What Your Cat’s Poop Actually Says About Their Health
Let’s preserve it real: no one loves digging via the litter box—but checking your cat’s poop is one of the best approaches to inform if they’re feeling okay. Here’s a no-fuss breakdown of what to seem to be for, in simple terms.
Watery Poop
Think runny puddles or soft goop—plus, it normally smells way worse than normal.
Why it happens: Could be a upset belly from awful meals (maybe they snuck some thing they shouldn’t have!), worms, stress (like transferring or a new pet), or even an infection.
What to do: If it’s simply one accident, ignore their subsequent meal however make positive they have masses of water (diarrhea dries them out fast). But if it lasts greater than a day? Call the vet—they would possibly want meds to restore whatever’s bugging their gut.
Poop with Blood at the End
You’ll see crimson streaks, or every now and then jelly-like blood combined in.
Why it happens: This isn’t normal—could be an infection, a little tear in their intestines, or even some thing sharp they ate (like a tiny bone or string).
What to do: Don’t wait—head to the vet proper away. Blood in poop capability something’s off, and they’ll want to determine out the motive fast.
Pellet-Like Poop
Small, tough little balls—dry, crumbly, and probable challenging for your cat to push out.
Why it happens: Most likely, your cat isn’t ingesting ample water. Or their meals is low on fiber—cats want that to hold matters transferring smoothly.
What to do: Try mixing moist meals into their dry kibble (or switching to all moist food) to enhance moisture. A cat water fountain may additionally trick them into consuming more—some kitties love walking water!
Poop with Worms
Gross, however important: seem to be for tiny white bits that appear like rice grains or skinny threads (they may even go a little, yuck).
Why it happens: Worms—usually from matters like ingesting bugs, stepping in contaminated dirt, or even from their mom if they’re a kitten.
What to do: Grab a small pattern of the poop (use a plastic bag or glove!) and take it to the vet. They’ll provide you deworming medicine, and you’ll prefer to do this each and every few months to maintain worms away for good.
Soft, Thin Poop
Mushy, doesn’t keep its shape, and sticks to the litter field like glue (scooping this is the worst, we know).
Why it happens: Often from switching their meals too fast—cats’ tummies hate unexpected changes! Or simply a random upset belly from some thing they ate.
What to do: If you’re altering food, combine the new stuff with the ancient one steadily over a week (start with 10% new, 90% old, then slowly bump up). Feed smaller ingredients extra often, and strive including a little probiotic powder to their food—It helps settle their gut.
Sticky, Paste-Like Poop
Greasy, thick, and leaves a residue on the litter scoop even after you easy it.
Why it happens: Probably too a lot fats in their food, or they’re consuming way extra than they want in one sitting (cats love to overindulge if you let them!).
What to do: Cut again on component sizes—follow the feeding information on their meals bag, now not their “I’m starving!” meows. Swap to a cat meals with decrease fats content, and stick to ordinary feeding instances (no random snacks all day!).
What Healthy Cat Poop Actually Looks Like
Memorize this, and you’ll understand proper away if something’s up:
Shape: Like a quick log or small sausage—firm, however offers a little when you press it (think playdough texture). Holds its form when you scoop.
Color: Light brown to darkish brown—no black, red, white, or bizarre orangey hues.
Texture: Smooth, no chunks, no worms, no blood—just consistent.
Smell: Yeah, it stinks, however no longer “hold your nostril and run” bad. If it’s super-pungent, that’s a signal of tummy trouble.
Frequency: Most cats poop 1–2 instances a day. If they pass a day or go 3+ times, take a look at in.
Make it a addiction to look at the litter field each day when you smooth it. If some thing appears off for greater than 1–2 days, don’t guess—call your vet. Healthy poop = a happy, comfortable cat, and that’s what we all want, right?
