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What to do if your kitten has blood in his stool?

What to do if your kitten has blood in his stool?

If your kitten is passing blood in his stools or if you notice any weakness or other signs of debilitation in addition to diarrhea, call your vet right away and have your kitten viewed as quickly as possible. Red blood in the poop generally suggests a problem with the lower intestine/colon or rectum.

What causes blood or mucus in my cat’s poop?

What causes blood or mucus in my cat’s poop? There can be many causes of blood or mucus in a cat’s poop. Some common reasons include: Dietary changes and food intolerance; Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Intestinal parasites such as Giardia; Infections; Trauma or abscess; Rectal polyps or tumors; Anal gland abscess or infection

Is it normal for a cat to have mucus on it?

It’s not unusual to observe some greasy or slick coatings on your cat’s feces. It is abnormal to see lots of slimy, often clear to pale yellow-green liquid accompanying your cat’s bowel movements. Fecal mucus is an example of “more is worse.”

How can you tell if a kitten is having diarrhea?

A kitten who has a bout of explosive, watery stool and remains stooped over as if he still requires to go while absolutely nothing comes out is experiencing diarrhea, not constipation. Other signs include: It is easy to determine if an indoor kitten is having diarrhea– check the feline litter box.

Why does my cat have blood in her stool?

This blood will often appear as dark flecks, specks, or coffee grounds. It’s important to note that both constipation and diarrhea can cause blood in the stool of cats. Bright red blood without either diarrhea or hard, dry stools generally indicates the problem is closer to the rectum and anus. What about mucus in poop? Slimy. Slippery. Yucky.

Is it normal for a cat to have mucus in its stool?

These are all terms I’ve heard from cat parents describing excessive mucus in their cat’s stool. Mucus is a normal secretion of the intestinal tract to help lubricate and moisten the linings and facilitate fecal passage. It’s not unusual to observe some greasy or slick coatings on your cat’s feces.

A kitten who has a bout of explosive, watery stool and remains stooped over as if he still requires to go while absolutely nothing comes out is experiencing diarrhea, not constipation. Other signs include: It is easy to determine if an indoor kitten is having diarrhea– check the feline litter box.

Can a kitten with coccidiosis have diarrhea?

In adult cats, there may be no signs of infection, while in kittens the symptoms can be more serious. The most common symptom is diarrhea; in severe situations, the diarrhea can be accompanied by blood in the stool. The good news is that coccidiosis is a very treatable condition.

How often do cats and kittens pass Poo?

Cats and kittens will pass faeces (poo) when they receive a signal from their bowel (large intestines) that faeces are present and ready to be passed. The exact frequency with which faeces are passed will depend on each individual, their diet, and if they are stressed or have any underlying problems such as bacterial, viral or parasitic infection.

Why does my kitten have a lot of blood?

There are digestive tract parasites that can cause a little blood in young kittens; however if it’s intense red, it’s most likely due to some inflammation of the colon or rectum.

What does orange mean on a kitten stool chart?

Orange May indicate liver or gallbladder issue. See vet. Yellow With a very foul smell may indicate coccidia. Can be bacterial overgrowth/imbalance. See vet. Greenish Severe bacterial infection. Needs treatment. Gray Overfeeding; lack of probiotics or bile. Reduce food intake and/or frequency; add probiotics.

If your kitten is passing blood in his stools or if you notice any weakness or other signs of debilitation in addition to diarrhea, call your vet right away and have your kitten viewed as quickly as possible. Red blood in the poop generally suggests a problem with the lower intestine/colon or rectum.

There are digestive tract parasites that can cause a little blood in young kittens; however if it’s intense red, it’s most likely due to some inflammation of the colon or rectum.

How often should you feed an orphaned kitten?

Orphaned kittens should be fed on a strict schedule, preferably every 2-4 hours. Kittens up to two weeks old can generally consume their daily intake in 4-5 meals per day. Small breed kittens should be limited to 10-15mL per feeding during the first week of life in order to prevent diarrhea.

Orange May indicate liver or gallbladder issue. See vet. Yellow With a very foul smell may indicate coccidia. Can be bacterial overgrowth/imbalance. See vet. Greenish Severe bacterial infection. Needs treatment. Gray Overfeeding; lack of probiotics or bile. Reduce food intake and/or frequency; add probiotics.

What to feed a kitten with bloody diarrhea?

After 12 hours of withholding feline food, provide your kitten a dull food that is fat-free. Some choices are a fat-free prepared/canned kitten food, or cooked ground turkey and canned 100 percent pumpkin. If canned pumpkin is not quickly discovered, attempt fresh, cooked sweet potato.

Can a kitten get diarrhea from an adult cat?

In adult cats, there may be no signs of infection, while in kittens the symptoms can be more serious. The most common symptom is diarrhea; in severe situations, the diarrhea can be accompanied by blood in the stool.

When to take a cat with bloody diarrhea to the vet?

Take the cat to the vet. Blood in your cat’s stool may be due to a variety of conditions, so you need to take your cat to the vet as soon as possible. Bloody diarrhea can lead the cat to become dehydrated. Bloody diarrhea may be due to minor problems, like food intolerance, or serious conditions, like cancer.

What kind of blood is in kitten stool?

Categories of Blood in Kitten Stool. Fecal bleeding is normally found in two major forms, depending on different sources of diseases: Hematochezia, commonly known as bright red blood, is associated with bleeding in lower intestines namely colon and rectum.

What should I do if I see blood in my cat’s poop?

There can be many causes of blood or mucus in a cat’s poop. Some common reasons include: What should I do if I see blood or mucus in my cat’s poop? Any changes in your cat’s bowel movements should be reported to your veterinarian immediately. Today’s constipation can become tomorrow’s intestinal obstruction.

What happens if a kitten has diarrhea all the time?

Diarrhea by definition is frequent and liquid stool. Diarrhea will cause a kitten to become severely dehydrated due to the loss of fluid in its stool and therefore cause them to be weak.

What happens if a cat has worms in its stool?

These worms are proven to cause serious outcomes if patients are not given instant treatment, out of which pneumonia, intestinal obstructions and even death are unavoidable. In terms of less complicated cases, cats may suffer vomiting, bloody stools, coughing, gagging and diarrhea.

What causes a cat to have soft stool?

Protozoan infection is also a source of concern because on invasion of the body, these single-celled parasites can cause a series of gastrointestinal issues, ranging from soft stools to vomiting and diarrhea. Cats can get infected with giardia directly or indirectly through contact with contaminated soil or food source.

What does it mean when your cat has blood in his stool?

Blood in the stool in cats is a condition in which varying quantities of blood appear in your cat’s stool. There are two different types of blood in the stool, Hematochezia which appears as bright red blood and in smaller quantities, or black, tarry blood. Blood in the stool is typically a symptom…

What should I do about my cat’s poop?

Your veterinarian will most likely perform a fecal smear of your cat’s stool in order to check for parasites that may be irritating your cat’s intestine. This is typically performed quickly in your vet’s office. Your vet will also test in-office for parvovirus using a similar fecal test.

When to put a kitten on a dewormer?

Your kitten should be dewormed at two weeks of age and again at two-week intervals until they reach 12 weeks. After that, kittens should be placed on a monthly anti-parasite product that is prescribed by a family veterinarian.

These worms are proven to cause serious outcomes if patients are not given instant treatment, out of which pneumonia, intestinal obstructions and even death are unavoidable. In terms of less complicated cases, cats may suffer vomiting, bloody stools, coughing, gagging and diarrhea.

Why does my cat have loose stool and smelly poop?

And since I have a small home, it literally stinks up the whole joint. Her poop isn’t real super loose, but loose enough to occasionally have trouble scooping it out of her littler (old-fashioned clay litter). So, it’s far from diarrhea, but also not well-formed turds. It’s consistently the same. It never varies from it’s soft state.

Why does my cat poop look like blood?

For starters, litter can sometimes alter the color and conceal – or create – changes in appearance. If the blood originates in the lower intestinal tract, especially the distal colon (large intestine) or rectal region, it will most likely look like, well, blood.

Why does my cat have a bad smell in her stool?

Coccidia and Trichomonas are also parasites that can cause intestinal inflammation, diarrhea and odor. Digestive disorders as a cause of smelly stool in cats: Conditions like mal-digestion and mal-absorption often result in rancid smelling stools. This can be associated with undigested and unabsorbed fats and starches.

For starters, litter can sometimes alter the color and conceal – or create – changes in appearance. If the blood originates in the lower intestinal tract, especially the distal colon (large intestine) or rectal region, it will most likely look like, well, blood.

Is it normal for kittens to have loose stool?

Adrienne Kruzer, RVT, LVT, has worked with a variety of animals for over 15 years, including birds of prey, reptiles, and small mammals. Kittens, just like other pets, can develop gastrointestinal upset from time to time, which may result in loose stools.

When to worry about your cat’s bowel movements?

You should contact your vet if your cat’s bowel movements are abnormal for a few days, even if you don’t see blood in the stool. Dealing with the GI problem can prevent blood from appearing in the stool. If your cat’s poop has been normal and you see some blood one time, watch your cat closely for the next day or two.

Why does my cat have black blood in her stool?

Dark brown, black, tarry or coagulated blood in the stool is typically an indicator of irritation or other source of blood further up in the intestinal tract or stomach. The black color of the blood can occur when stomach acids begin breaking down the blood.

Why does my kitten have blood in her stool?

A cat who is passing blood in the stool may be experiencing pain when defecating. The term for this is dyschezia and may be one of the reasons why your cat is pooping blood. When cats poop blood it can be in the stool only slightly, giving the stool a tint of reddish-pink. It may also be a bright red, or darker red mixed in the stool as well.

Why is my kitten peeing blood?

Other reasons for a cat peeing blood. Other underlying causes for a cat peeing blood include chronic kidney disease, forms of diabetes, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and hyperthyroidism. If the reason for blood in urine is elusive, go for the full battery of medical tests.

Why does my kitten have little blood in its poop?

There are a few reasons why you might see blood in cat poop. Some are more serious than others. Diarrhea can cause irritation of the lining of the lower gastrointestinal tract, leading to bleeding. If your cat has diarrhea or soft stools, they may start to appear bloody after a couple of days.

What should I do if my kitten is sneezing blood?

What To Do If Your Cat Is Sneezing Blood Catch the cat. Cats don’t typically tolerate any home remedies or solutions, so if the bleeding doesn’t stop or there is an excessive amount of blood, the best thing to do is to If the cat allows it, applying a cold compress, such as an ice pack, to the top or sides of the cat’s nose may help slow or stop the bleeding.

Adrienne Kruzer, RVT, LVT, has worked with a variety of animals for over 15 years, including birds of prey, reptiles, and small mammals. Kittens, just like other pets, can develop gastrointestinal upset from time to time, which may result in loose stools.

What are the symptoms of diarrhea in cats?

Along with having unhealthy-looking stools (usually loose or watery in appearance), cats with diarrhea may have the following symptoms: Mucus or blood in the stool Worms in the stool

What would cause blood in my kitten’s poop?

What Causes Blood in Cat Stool? Colitis. The most common cause of blood in the stool in cats is colitis, or inflammation of the colon. Parasites. Parasites are a common reason for colitis and bloody stools in kittycats. Giardia or Coccidia. Panleukopenia. Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Older Cats. Other Reasons.

Why does my kitten have diarrhea?

Diarrhea in a kitten is typically characterized by the sign of watery stools. It is caused by a source, which can be as simple as a change in diet or a more grave illness or an infection.

When to see the vet about a kitten’s stool?

Soft, “fragile” feces also may indicate an issue. As soon as you notice a change in your wee kitten’s stool consistency, it’s time for him to see the vet. Consistency isn’t the only indication of whether a kitten’s stool is normal. Color may also be helpful for monitoring your little one’s health.

What is the normal consistency of stools for kittens?

Normal Stool Consistency. A kitten’s normal healthy stool is is totally firm, and won’t easily break apart when you scoop it out of the litter box. If the fecal matter is firm but rather soft, collect a sample for your veterinarian to check, just to be safe.

How often does a kitten need to pee and poop?

While a kitten should pee every few hours, they may pass stool anywhere from 1 to 6 times a day, depending on the kitten’s age, care, and GI health. Sometimes, a kitten may even go 24 hours without pooping.

Soft, “fragile” feces also may indicate an issue. As soon as you notice a change in your wee kitten’s stool consistency, it’s time for him to see the vet. Consistency isn’t the only indication of whether a kitten’s stool is normal. Color may also be helpful for monitoring your little one’s health.

What should a kitten’s poop and urine look like?

Let’s summarize and say: Poop should be brown and formed. Urine should be yellow. We have two handy guides for you below to help you decipher what’s what, and to make sure your kitty is healthy, happy and hydrated. Bloody — Actual red blood seen in stool.

What causes diarrhea in a 6 month old kitten?

As a veterinarian for more than 20 years, and chief of personnel at Animal House of Chicago, I have dealt with numerous cases of diarrhea in kittens, felines in age from birth through 6 months. In my experience, the most common causes are dietary indiscretion (eating something that caused upset), a sudden change in diet and parasites.

Why does my kitten have a hard stool?

An especially hard and dry stool may signal that Kitty is not getting sufficient moisture or fresh water in his diet, and is dehydrated. Watery droppings may be a major clue that something isn’t right with your cutie’s health or food.

Normal Stool Consistency. A kitten’s normal healthy stool is is totally firm, and won’t easily break apart when you scoop it out of the litter box. If the fecal matter is firm but rather soft, collect a sample for your veterinarian to check, just to be safe.

In adult cats, there may be no signs of infection, while in kittens the symptoms can be more serious. The most common symptom is diarrhea; in severe situations, the diarrhea can be accompanied by blood in the stool. The good news is that coccidiosis is a very treatable condition.

Is it normal for cats to have blood in their stool?

Normal Acting Cat with Blood in Poop If your cat has blood in its stool on just one event, and otherwise seems consuming, drinking and acting typically, the cause may simply be a small intestinal upset, such as eating too much, eating an unknown food, or consuming something that does not agree with him.

As a veterinarian for more than 20 years, and chief of personnel at Animal House of Chicago, I have dealt with numerous cases of diarrhea in kittens, felines in age from birth through 6 months. In my experience, the most common causes are dietary indiscretion (eating something that caused upset), a sudden change in diet and parasites.

When to take your cat to the vet for a blood clot?

If you spot the signs of a blood clot in your cat it is important that you get it veterinary care immediately. You should literally pick your cat up and drive it to be seen by a veterinarian without delay. Getting prompt veterinary care can help to increase the likelihood that it will survive a blood clot.

Is it normal for a kitten’s teeth to fall out?

Yes, your kitten is growing up. And he’s blasting his way toward adolescence. During the next few months, your kitten’s deciduous, or baby, teeth will fall out. You might find them in the carpet or in the food dish. Or you might not find them at all. Some cats will swallow them. Don’t worry — this is normal.

What causes a kitten to have blood in its stool?

Causes of Blood in Kitten Stool 1 Colitis 2 Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) 3 Parasites 4 Constipation 5 Viral Infection 6 Injuries 7 External Factors More

When to take your cat to the vet for blood?

You check your cat and cannot find any obvious signs of injury until you notice that they’re urinating blood in the most inappropriate places, regardless of being perfectly house trained. Concerned, you schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.

What causes a cat to have blood under the skin?

Bleeding Disorder. Bleeding disorders are another possible culprit. For instance, the cat may have a decrease in blood platelet or poorly functioning blood platelets, which may cause unexplained bleeding episodes, and the unexplained presences of bruises with blood under the skin.

What happens in the first month of kittens life?

A kitten is born, its eyes and ears open, it gets teeth, and then weans from nursing to eating solid kitten food. There are a lot of changes that happen in just the first couple of months of a kitten’s life. But the next few months are also full of changes and new experiences for a growing kitten.

Take the cat to the vet. Blood in your cat’s stool may be due to a variety of conditions, so you need to take your cat to the vet as soon as possible. Bloody diarrhea can lead the cat to become dehydrated. Bloody diarrhea may be due to minor problems, like food intolerance, or serious conditions, like cancer.

What causes blood or mucus in my cat’s poop? There can be many causes of blood or mucus in a cat’s poop. Some common reasons include: Dietary changes and food intolerance; Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Intestinal parasites such as Giardia; Infections; Trauma or abscess; Rectal polyps or tumors; Anal gland abscess or infection

In adult cats, there may be no signs of infection, while in kittens the symptoms can be more serious. The most common symptom is diarrhea; in severe situations, the diarrhea can be accompanied by blood in the stool.

Diarrhea by definition is frequent and liquid stool. Diarrhea will cause a kitten to become severely dehydrated due to the loss of fluid in its stool and therefore cause them to be weak.

Why does my kitten have a bad stool color?

Cat Indigestion, Stool Colors. Kittens often experience digestive problems, like Diarrhea, Constipation, Gas, Stool Odor, Bad Breath. It is important to monitor Stool Colors as this can be indicative of health problems.

What to do if your kitten won’t eat anything?

It could just be an upset tummy, in which case try giving them some boiled chicken or something else mild (unseasoned rice is ok too) to help get them eating again. Again, if nothing is working, take your kitten to the vet. 7. Vomiting

Is it normal for a kitten to lose its appetite?

Loss of appetite Kittens can be picky eaters, but they should still be eaters. If you notice your kitten is not eating anything you put out for them, this could be a sign of something wrong.

What are the early signs of fading kitten syndrome?

Preventing crises is key to reducing fatality from fading kitten syndrome. The early signs of fading kitten syndrome are subtle but often detectable. Sick kittens may not right themselves when turned on their backs. They may not root and suckle normally. Their eyes may not open at the usual age of five to 14 days.

What causes clear vaginal discharge in 5 month old kitten?

A clear vaginal discharge in a five month old kitten most likely is due to vaginitis caused by infection, you should visit your Veterinarian to confirm and to get a prescription of antibiotics if the cause is determined to be an infection.

Do you know if your cat has diarrhea?

You might believe you know the signs of diarrhea; however they can be rather varied in any age cat. Regular, urgent pooping of loose, watery stools are the traditional signs that your feline has diarrhea. Nevertheless, straining to poop can also be an indication, though it might be misinterpreted as constipation.

What should I do if my kitten has bloody diarrhea?

If your kitten is otherwise healthy and his habits are normal, ask your vet if you need to withhold food (food only, not water) for 12 hours. After 12 hours of withholding feline food, provide your kitten a dull food that is fat-free. Some choices are a fat-free prepared/canned kitten food, or cooked ground turkey and canned 100 percent pumpkin.

Why does my kitten have diarrhea all the time?

Roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms, for instance, can burrow into your kitten’s intestine and cause diarrhea (sometimes with blood), weight loss, and failure to thrive. Kittens develop worms through ingesting worm eggs from another cat’s fecal matter.

You should contact your vet if your cat’s bowel movements are abnormal for a few days, even if you don’t see blood in the stool. Dealing with the GI problem can prevent blood from appearing in the stool. If your cat’s poop has been normal and you see some blood one time, watch your cat closely for the next day or two.

How often should you grade your cat’s poop?

If your cat has abnormal stools, you can “grade” the feces. Grading the fecal quality and estimating the quantity can help your veterinarian more quickly, and correctly, diagnose your cat’s condition. Most cats defecate once daily. The odor shouldn’t knock you out.

When do kittens stop being so hyper outside?

Outdoor cats are a lot less hyper indoors as they have a huge playground outside to burn off some of their energy. So if you’re going to be letting them outdoors from 6 months or so you can see a change in sight. In the cats I’ve had over the years almost none still exhibit that crazy kitten hyperactivity from around 6 months or so.

How can you tell if your cat has coccidia?

If your cat is infected with coccidia, the symptoms can vary. In adult cats, there may be no signs of infection, while in kittens the symptoms can be more serious. The most common symptom is diarrhea; in severe situations, the diarrhea can be accompanied by blood in the stool. The good news is that coccidiosis is a very treatable condition.

What kind of illness does a kitten have?

Characterized by sneezing, runny eyes, runny nose, lack of appetite, and lethargy, upper respiratory infections are extremely contagious and easily passed from one kitten to another.

Why does my kitten have a runny nose?

Characterized by sneezing, runny eyes, runny nose, lack of appetite, and lethargy, upper respiratory infections are extremely contagious and easily passed from one kitten to another. Adult cats may be infected as well, particularly if they are stressed or housed in close contact with one another,…

If your cat has abnormal stools, you can “grade” the feces. Grading the fecal quality and estimating the quantity can help your veterinarian more quickly, and correctly, diagnose your cat’s condition. Most cats defecate once daily. The odor shouldn’t knock you out.

How often should a 10 month old kitten poop?

Kittens should poop at least once a day regardless of her age and the poop should be a dark brown color, of medium consistency, and smells like any typical cat poop should smell. But, what if your kittens don’t poop regularly or not pooping at all?

Why does my kitten not poop at all?

Kittens may not poop regularly after they’ve been spayed or neutered. Also, deworming sessions may have a similar effect and your kitten may not be able to poop right away but this is mostly temporary and your kitten should be able to resume a normal pooping schedule in a matter of days. It could be due to changes in routine

What kind of blood is in your stool?

There are two different types of blood in the stool, Hematochezia which appears as bright red blood and in smaller quantities, or black, tarry blood. Blood in the stool is typically a symptom of an underlying condition.

What does it mean if your cat has blood in its stool?

Blood in your cat’s stool can appear bright red. Blood in your cat’s stool can also look very dark red or black and tarrylooking. Bright red blood in stool (hematochezia) is fresh and black blood is older—it appears black because it’s been digested or partially digested by the cat. Black or tarry looking stool is an emergency.

Protozoan infection is also a source of concern because on invasion of the body, these single-celled parasites can cause a series of gastrointestinal issues, ranging from soft stools to vomiting and diarrhea. Cats can get infected with giardia directly or indirectly through contact with contaminated soil or food source.

There are two different types of blood in the stool, Hematochezia which appears as bright red blood and in smaller quantities, or black, tarry blood. Blood in the stool is typically a symptom of an underlying condition.

Where does blood come from in cat poop?

If the blood originates in the lower intestinal tract, especially the distal colon (large intestine) or rectal region, it will most likely look like, well, blood. Red or pink drops or smears are frequently discovered on the sides of the litter box and on top of the stool or litter.

What should I Feed my Cat with blood in it?

After that, your cat should be fed on cooked rice, skinless chicken and plain yogurt to calm the digestive system. Using a natural diet without additives and preservatives is also advised to keep your cat in shape. In addition, it is necessary that you keep your cat at great ease.

Why does my cat have blood coming out of her stomach?

As in people, cats can develop open sores on the mucous membranes lining of their esophagus or stomach. Gastrointestinal ulcers are uncommon in cats. They are often associated with tumors in cats, but the cause can also be unknown. 1  They can also cause a loss of appetite, pale gums, lethargy, dark stools, and bloody diarrhea.

What to do if there’s blood in Your Cat’s stool?

If your cat’s poop has been normal and you see some blood one time, watch your cat closely for the next day or two. If your cat shows any signs of illness or you see blood again the next day, then it’s time to visit your vet. If your cat has had diarrhea for a day or two, contact your vet to determine the cause of diarrhea and to help resolve it.

After that, your cat should be fed on cooked rice, skinless chicken and plain yogurt to calm the digestive system. Using a natural diet without additives and preservatives is also advised to keep your cat in shape. In addition, it is necessary that you keep your cat at great ease.

What causes a cat to sneeze with no blood?

The most common fungus to cause a nasal infection in cats is Cryptococcus neoformans. This causes swelling of the nose, destruction of nasal tissue, nasal discharge, sneezing with or without blood, and other symptoms of upper respiratory infections.

Cat Indigestion, Stool Colors. Kittens often experience digestive problems, like Diarrhea, Constipation, Gas, Stool Odor, Bad Breath. It is important to monitor Stool Colors as this can be indicative of health problems.

What should I do if my cat has blood in her poop?

Never ignore blood in a cat’s stool. Blood in cat poop indicates that something is going on with her health. There are no home remedies for blood in cat stool. If you see blood or think you see blood in your cat’s poop, call your veterinarian to make an appointment to have her seen.

What should the color of a kitten’s stool be?

The stool should be a medium-brown color, but a mustard-yellow color is also within the “acceptable” range. Gray feces may indicate a kitten is eating just a little too much.

Why does my cat’s poop look like coffee grounds?

Blood from higher in the intestinal tract, particularly the small intestine, will be black or brown. This color change is due to partial digestion by enzymes secreted in the small intestine. This blood will often appear as dark flecks, specks, or coffee grounds.

Blood from higher in the intestinal tract, particularly the small intestine, will be black or brown. This color change is due to partial digestion by enzymes secreted in the small intestine. This blood will often appear as dark flecks, specks, or coffee grounds.