Your cat’s poop isn’t just waste. It’s also a window into their overall health. Changes in color, consistency, or frequency can be a signal that something isn’t quite right.
Paying attention to your cat’s litter box habits can help you spot potential problems early. And that can mean getting them the veterinary care they need sooner rather than later.
We’ve put together a guide to understanding your cat’s stool, including a cat feces color chart, a consistency guide, and advice on when to call your vet. Because paying attention to your cat’s poop is one of the easiest ways to keep them healthy.
What does healthy cat poop look like?
No one wants to think about cat poop, but knowing what’s normal for your kitty can help you spot potential health problems right away.
Here’s a quick guide to healthy cat stool:
- Color: Healthy cat poop is usually dark brown.
- Consistency: It should be firm, but not rock hard. Think of modeling clay – pliable, well-formed, and segmented.
- Shape: Ideally, it should be shaped like a sausage.
- Odor: Cat poop always smells a little, but a normal stool shouldn’t have a revolting or unusual odor.
- Residue: Healthy poop leaves very little behind in the litter box.
Cat Poop Color Chart: What It Might Mean
Your cat’s poop can tell you a lot about their health. A sudden or persistent change in color can be a symptom of a health problem that should be addressed. Here’s a quick guide to what the different colors might mean:
Black or Tarry Stool (Melena)
If your cat’s poop is black and tarry, it usually means there’s digested blood in the upper part of their digestive tract, such as the stomach or small intestine. This could be caused by ulcers, bleeding, or even from swallowing blood from a wound. If you see black, tarry stool, it’s important to seek immediate veterinary care.
Red Streaks or Fresh Blood (Hematochezia)
Red streaks in the stool, or fresh blood in the stool, usually indicate bleeding in the lower digestive tract, such as the colon or rectum. This can be caused by anal fissures, colitis, parasites, or tumors. It’s a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to determine the cause and course of treatment.
Yellow or Orange Stool
Yellow or orange stool can indicate a problem with the liver or gallbladder, such as a bile duct obstruction or liver disease. If you notice this color change, it’s best to schedule a consultation with your veterinarian.
Green Stool
Green stool can mean that food is moving too quickly through your cat’s digestive system, or it could indicate a bile issue. Sometimes, eating grass can cause green poop. If the color persists, it’s best to consult with your vet.
White or Gray Stool
White or gray stool may mean that there’s a lack of bile or that your cat isn’t absorbing nutrients properly. Pancreatic issues or a bile duct obstruction could be to blame. This warrants a trip to the veterinarian.
Stool with White Spots
If you see white spots in your cat’s stool, it often indicates the presence of parasites, such as roundworms or tapeworms. Your veterinarian can prescribe a deworming medication to get rid of the parasites.
Cat poop consistency chart: diarrhea vs. constipation
Along with the color, the consistency of your cat’s poop can tell you a lot about their digestive health. Here’s a quick guide to what different consistencies might mean:
Diarrhea (loose or runny stool)
Diarrhea is characterized by watery, unformed stool that may contain mucus or blood.
Possible causes of diarrhea in cats include:
- Dietary indiscretion (i.e., eating something they shouldn’t have)
- Infections (bacterial, viral, or parasitic)
- Stress
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
If your cat has diarrhea, monitor them for signs of dehydration. If the diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours or is accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite, it’s time to call the vet.
Constipation (hard, dry stool)
Constipation is the opposite of diarrhea, with hard, dry stool that’s difficult for your cat to pass.
Possible causes of constipation in cats include:
- Dehydration
- Lack of fiber in the diet
- Hairballs
- Obstruction in the digestive tract
- Megacolon (an enlarged colon that can’t effectively move stool)
If your cat is constipated, make sure they have access to plenty of fresh water and consider adding more fiber to their diet. If straining persists for more than 24-48 hours, or if your cat is unable to defecate at all, consult a veterinarian. Straining or inability to defecate indicates potential constipation.
Soft stool
If your cat’s stool is formed but not firm, it’s considered soft stool. Often, this is caused by a mild dietary indiscretion, such as eating a new type of treat.
If your cat’s stool is soft, monitor them and adjust their diet as needed. If the soft stool persists for more than a day or two, or if other symptoms develop, consult your veterinarian.
Other indicators: Smell, frequency, and litter box habits
While color can be a helpful indicator, there are other things you can observe about your cat’s poop that can offer additional clues about their health. Pay attention to the smell, how often they’re going, and any changes in their litter box habits.
Cat poop smell
Cat poop is never going to smell like roses, but it shouldn’t be overwhelmingly pungent. If you notice a distinctly foul odor, it could be a sign of intestinal parasites, bacterial overgrowth, or even internal bleeding.
If the smell is significantly different than usual or if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian.
How often should a cat poop?
Most cats will poop once or twice a day. However, the frequency can vary depending on factors like their diet, age, and how active they are.
Changes in litter box habits
Keep an eye out for changes in your cat’s litter box habits. Straining, frequent visits without producing much, or accidents outside the box can all signal underlying health issues. These could include urinary tract infections, constipation, stress, or even arthritis that makes it difficult for them to get into the box.
If you notice any of these changes, it’s important to monitor them and consult with your veterinarian. Some smart litter box monitors can even track your cat’s habits and alert you to potential problems.
When to Call the Vet: Red Flags and Warning Signs
While a one-off weird poop might not be a huge deal, some changes in your cat’s stool definitely warrant a call to your veterinarian. Here’s what to look out for:
- Persistent Diarrhea or Vomiting: If your cat has diarrhea or is throwing up for more than 24 hours, it’s time to call the vet. Dehydration can set in quickly.
- Blood in the Stool: Any blood in your cat’s poop – whether it’s bright red and fresh or dark and digested – needs to be checked out. This could indicate a number of problems.
- Straining to Defecate: If your cat is struggling to poop, they might be constipated or have a blockage. This is especially important for male cats, as urinary blockages are also common and life-threatening.
- Loss of Appetite or Lethargy: If your cat is acting tired or isn’t interested in food and their poop is also weird, that’s a double red flag.
- Significant Change in Poop Frequency: Has your cat suddenly started pooping way more or way less than usual? This could signal a problem.
- Changes in Litter Box Habits: Is your cat suddenly going to the bathroom outside the litter box, or are they straining while they’re in it? These are both signs that something’s not right.
- Foreign Objects in Stool: If you see pieces of toys, string, or other things your cat shouldn’t be eating in their poop, they might have pica (eating non-food items) or they might have accidentally swallowed something they shouldn’t have.
- More than two days without pooping: If your cat hasn’t pooped in more than two days, it’s time to call the vet.
Putting It All Together
Keeping an eye on your cat’s poop is a key part of responsible pet ownership. Pay attention to the color, consistency, how often they go, and even the smell of their stool.
Catching any abnormalities early can lead to quicker diagnosis and treatment, which can significantly improve your cat’s health and well-being. Don’t ignore changes in your cat’s litter box habits!
If you’re ever worried about your cat’s poop, don’t hesitate to call your vet. And, importantly, never try to treat any poop issues at home with home remedies. You might make the problem worse.
By being observant and taking action when needed, you’re helping your feline friend live a long and healthy life. A little bit of poop-watching can go a long way!