Scooping the litter box and spotting black, tar-like poop is alarming, and it should be taken seriously. Unlike normal brown stool, truly black poop can signal internal bleeding. Here’s what it means and what to do.
This is educational information, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.
- Black, tarry, sticky stool is called melena and often means digested blood from upper-GI bleeding.
- It’s different from normal dark-brown poop and can indicate a serious problem.
- Causes include ulcers, parasites, certain medications, ingested blood, or some foods/supplements.
- Kittens and cats with black stool plus lethargy or pale gums need urgent care.
- Any true black, tarry stool warrants a prompt vet visit to find the cause.
What causes black cat poop?
Black, tarry cat poop, medically called melena, most often means there’s digested blood in the stool from bleeding somewhere in the upper digestive tract (stomach or small intestine). As blood is digested, it turns the stool black and sticky. Causes range from stomach ulcers, parasites, and certain medications (like some anti-inflammatories) to swallowed blood (from mouth or nose bleeding), bleeding disorders, or, less often, dark foods or iron supplements. Because melena can signal a serious internal problem, it should always be evaluated by a vet.
Is black poop the same as normal dark stool?
No, true black, tarry stool is different from ordinary dark-brown poop. Healthy cat poop is brown and firm, and shades can vary a little with diet. Melena, by contrast, is distinctly black, often shiny, sticky, or tar-like in texture. That specific appearance is the warning sign, because it typically reflects digested blood rather than normal pigment. If you’re unsure whether your cat’s stool is just dark brown or genuinely black and tarry, it’s safest to treat it as a possible concern and check with your vet. Compare with the color guide in what cat poop should look like.
What are the common causes of melena?
Melena has several possible causes, all needing veterinary diagnosis. Common ones:
- Stomach or intestinal ulcers or inflammation.
- Parasites that damage the gut lining.
- Medications, such as certain NSAIDs or steroids.
- Swallowed blood, from a mouth, nose, or throat bleed.
- Bleeding disorders or rat-poison (rodenticide) exposure.
- Diet or supplements, like iron or very dark foods (less common).
Because these range from manageable to serious, only a vet can pinpoint the cause with an exam and tests.
Black stool vs other worrying stool signs
Here’s how black poop compares to other stool changes.
| Stool sign | What it may mean |
|---|---|
| Black, tarry, sticky (melena) | Digested blood, upper-GI bleeding, see a vet |
| Bright red blood on stool | Lower-GI bleeding (colon/rectum), vet check |
| White or grey stool | Possible liver, bile, or digestive issue |
| Diarrhea | Diet, parasites, infection, or illness |
Other abnormal colors matter too, like pale stool covered in why a cat’s poop is white, and ongoing loose stool in cat diarrhea.
When should you see a vet?
See your vet promptly for any truly black, tarry stool, and treat it as urgent if it comes with other symptoms. Red flags include lethargy, weakness, pale gums, vomiting (especially with blood or coffee-ground material), appetite loss, or a painful belly, these can indicate significant bleeding and need immediate care. Kittens with black stool should be seen right away, as they decline quickly. Bring a stool sample if you can. This article is educational and not a substitute for veterinary care; never give human medications, and don’t wait to see if black stool resolves on its own. For vomiting red flags, see when to worry about cat vomiting. Trusted guidance comes from the Cornell Feline Health Center and VCA Hospitals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does black cat poop mean?
Black, tarry stool (melena) usually means digested blood from bleeding in the upper digestive tract, and it can be serious. Causes include ulcers, parasites, medications, or swallowed blood. Any true black, tarry stool warrants a prompt vet visit.
Q: Is black cat poop an emergency?
It can be. Black, tarry stool with lethargy, weakness, pale gums, vomiting, or a painful belly signals possible significant bleeding and needs urgent care. Even without other symptoms, true melena should be evaluated by a vet promptly.
Q: Is dark brown poop the same as black poop in cats?
No. Normal cat poop is brown and can vary slightly with diet. Melena is distinctly black, shiny, sticky, or tar-like, reflecting digested blood, not normal pigment. If you can’t tell, treat it as a possible concern and check with your vet.
Q: Can food cause black cat poop?
Occasionally. Very dark foods, iron supplements, or certain diets can darken stool. But because black, tarry stool more often signals digested blood, don’t assume it’s diet, have your vet rule out bleeding, especially if the texture is tarry.
Q: What is melena in cats?
Melena is the medical term for black, tarry stool caused by digested blood, typically from bleeding in the stomach or small intestine. It’s a warning sign of an upper-GI problem and should always be checked by a vet.
Q: My kitten has black poop, what should I do?
See a vet right away. Kittens are fragile and can deteriorate quickly, so black, tarry stool (possible internal bleeding) is urgent. Don’t wait or try home remedies, contact your vet or an emergency clinic promptly and bring a stool sample if possible.
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