Help! I Am Seeing Blood in My Cats Poo! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Hi Dr Paola!
I have a 7-year-old cat called Myst. Periodically, we see a small amount of blood in the litter box after she has a BM. She has had multiple exams, fecal studies, and an ultrasound. All were negative. The suggestion now is to have a colonoscopy. She eats Hill’s Z/D. She has a good appetite & is playful. I just don’t know if I should have this done. Should I get another opinion? What are your thoughts, please?” – Pam
Quick Info about Myst
Hi Pam, thank you for sharing about Myst. It’s clear how deeply you care for her, and I can understand how concerning it is to see traces of blood in the litter box, especially when everything else about her seems normal. The fact that she’s eating well, is playful, and is maintaining her routine is encouraging, but it’s also a bit puzzling when signs like this persist without a clear cause. You’ve already taken all the right steps: physical examination, fecal studies, and even an ultrasound, which tells me you’ve been very thorough and committed to getting her the care she needs.
At this point, a colonoscopy can be a reasonable next step. It’s the best way to directly visualize the lining of the colon and possibly obtain biopsies if there’s any subtle inflammation, polyps, or early disease that wouldn’t show up on other diagnostics. However, before moving forward, it’s perfectly valid to seek a second opinion, ideally from a veterinary internist. Their perspective can help you feel more confident about whether this step is necessary right now or if other less invasive adjustments might be worth trying first. In the meantime, I’d suggest closely monitoring Myst’s stool consistency, frequency, and any straining. Softer stools tend to pass more easily and may reduce minor trauma that can cause bleeding, especially if the colon is sensitive. Encouraging hydration through a water fountain, broth-soaked kibble, or incorporating moisture-rich fresh or wet food can help naturally ease bowel movements and may offer some relief if the bleeding is mechanical in nature. You’re doing a wonderful job advocating for Myst, and she’s lucky to have you by her side.
Dr. Paola