My cat has black stool once after food change. Should I worry?

Hello! If Bella hasn't been eating anything new, I am concerned that her black-colored feces could be a serious, potentially life-threatening situation. Black, tarry stools usually indicates bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Potentially, she could have a retained fetus, which could be causing internal damage. I highly recommend that you get her to the vet as soon as possible, for her life and the life of her kittens. Good luck, and I hope Bella feels better soon!

There are a number of concerns here but the development of blacker stools can be indicative of internal bleeding and requires urgent veterinary assessment and a check up of kidney function and dental health (swallowed blood can be detected in stools). It sounds like she has also suffered from colitis and/or pancreatitis (soft, slimey, malodorous) in the past and diet change to a high fiber, low fat complete food may help depending on the findings of her physical exam and blood/urine tests

Yes liver can cause very dark stools. But if this continues once she is on her regular cat food I would be worried something else could be going on. Black tarry stools can be caused by ulcers in the stomach. If Stella continues to have dark stool I would have her evaluated by her veterinarian.

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.

Black or tarry stool is a serious and concerning symptom that can sometimes indicate a bleed in the stomach or upper GI tract. Other issues such as parasites, food allergies, or ingestion of certain items may also cause the stool to darken or change colors. If Rowan continues to act oddly, has additional dark or tarry stool, or shows new symptoms of illness, seeking veterinary care in person ASAP is best.

Blood in the stool can be due to stress from the new kitten, or can be from intestinal parasites. I recommend checking a fecal for parasites, and monitoring the stool to see if the blood goes away as she adjusts to a new kitten in the household. As long as she’s feeling fine then I’m not overly concerned about it. If it gets worse and she becomes lethargic andlosing weight then please take her in for an exam. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Bella.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Melena is essentially digested blood in the stool. This can be caused by bleeding in the stomach or intestines caused by ulcers, inflammation, clotting abnormalities, or a foreign body. I recommend having Billy seen by a vet as soon as possible to determine the cause of the bleeding. Your vet can perform bloodwork or an ultrasound to diagnose the cause.