As a veterinarian, many of my clients called me because their cat’s poop appeared slimy, resembling “jelly,” and contained blood. Unless their kitty had other concerning signs like vomiting, diarrhea, depression, or anorexia, I let the owners know that we should schedule an exam, but it isn’t an emergency situation.
In this article, we’ll review what bloody mucus or jelly looks like in cats, the top reasons for it, and what you can do about it.
What does bloody mucus or jelly look like in cat poop?
Normal cat stools usually look like tootsie rolls and are firm and dark brown. When there’s blood in cat poop, it may be bright red or a dark, tarry color. The amount of blood can range from flecks or streaks to completely red stools. In other words, bloody mucus or jelly in cat’s poop comes in many different shapes and colors. Below is a picture showing an example:
- Bright red blood usually comes from the colon or rectum and is known as hematochezia.
- Dark brown or black blood (due to digestion) usually comes from the stomach or small intestines. This type of bleeding is called melena.
- Excessive mucus in the stool will make it appear slimy or slippery.
Usually, bloody mucus or jelly in your cat’s poop is not an emergency. Unless your cat has uncontrolled bleeding, is depressed, or has other concerning signs.
In most cases, you don’t have to rush your precious furbaby to the clinic. However, you should contact your veterinarian to get their guidance and schedule an exam as soon as possible. Bleeding or excess mucus may be a reaction to a food change or other harmless cause, but it can also be a sign of a serious underlying disease that should be treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Top causes
There are several top reasons for finding slimy, bloody poop in felines. Top reasons include:
1. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in cats is a chronic condition that occurs when the intestine and stomach lining experience inflammatory changes and grow thicker. As a result, the gastrointestinal tract is less effective in absorbing nutrients. It affects the entire digestive system and causes several symptoms in addition to bloody stools:
- Chronic diarrhea, vomiting, or flatulence
- Going outside of the litter box
- Loss of appetite, weight loss, or lethargy
There is no cure or prevention for IBD. Treatment for the condition depends on the symptoms and severity of the disease in your cat but may include dietary modifications, deworming, antibiotics, corticosteroids for inflammation, or nutritional supplements including probiotics and B vitamins.
2. Constipation: When a cat is constipated he will produce very little or no feces. The poops are hard and dry but can include mucus and bright red blood from your cat’s straining to defecate. Cat feces tend to be firmer and drier than dog feces, and most cats drink less water than dogs. So, it’s not surprising for felines to suffer from constipation. There are various causes of constipation including dehydration, lack of exercise, trauma, or an impaction.
Your cat may be bloated and off their food, and you may find they are straining in their tray but not producing much stool. As well as dry ‘pellets’ you may see some mucus or jelly.
NOTE: Many owners confuse a cat with a blocked bladder with a constipated cat. If your cat is straining in their tray, be sure they can pass urine.
To treat constipation in cats, your veterinarian may prescribe laxatives to loosen the stool. He’ll also recommend adding water to your cat’s food and gently encouraging your cat to exercise. View our favorite home treatments for cat constipation. More severe cases are treated with enemas.
3. Infections: Infectious diseases from bacteria or viruses can trigger blood or mucus in the stool. In addition, you may notice:
- Diarrhea, vomiting or straining to defecate
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy or weakness
Cats with bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications. Your veterinarian may also recommend fasting your kitty for a short period, followed by feeding a bland diet to soothe the digestive tract.
4. Intestinal parasites / Worms.
The most common parasites that can cause bloody diarrhea or mucus in cats are intestinal worms and protozoal parasites:
Intestinal worms: Roundworms and hookworms commonly affect cats. These intestinal parasites locate in the gastrointestinal tract and cause irritation and inflammation. Signs of worms include:
- Diarrhea
- Swollen abdomen
- Dull hair coat
- Malnutrition
- Weight loss or changes in appetite
- You may also see worms in your cat’s poop.
Usually, intestinal worms can be effectively and promptly treated with an appropriate anthelmintic.
Protozoal parasites: Giardia or Coccidia are single-celled protozoal parasites that infected cats pass in their feces. Kittens and adult cats that are immune compromised or weakened by another condition are most susceptible to the disease. In addition to blood and mucus in the stool, common symptoms are:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
- Dehydration
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain or distress
Protozoal parasites are usually effectively treated with the appropriate antibiotic alongside an athelmintic. Because this is a transmissible disease, you should also treat the environment by disinfecting the litter box regularly and cleaning/sanitizing bedding and toys.
5. Pancreatitis
In cats, pancreatitis can occur spontaneously or be a secondary condition. Signs of pancreatitis are often nonspecific but can include:
- Lethargy
- Anorexia
- Vomiting in some cats
- Fever
- Diarrhea, which may be bloody and/or slimey
- Severe abdominal pain
Usually, cats will require hospitalization and supportive care for 2-4 days. The treatment regimen for pancreatitis varies depending on the severity of the symptoms, but can include:
- IV fluids
- Pain relief
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Anti-emetics
- Antibiotics if a secondary infection is suspected
Cats with mild or moderate pancreatitis have a good prognosis if they receive early and aggressive treatment. However, some kitties are prone to recurrent bouts of pancreatitis. More severe cases have a guarded prognosis and may trigger the onset of diabetes mellitus.
6. Diet changes: Sudden changes in your cat’s diet, a food sensitivity, or a dietary indiscretion (eating something they should not have) can cause inflammation in the gut and diarrhea with blood or mucus. Other signs you may notice if your cat eat’s something that disagrees with her include:
- Straining to defecate
- More frequent poops
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Flatulence
- Bloating
Treatment for an inflamed gut includes resting the digestive tract by switching to a bland diet for a few days. If your kitty has a food sensitivity, your vet may try an elimination diet to identify and remove trigger ingredients. Other therapies may include anti-inflammatory drugs and probiotics.
What you can do at home to help your cat
If your kitty has a mild digestive upset and isn’t showing other symptoms, you can try the following after calling your vet to discuss:
- A bland diet: putting her on a bland diet for a few days to rest the gastrointestinal system. Try boiled chicken, white fish, or a prescription diet for sensitive stomachs.
- Prescription foods for sensitive stomachs: they contain hydrolyzed proteins that are easy on your cat’s system and single ingredients that are less likely to trigger allergic reactions. Examples of veterinary-formulated diets include Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d cat food and Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet GI Gastrointestinal Support Cat Food.
- Probiotic supplements: probiotic supplements contain live microorganisms that help to promote healthy gut flora and normal digestion. When choosing a probiotic, check the label for active cultures. Some examples of cat probiotics include VetriScience Laboratories Probiotic Everyday for Cats and Pet Naturals Daily Probiotic for Cats.
- Keep them well hydrated. As well as water, you can provide a rehydration solution, or perhaps some bone broth or cat soup.
- Ensure your kitty is up to date with a broad acting wormer.
When you notice blood or mucus in your cat’s poop, you should call your veterinarian and schedule an exam.
While the stool changes may be due to a simple stomach upset, they could also be indicating an underlying condition that requires veterinary care. Usually, you can wait for an appointment and observe your cat at home. However, you should get your kitty to the doctor as soon as possible if you notice certain signs, including:
- Repeated vomiting
- Refusal to eat
- Hunched up abdomen
- Hissing or acting agitated/painful
- Depression
- Pale gums or rapid breathing
Your cat’s consultation
The doctor will start by getting a history. Be prepared to tell him when you first noticed the blood or mucus in your cat’s poop and if there have been any recent changes in diet or routines at home.
Your vet may request you bring in a stool sample. Ideally, this would be a small sample of stool collected over a few days.
Based on the history, physical examination, and fecal examination your veterinarian may run additional diagnostic tests such as:
- X-rays/ultrasound
- Blood samples
- Urine samples
Treatments
Once your veterinarian diagnoses the underlying cause of the blood or mucus, he will treat your cat accordingly. Therapy may include:
- Supportive care such as IV fluids if your kitty is dehydrated
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Antibiotics
- Deworming
- Fasting or a bland diet
- Dietary modifications
- Probiotics
Prevention
Many of the causes of poop with blood or mucus are hard to prevent, but there are some things you can do to support your cat’s overall gastrointestinal health.
- Treat your kitty with preventative anthelmintic medications routinely, particularly if she spends time outside
- Keep your cat up-to-date on annual vaccinations to prevent infectious diseases
- Supplement the diet with probiotics
- Feed a quality diet with easily digestible ingredients
- Switch food gradually(over about 4-5 days) any time that you make dietary changes
- For those prone to pancreatitis, maintain a low fat diet
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