You clean your cat’s litter box and notice something strange—the poop is black, almost tar-like. This isn’t normal, and it can be a sign of something serious. But is it an emergency?
In this article, you’ll learn what black cat poop means, what causes it, and when to seek immediate help from a 24-hour emergency vet.
Is Black Cat Poop an Emergency?
Yes, black cat poop can be a medical emergency. Black, tarry stool—called **melena**—usually means there’s bleeding in your cat’s upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This isn’t something to ignore. Internal bleeding can be life-threatening and requires immediate veterinary care.
If you notice black poop, especially with other symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite, don’t wait. Contact an emergency vet clinic right away.
What Does Black Cat Poop Look Like?
Healthy cat poop is usually medium to dark brown, firm, and well-formed. Black stool is often:
- Very dark—almost black or charcoal gray
- Shiny or sticky in appearance
- Tar-like in texture (not solid like usual)
- Often accompanied by a foul or metallic smell
This color change happens because blood is digested in the stomach or small intestine, making it appear dark instead of red.
What Causes Black Stool in Cats?
Black poop is almost always linked to bleeding in the upper digestive system. Possible causes include:
- Stomach ulcers from stress, medications, or infection
- Gastrointestinal tumors or cancers
- Foreign objects damaging the stomach lining
- Liver disease or clotting disorders
- Certain toxins or poisons like rat bait or human painkillers
- Side effects from medications like NSAIDs or steroids
Any of these can lead to internal bleeding, and black stool may be your first warning sign.
When to Go to an Emergency Vet
If your cat has black poop and any of the following symptoms, it’s time to act fast:
- Vomiting (especially blood or dark liquid)
- Lethargy or extreme tiredness
- Pale gums or weakness
- Rapid breathing or heart rate
- Loss of appetite or refusing food
- Weight loss or hiding behavior
Even if your cat seems okay, black stool isn’t normal. Use our emergency vet finder to locate a 24-hour clinic near you and get help right away.
What Will the Vet Do?
At the clinic, the vet will ask for a full history and may perform tests like:
- Blood work to check for anemia or clotting issues
- Fecal testing to confirm melena (digested blood)
- Abdominal X-rays or ultrasound to find internal bleeding
- Endoscopy to look inside the GI tract
Treatment depends on the cause but may include IV fluids, medications to stop bleeding, antibiotics, or even surgery in severe cases.
Can Black Poop Ever Be Harmless?
In very rare cases, black stool could be caused by:
- Iron supplements or medications
- Eating large amounts of liver or blood-rich food
- Dark-colored treats or charcoal
Even then, it’s difficult to know without a vet’s input. It’s best to play it safe and get your cat checked out.
How to Prevent Black Poop in Cats
While not all cases are preventable, here are some tips to reduce the risk:
- Don’t give human medications without vet approval
- Keep toxins locked away including rodent poisons and cleaning supplies
- Feed a balanced, vet-approved diet
- Schedule regular checkups to catch issues early
- Watch for changes in eating or litter habits
Early detection often makes treatment easier—and more affordable.
Conclusion: Don’t Ignore Black Cat Poop
Black stool in cats usually signals internal bleeding and needs urgent care. Even if your cat looks fine, this symptom points to something serious inside their digestive system.
If you ever find black, tar-like poop in the litter box, use 24 Hour Emergency Vet to find help fast. Getting your cat checked now could save their life.
Always trust your instincts—and don’t take black cat poop lightly.