Most people don’t give much thought to what their cat’s poop should look like. However, if you’re noticing that your cat’s poop is a little off, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what healthy cat poop should look like, and what some common poop problems might mean for your feline friend.
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Introduction
For the most part, healthy cat poop should be:
-Slightly soft and formed (not too hard or watery)
-Dark brown in color (darker than milk chocolate)
-Have a small amount of white mucous on the surface
If your cat’s poop looks significantly different from this, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue. For example, very soft or runny poop can indicate diarrhea, while very hard poop may be a sign of constipation.
Poop that is black or red in color can also indicate a health problem, as this can be a sign of bleeding in the digestive tract. If you see any changes in your cat’s poop, it’s best to contact your veterinarian to have them check it out.
What Does Normal Cat Poop Look Like?
Most cats will have two types of feces: hard and soft. Hard feces are the ones that are more difficult to pass and usually come out in pellets, while soft feces are easier to pass and have a softer, more pudding-like consistency. Each type of poop has its own set of normal characteristics, which you can use to gauge your cat’s health.
Hard Feces
-should be small and dry
-should be uniform in shape
-should be brown or golden in color
-if your cat is eating a balanced diet, their poop should not have an unpleasant odor
Soft Feces
-should be uniform in shape
-should be light brown or golden in color
-if your cat is eating a balanced diet, their poop should not have an unpleasant odor
When to Worry About Your Cat’s Poop
While it’s normal for a cat’s poop to vary in color, texture, and smell from time to time, there are certain changes that can be cause for concern. If your cat’s poop is black and tarry, for example, this could be a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding and should be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately. Similarly, if your cat’s poop is white or pale in color, this could indicate a liver disorder or another serious condition and should also be evaluated by a vet.
Other changes to watch out for include:
– Diarrhea or constipation that lasts more than a day or two
– Blood in the stool
– Excessive straining to defecate
– A change in the frequency of bowel movements
– A change in the size or shape of stool
– Loss of appetite
– Weight loss
– lethargy
If you notice any of these changes in your cat’s poop, it’s important to take them to the vet right away for an evaluation. In some cases, such as with diarrhea, these changes may resolve on their own with some simple dietary changes. However, other conditions, such as liver disease or intestinal parasites, will require more aggressive treatment.
Diarrhea in Cats
Diarrhea is defined as an increase in the frequency, volume and/or liquidity of a cat’s stools. Diarrhea can cause dehydration and sunken eyes, so it is important to seek veterinary care if your cat has loose stools for more than a day. Cats with diarrhea may also have increased thirst, urinate more often or have accidents outside the litter box.
Blood in Cat Poop
There are a number of reasons why there may be blood in your cat’s poop. If you see blood, it’s important to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible so they can determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
One common cause of blood in stool is anal glands that are not functioning properly. The anal glands are two small sacs located on either side of the anus. They secrete a foul-smelling liquid that helps your cat mark their territory. If the anal glands become full or blocked, they can rupture and bleed. This is often painful, and your cat may try to relieve the pain by scooting their bottom along the ground.
Another possible cause of blood in stool is parasites, such as roundworms or Tapeworms. These parasites can irritate the intestines and cause bleeding. In some cases, the blood may be visible in the stool, while in other cases it may be mixed in with the stool and not visible.
Dietary issues can also lead to bloody stool. For example, if your cat eats something they’re not used to or if they eat something that disagrees with them, it can lead to intestinal bleeding. Eating grass is a common way for cats to induce vomiting if they’ve eaten something that doesn’t agree with them. However, if your cat is eating grass regularly, it could be a sign that they’re not getting enough nutrients from their diet and are seeking out alternative sources of nutrition.
There are many other potential causes of blood in stool, including inflammation of the intestines (colitis), cancer, and kidney disease. If you see any blood in your cat’s poop, it’s important to contact your veterinarian so they can determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
Mucus in Cat Poop
Mucus in cat poop is generally a sign that something is irritating the gut lining. If you notice mucus in your cat’s stool, it’s important to take him to the vet to rule out any potential underlying health problems.
Worms in Cat Poop
While it may be gross to think about, checking your cat’s poop regularly can give you important insights into their health. Most of the time, your kitty’s poop should be long, S-shaped logs that are brown in color. However, there are times when you may find worms in your cat’s poop.
While finding a worm in your cat’s poop can be startling, it’s actually quite common and usually nothing to worry about. Roundworms are the most common type of worm found in cats, and often they don’t cause any symptoms. In fact, many kittens are born with roundworms and don’t even know it!
That said, if you find worms in your cat’s poop, it’s important to take them to the vet for a check-up. While most cases of worms are nothing to worry about, some types of worms can cause serious health problems for your kitty. Your vet will be able to tell what type of worm your cat has and whether or not they need treatment.
Poop That is Hard or Dry
If your cat’s poop is hard or dry, it could be a sign of dehydration. Hard or dry poop can also be a sign of constipation. If your cat is constipated, he may strain to poop, and his poop may be smaller than normal.
If your cat is constipated, he may need more water or fiber in his diet. You should talk to your vet about changing your cat’s food if he is constipated.
Poop That is Too Soft
If your cat’s poop is too soft, it may be a sign that they are not getting enough fiber in their diet. Fiber helps to add bulk to the stool, making it easier for your cat to pass. A diet that is high in fiber will also help to prevent constipation and other digestive problems.
You can add fiber to your cat’s diet by feeding them more wet food or by adding a teaspoon of canned pumpkin (not the pie filling) to their food each day. You should also make sure that they have access to plenty of fresh water.
Poop That Stinks Worse Than Normal
While a healthy cat’s poop doesn’t usually smell great, there are some cases where it can smell significantly worse than normal. If your cat’s poop smells bad enough to make your eyes water, it’s definitely worth taking them to the vet to get checked out. Possible causes of particularly stinky poop include:
– Diet: If your cat is eating a lot of fish or other high protein foods, this can make their poop smell worse.
– Infection: Bacterial or viral infections can cause vomiting and diarrhea, which can make poop stink worse.
– Inflammatory Bowel Disease: This is a condition that causes inflammation in the digestive tract, and can make poop smell really bad.
If your cat’s poop smells worse than normal, it’s always best to get them checked out by a vet to rule out any serious health problems.
Poop That is a Different Color
If your cat’s poop is a different color than normal, it could be a sign of a health problem. If your cat’s poop is red, it could be a sign of blood in the stool. If the poop is black, it could be a sign of intestinal bleeding. If the poop is white, it could be a sign of liver disease. If the poop is green, it could be a sign of an infection.
Poop That Your Cat is Eating
If you notice that your cat’s poop is a normal color but it is passed with undigested bits of food, this could be a sign that your cat is eating too fast or that its food is not being properly broken down in the stomach. If you notice this, talk to your veterinarian, who may recommend a change in food or feeding habits.
How to Prevent Poop Problems in Cats
No one likes to talk about poop, but if you have a cat, it’s something you need to be aware of. After all, your cat’s poop can tell you a lot about her health.
A healthy cat’s poop should be:
-Small and well-formed
-Brown in color
-Slightly soft but not runny
-Easy to scoop out of the litter box
If your cat’s poop is anything other than this, it could be a sign of a health problem. For example, diarrhea can be caused by stress, a change in diet, or an intestinal parasites. If your cat has diarrhea, it’s important to take her to the vet so she can bechecked out and treated if necessary.
Constipation is another common problem in cats. If your cat is constipated, her poop will be small and hard, and she may strain to go. Constipation can be caused by dehydration, a lack of fiber in the diet, or an obstruction in the intestines. Once again, if you think your cat may be constipated, it’s best to take her to the vet so she can be checked out and treated if necessary.
When to See the Vet About Your Cat’s Poop
If you’re a cat owner, you know that cats can be finicky creatures. They may decide to poop outside of their litter box for no apparent reason. Or they may start eating less, vomiting more, or just generally seeming unwell. If these changes are accompanied by a change in the appearance of their poop, it’s time to pay attention.
