When you decided to bring a kitten into your family, or rescue a cat from the local shelter, I bet dealing with their poop was not your first consideration. Yet poop-scoop at the ready, along with acquiring a feline friend, you added a new daily chore to your to-do list! Whilst you may prefer to hold your nose and look away, as mad as it sounds, it is worth getting to know your pet’s poop. Read on to find out why.
Your cat’s poop can tell you a lot about their general health, not just their gut. So keeping a close eye on their stools can be a good way to pick-up on any changes quickly.
Does my cat need a litter tray?
Whether or not you decide to allow your cat outside, they should still be given access to an indoor litter tray. This ensures they always have somewhere to toilet, in cases where its raining, or if the neighbouring tom cat has paid a visit to your garden. It’s also worth getting them used to a litter tray in case they ever need to visit the vets, be kept in for any reason, or need to go into a cattery. It is generally not recommended to allow kittens unsupervised outdoor access until they are about 6 months old, and have been fully vaccinated, microchipped and neutered. For older adopted cats, it is best to wait a few weeks before letting them out, so they are settled into their new home.1 So there’ll certainly be some time after bringing home a new cat when a litter tray is required.
It is worth noting that if you have more than one cat, feline behaviourists tend to recommended providing a litter tray per cat, plus one extra, ideally in different locations around the house.
When your cat is using a litter tray it makes it easy to monitor their poop, as you’ll need to empty it on a daily basis. But what should you be looking out for?
The purr-fect poop
There is in fact no such thing as a perfect poop. ‘Normal’ will vary between individuals and can depend on what food they are eating, stage of life and their home environment.
Typically, a healthy cat poop would be brown in colour, sausage-shaped and firm but moist; most cats will pass about one each day. Slight deviations in colour and texture may be normal for an individual puss. If you notice a sudden change in appearance or frequency, or that their poop becomes very runny, or at the other end of the spectrum - very hard, dry and crumbly, it could be a sign that something is not quite right. If you see any of these changes, or detect blood or mucus within their stools, it is best to seek veterinary advice promptly.
Other unusual findings can include excessive hair from over-grooming, white dots due to intestinal parasite or foreign objects such as elastic bands or hair ties if your kitty has been munching things they shouldn’t! Seek guidance from your vet if you have any concerns.
Loose stools following dietary indiscretion or mild infection will often self-resolve. However, if they persist beyond a couple of days, or your cat seems unwell in themselves, has a reduced appetite, is vomiting or lethargic then it is best to get them checked over by a vet.
My cat poops outside, how do I know everything is ok with their gut?
Whilst outdoor cats may not use a litter tray, there can still be some tell-tale signs to look out for when it comes to monitoring their poop. Many cats will roam widely and treat your neighbours to daily deliveries, meaning you won’t see what they pass; however, for those who don’t venture beyond the garden gate, you may have more of an idea of what’s going on with their poop.
Even cats who never poop on their own doorstep can give clues if something is up. If their poop is particularly runny, they may end up with some stuck in the fur around their bottom, especially in long-haired cats. It is important to regularly check their back end, not only would poop stuck there be very smelly, but if left it can make their skin sore, and can even lead to fly strike in summer. If poop gets stuck in the fur around your cat’s bottom you may be able to gently remove it with warm water. However, if the fur is matted, or your cat will not tolerate this washing, you may need to have it clipped off at the vets.
If your cat is struggling to pass poop you may notice them straining more than normal or straining without producing anything. Constipation can happen for various reasons and management requires veterinary guidance.
Beyond alterations to their stools, any change in general demeanour or appetite, could be a sign that something is not quite right and warrants veterinary investigation, if severe or not improving within a day or so.
Key Takeaways
Poop can vary between individual cats depending on diet and lifestyle
Typically most cats pass 1-2 poops per day
Healthy cat poo is normally brown, sausage-shaped and firm but moist
Get to know what’s normal for your cat
Any changes in appearance or frequency of passing poop should be noted
Veterinary guidance should be sought if stools become particularly loose or dry, or if there are any other symptoms noticed or there’s a change in your cat’s demeanour
