks, stop them and do not give them again. If you recently changed her food it could be a reaction to new food. If she is otherwise acting fine see if the blood continues. If it does I recommend testing her stool for parasites and consider changing her food. I hope this helps and I wish Lotten the very best!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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