The Big Scoop: How to Know if a Cat Has Healthy Poop (And Toilet Routine)

Cleaning the litter box is probably every paw parent’s least favourite job. But your kitty’s poo isn’t something you should just scoop out and throw away. It’s important to keep track of Mr Whiskers’ stool as it can tell you a lot about your fur friend’s health! But how do you know if a cat has healthy poop (and a good toilet routine)? Cat in a Flat is here to give you the big scoop on your cat’s poop! 

Why should I care about my cat’s poop?

Why should I care about my cat’s poop? Your feline’s bowel movements and overall toilet routine are a good indicator of their health. Hence, it’s important to not only pay attention to how often your kitty poops, but what their poop looks and smells like too. Not only can irregular poos point to stress in cats, but it can be an early indicator of health issues such as liver disease, feline diabetes, and food allergies. So, keep your cat happy and healthy by paying attention to their poop! 

How to know if my cat’s poop is healthy

As a pawsome cat parent, you undoubtably clean out your kitty’s litter box at least once a day. Since you do it so frequently, you’ll probably notice right away when something changes. But how can you tell if your cat’s poop is healthy or unhealthy? Here are some key indicators. 

Healthy

• Colour: Deep brown, but not black. 
• Consistency: Firm but pliable.
• Shape: Healthy poop is log or sausage shaped, though it’s not uncommon for a cat to pass a few smaller pieces.
• Odour: Some odour is normal. But not too strong or overwhelming.
• Frequency: Most cats will poop once or twice a day. If you have a multi-cat household, make sure there are enough litter boxes (one per cat + one extra). Also take note that kittens digest food more quickly and therefore can poop up to four time per day.

Unhealthy

• Colour: Black could be an indicator of blood in the stool. Very light poop might indicate liver disease or other health issues.
• Consistency: If soft or runny, your kitty may have diarrhoea and is in serious risk of dehydration. 
• Shape: It’s not healthy if your cat’s poop is small hard balls (like pebbles), as it could indicate constipation.
• Odour: A strong or overwhelming odour may be cause for concern.
• Frequency: If your kitty is pooping more than twice a day, or spending a lot of time trying to poop but nothing comes out, this could indicate a serious health issue. 

What causes unhealthy poop in cats? 

What causes unhealthy poop in cats? There are several things that could cause your cat to have a less than healthy poop. Parasites, diarrhoea, or ingesting something toxic can all lead to unhealthy poop. It’s not always easy to identify the exact cause of the problem, so consulting a vet is a good idea if you notice any changes in your feline’s poo. Here are some of the main causes of unhealthy poop in cats: 

• Parasites: Intestinal parasites such as roundworms and hookworms can cause unhealthy poos in cats and lead to larger health issues. It’s important to take your kitty for annual vet check-ups and stay up to date with vaccinations as well as flea, tick, and heartworm medications.
• Diarrhoea: If your feline has liquid poos, this is sign that something isn’t right. Diarrhoea can lead to severe dehydration, so aim to get your fur friend to drink as much water as possible. If your kitty’s diarrhoea lasts more than two days, or they are having frequent diarrhoea (more than two incidents in a very short span of time), take them to the vet.
• Change in diet: A change in diet can at times lead to unhealthy changes in your cat’s poo. Sometimes this can indicate some sort of feline food allergy. Contact your vet about doing an allergy test if you notice changes after shifting to a new diet. 
• Toxins: If you haven’t changed your feline’s diet but you notice a change in their poo, it’s possible they’ve eaten something they shouldn’t. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect your kitty has ingested something toxic (such as a plant that’s poisonous to cats). 
• Constipation: Hard poos are a sign that your kitty’s bowel movements are not healthy. This is usually an indicator that your kitty is lacking fibre, and you may need to change their diet.
• Stress: Stress and anxiety won’t necessarily change the type of stool, but it could cause your furry friend to poo outside the litter box. 
• Cancer: If there is blood in your kitty’s stool, this could be an indicator of cancer in the intestinal tract. Always get your cat checked by a vet if you notice blood in their poo. 

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Should I track my cat sitting client’s poop?

Should I track my cat sitting client’s poop? If you’re a cat sitter, you may be wondering how important it is to keep track of your various kitty clients’ poop. Keeping an eye on Mr Whiskers’ toilet routine is part of making sure your furry friend is happy and healthy. Your clients are entrusting you with their beloved fur child, so you should notify them if anything seems off. This includes when your cat client’s poop is not looking healthy. 

When you do the initial meet and greet with a client, ask about their kitty’s usual toilet routine and if there’s anything you should watch for. Also make sure to get the information for your furry client’s vet and at least one alternate number you can call in case there’s an emergency. 

Cleaning the litter box is a key cat sitting task. This is when you, as the sitter, should watch for any changes in your kitty client’s bathroom habits. Does the cat’s poop look healthy or unhealthy? If the kitty doesn’t seem to be using their litter tray, is pooping or peeing more than usual, or defecating outside their designated toilet areas, let their owners know. While some of this can be due to your furry client feeling anxious about their paw parents’ absence, it’s best to make sure something more serious isn’t at play. 

What to do if you’re concerned about your cat’s poop

If you notice anything abnormal (i.e. change in colour, frequency, and smell, or blood in the stool) always take your kitty to the vet immediately. It might be tempting to try to cure your cat’s toilet issues with a home remedy. However, your vet will be able to determine the exact cause of the problem and provide more immediate relief for your feline. 

There are also a few ways to be proactive about keeping your cat’s poop healthy: 

• Don’t feed your feline dairy. It’s a myth that cats can drink milk, most are actually lactose intolerant! Ingesting milk can cause digestive discomfort and unhealthy poops. 
• Gradually change your cat’s diet. If you’re planning to switch your fur friend to a new diet, don’t do it all at once. Instead, do it gradually over a couple days. This gives your feline time to adjust to their new food and makes it easier for you to note any allergic reactions.

Looking for more great tips on cat care? Read up on the reasons your cat vomits and whether or not a vegan diet is right for your kitty.