Understanding Cat Soft-Sided Diarrhea: Causes & Solutio

Cat Poop Health Check Guide

Key Points to Monitor: Color, Shape, Frequency, and Quantity

Understanding Your Cat's Poop

First and foremost, it's crucial to pay attention to four key aspects of your cat's feces: color, shape, frequency, and total amount.

1. Healthy Cat Poop Shape

Segmented Worms: Long and soft, resembling a caterpillar.

Sausage Shape: Solid and round, but not hard, resembling a sausage.

Normal Poop Color: Typically, a cat's feces are brown.

2. Abnormal Poop

Nut Shape: Hard, small granules, requiring excessive force for defecation.

Symptoms: Constipation.

Measures: Adjust your cat's diet, increase water intake, and incorporate more fiber and fat.

Soft Ice Cream Shape: Extremely soft but not watery.

Symptoms: Diarrhea.

Measures: Identify dietary causes and closely monitor.

Soft Banana Shape: Slightly soft but formed.

Symptoms: Requires observation.

Measures: Keep a close eye on your cat's defecation patterns.

Chocolate Puddle: Granular, dark in color, and thick like water.

Symptoms: Diarrhea.

Measures: Seek medical attention promptly.

Liquid Soup: Completely liquid.

Symptoms: Severe diarrhea.

Measures: Seek medical attention promptly.

Unhealthy Poop Colors

Light Yellow: Persistent light yellow color may indicate liver or gallbladder issues.

Black: Black stools are associated with digested blood and require immediate medical attention.

Blood in Stools: Indicates bleeding in the digestive tract and necessitates a visit to the vet.

White Specks: Indicates internal parasites and calls for regular deworming.

Grayish: May suggest pancreas or gallbladder problems.

Why Does Cat Poop Smell So Bad?

Poorly Digested Cat Food: The cat's diet may not be suitable, leading to smelly stools.

Infectious Diseases: Certain diseases can cause foulsmelling feces.

Parasites: Parasitic infections can lead to unpleasant odors.

Anal Gland Issues: Problems with the cat's anal glands can contribute to bad smells.

How Many Times a Day Should a Cat Poop?

Normal Poop Frequency: Most cats defecate once a day, but this can decrease with age.

How to Improve Soft Stools and Diarrhea in Cats

Change the Diet: If your cat is experiencing soft stools, diarrhea, or bad smells, it may be due to an unsuitable diet. Switch to a new food promptly.

Food Suggestions: Opt for highprotein options like chicken or fish, a grainbased formula, and ideally, food with added probiotics for easy digestion. Ensure the ingredients are traceable and of high quality.

Switch to a New Litter Box: An open litter box can lead to odor issues.

Litter Box Suggestions: Consider a fully enclosed litter box for better odor control and to prevent litter from spilling out.

Try a Different Litter: Look for options like tofu litter or blended litters, which have superior absorption and odor control.

Adjust Diet Structure: Avoid overfeeding dry kibble, excessive treats, and canned food. Occasionally offer cooked meat or eggs to supplement vitamins and fiber.

Improve Gut Function: For cats with frequent soft stools, keep probiotics on hand.

Regular Deworming: Deworming is crucial, especially during the summer months, which may require monthly treatments.

Clean the Litter Box Regularly: Clean the litter box daily and regularly change the litter to maintain hygiene.