blood on cats stool

Question
on and off for the past few months, my cat phoenix has had blood on his stool. when this happens his feces has a foul smell. we've changed his food to a higher quality brand...and the problem has become less frequent, but still occurs. do you know why this could be?

Answer
Hi Jessica!  I am assuming that he has been dewormed, so we will rule out that. If he hasn't been dewormed, an intestinal parasite may be present and he would need to be dewormed.
My first guess, however would be IBD (Irritable Bowel Disease), gastric ulceration or some sort of gastro intestinal problem.  These are all very common in kitties, and will need steroid therapy to control this problem.  This probably won't be the last time you are seeing this.  With any gastro intestinal problem, the intestinal wall expands, and because of this swelling, there is a lot of rubbing as the digestive track digests.  Because of this rubbing, internal ulcerations (almost like little hemmoroids) will present themselves, causing blood in the stool.  What a steroid will do, is it will reduce the inflammation in that intestinal track, making it easier for the digestive process to take place without the friction.  This will cause the ulcerations to heal.  It probably will happen again, and again, so be prepared to have your veterinarian give Phoenix a steroid injection about every 3 months.  I have a kitty, Niko, who has this problem.  He is completely healthy and fine...just a little stinky in the litter box.  I have to give him a steroid injection every 1-3 months, as his problem is severe and his intestinal tract completely swells shut.  Since Phoenix has been experiencing this for a few months, I would definately think it's safe to say that his problem is not that severe, but still in need of some steroids.
I hope my opinion has helped and please feel free to ask any more questions you may have!
Thanks
Hilary