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Is my kitten's black poop, bloated belly, and leaking stool serious?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Please respond asap. I scooped my 4 weeks old kitten's stool for 2 days, and both were pitch black with firm consistency. Her tummy seems like it has been bloating for a few days, but I thought it was normal for kitten tho I heard a few growls from her tummy. Now she is playing after she just ate but she's dripping her poo little by little everytime. Appetite is still good and still playful. I don't think I can go to vet today, is this urgent?? Is it possible because I changed her wet food??

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian

Published on February 1st, 2019

This could definitely be because of the change of food but the black color concerns me that there may be digested blood present. Since she is so young and tiny, I would consider this urgent so I would try to get her into the vet soon. I would that she may become dehydrated or sicker if it isn't addressed. Your vet will likely want to run a fecal on her to check for any intestinal parasites. They may also want to know the food you are feeding her. I hope this helps and she starts to feel better soon.

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    Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 15th, 2018

    Hi there and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! While darker stools can sometimes be normal or a result of change in diet or food, black or dark tarry looking stool can be an indicator of a more serious problem such as bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract. Causes may include an ulcer, infectious causes such as a parasitic infection, trauma, or clotting disorders just to name a few. I I would recommend seeing a veterinarian at this point so a diagnosis can be reached so the kitten can be most appropriately treated. I hope this helps!

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