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Why is my cat pooping blood and having litter box accidents?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 2 years and 4 months old | 12 lbs

My cat are having some pooping problems. He has been using litter box well until these two days, he pooped outside litter box twice while halfway standing in the litter box. Last night there was bright red blood on the stool. We put a platic bag where he poops and this morning he poops in the litter box again but the stool seems to have some dark brown blood (I am not sure). Is this kind of behaviour normal?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on May 16th, 2017

Poor Champ! Bright red blood in the stool is definitely not normal, and is an indication that he has a medical problem of some kind. Medical issues like this are a very common cause of pooping outside the litter box, so it's likely that the underlying problem will need to be diagnosed and treated in order to stop this behavior. Some possible causes of blood in the stool, along with accidents outside the litter box, would include an intestinal infection of some kind, intestinal parasites, a GI issue like pancreatitis or colitis, a food allergy or intolerance to something in his diet, or inflammatory bowel disease.

I would recommend taking Champ to the vet for an exam and some testing to help determine what's wrong - take a fecal sample with you if you can, so that it can be checked for parasites. Your veterinarian may also suggest lab work or other testing if needed, and will prescribe appropriate medication to treat the problem depending on what is found.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 23rd, 2019

    One of the most common reasons for blood in the stool is intestinal parasites. I suggest you have a fecal test done to check. In the meantime, you can get a probiotic made for cats and start her on that.

    ( https://www.chewy.com/vetone-advita-probiotic-nutritional/dp/136762 )

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 13th, 2019

    I would guess that your cat has colitis or some other gastrointestinal disease that has caused the blood in his stool. Often cats will defecate outside the box when they are experiencing discomfort or pain. I think he needs to see a vet for some tests like a fecal analysis and potentially blood work.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 11th, 2018

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding Tip. He may be constipated and straining to defecate. This can result in some bright red blood on top of the stool. If the stool was stuck, he would likely scoot on his bottom to try to remove it. You can try adding more moisture to his diet in the form of canned food or water on the dry food. Canned pumpkin can also help. If his symptoms persist, he should see his veterinarian as there are other causes of blood in the stool. I hope this information helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on November 13th, 2017

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Blood in the stool can be observed from conditions such as intestinal parasites, dietary indiscretion, colitis, among other possibilities. I recommend that you have Bingo evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for parasites for example and see if he needs to be on anti-parasitic medications. Therapy would be based on findings. Good luck and have a good night!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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