How often do cats poop? If you’ve never had a cat before, you may be wondering that. However, the question cat parents should really be asking is, how often should cats poop? As is the case with people, those two responses sometimes vary enough to warrant medical attention. learn more about what’s normal when it comes to cat poop and when there’s cause for concern.
so how often should cats poop?
There is no single solution to this question, but the general rule of thumb from veterinarians is that pooping once or twice a day is considered normal for cats.
Kittens tend to poop more often than adult cats. Other factors that affect your cat’s frequency include diet, activity level, medications or supplements, and underlying medical conditions.
what if my cat poops more than twice a day?
If you notice your cat making frequent trips to the litter box, you should first check to see if your cat actually “goes.” For example, if your cat is straining to defecate, this could indicate a number of medical problems that warrant a visit to the vet, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). And if your cat is simply getting a lot of exercise, it could be a sign of stress and anxiety.
Looking for an easy way to control your cat’s litter box habits? The Litter-Robot Wi-Fi Self-Cleaning Litter Box has a smartphone app that allows you to monitor how often your cat uses the litter box. An increase in litter box activity, whether your cat is peeing more, pooping more, or straining to do anything, indicates that a visit to the vet is a must.
what if my cat only goes every few days?
according to litter-robot’s resident veterinarian, dr. justine lee, cat constipation can be a chronic and uncomfortable problem in felines. constipation is more common in middle-aged cats (over 8 years) and older cats. If left untreated, constipation in cats can lead to an enlarged colon, which is difficult and expensive to treat.
If you notice your cat is only pooping every 2-4 days, straining to poop, or spending too much time in the litter box, make an appointment with your vet. There are many ways to treat cat constipation, including dietary changes and safe laxatives. however, never give your cat an over-the-counter enema without consulting your vet.
Constipation can be especially dangerous for very young kitties. If you notice your kitty hasn’t pooped in 3 days, see a vet to check for blockages and other issues.
what is normal cat poop like?
healthy cat poop will be dark brown in color and not too hard or too soft.
abnormal cat poop can appear as:
- small, rock hard and excessively dry
- lots of mixed hair
- thin, ribbon-like
- black, tarry, or liquid
- smooth, foamy, or slimy
- food intolerances or allergies (cats generally cannot tolerate dairy, for example)
- toxic substances consumed (plants, herbs, garlic and onion, etc.)
- inflammatory bowel disease
- gastrointestinal worms
- pancreatitis
- fip
- lymphoma
- colitis
- dr. justine lee
- aspca
- webmd pets
what if my cat has diarrhea?
Cat diarrhea isn’t uncommon, but it’s not something to ignore either. diarrhea in kittens and older cats is of particular concern, as they are quicker to succumb to dehydration. diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours in any cat warrants a visit to the vet. some causes of diarrhea in cats include:
what if there is blood in cat poop?
Don’t panic if you notice a little blood in cat poop. while not normal, it could simply be an example of your cat trying too hard to poop. however, if you notice a lot of blood, or if blood shows up regularly in the litter box, make an appointment with your vet right away. Blood in cat feces can be caused by the same underlying problems that cause diarrhea, such as IBD, worms, food allergies, cancer, or even a life-threatening intestinal obstruction.
how stinky is too stinky?
Finally, one last factor when it comes to cat poop: how stinky is too stinky? Of course, there will be some degree of odor when it comes to feces, but anything downright gross or any change in odor (including the level of foul odor) should bring it to the attention of your vet. extremely smelly cat poop could be a sign that your cat’s diet needs to change or that your cat has some type of illness or infection.
If you’re dealing with a “normal” degree of litter box odors but still can’t stand the smell, consider a litter box made with odor control in mind, like the Litter Robot!
So, you now have a broad understanding of what is “normal” when it comes to cat poop. As unpleasant as it may be, you should pay attention to your cat’s litter box habits, including what her poop looks like and how often she eliminates. If in doubt, ask your vet what should be considered normal for your cat. every kitty is different, after all!
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cover photo by tamar waskey on unsplash
