Cat Poop Guide: What the Litter Box Reveals About Feline Health

Cleaning the litter box isn’t the most glamorous part of being a pet parent, but it’s your best window into your cat’s internal health. Here is a simple, no-fuss guide to understanding what your cat’s stool is telling you.

1. Watery or Runny Poop (Diarrhea)

Liquid or unformed puddles often come with a stronger, foul odor. This is usually caused by an upset stomach, sudden diet changes, stress, or a viral infection. What to do: If it lasts more than 24 hours, contact your vet to prevent dehydration.

2. Bloody Streaks or Red Tint

Seeing bright red blood or jelly-like mucus is always a red flag. It could indicate inflammation in the lower intestine, a bacterial infection, or even an internal injury from something they ate. What to do: Do not wait—head to the vet immediately for a checkup.

3. Hard, Pellet-Like Poop (Constipation)

Small, dry, and crumbly balls mean your cat is likely constipated. This is usually a sign of dehydration or a lack of fiber in their diet. What to do: Encourage more water intake using a fountain or mix wet food into their dry kibble.

4. Poop with Visible Parasites

White specks that look like rice grains or thin moving threads mean your cat has worms. These are often picked up from fleas or contaminated environments. What to do: Collect a sample in a clean bag and visit the vet for a professional deworming treatment.

5. Soft or Mushy Poop (The “Pudding” Texture)

This stool doesn’t hold its shape and sticks to the litter like glue. It often happens when you switch food brands too quickly. What to do: Always use the “7-day transition rule” when changing food. Adding a probiotic supplement can also help stabilize their gut.

6. Sticky or Greasy Stool

If the poop looks shiny, thick, or leaves an oily residue, it usually means there is too much fat in their diet or they are being overfed. What to do: Check the feeding guidelines on the package and stick to scheduled meals instead of free-feeding.