Every day, countless cat parents do the not-so-pleasant job of scooping the litter box. While this routine task may not be the most glamorous, your cat’s box holds a wealth of information about their inner workings and overall health.Paying just a little attention to what they leave behind may reveal subtle clues that speak volumes about their well-being.In this post, I will share the knowledge you need to decipher the unspoken language of the litter box, including helping you understand what constitutes a healthy deposit and, more importantly, when something may be “off” or warrant a call to your veterinarian.Familiarizing yourself with what to look for and when to be concerned is the key to a happier, healthier life for your best friend.What is Considered “Normal” Cat Poop?Recognizing when something isn’t right based on your cat’s litter box starts with understanding what is considered “normal.” There are several key characteristics that you can expect to see when looking at health cat poop, indicating a well-functioning digestive system.Consistency is KeyIdeally, your cat’s stool should be firm and log-shaped, holding its form well when scooped. The texture should be moist, like the texture of modeling clay or even a well-formed sausage. This consistency is important as it means the food is being properly digested and there’s a healthy balance of water absorption in the intestines, resulting in poop that is easy and comfortable to pass through the digestive tract.The Right ColorThe expected color for healthy cat poop falls into a spectrum that ranges from medium to dark brown. This comes primarily from the natural breakdown of food within the digestive system and the presence of bile, the key digestive fluid produced by the liver.It is worth noting that slight color variations can happen due to the foods included in your cat’s diet. For example, certain foods may cause the poop to be slightly lighter or darker brown, which is usually nothing to be concerned about as long as other characteristics on this list remain normal. If you do notice a slight change of color, take a moment to consider whether your cat has eaten something new recently that could be behind that shift.Size MattersThe typical size of a healthy stool for your cat will correlate with their overall size and the amount they eat, meaning that it will vary slightly from cat to cat. Even within my own home, with three cats, we have three different “normals” to consider.By consistently observing your cat’s waste when cleaning the box, you will familiarize yourself with what is normal for them, allowing you to notice if their waste is slightly smaller or larger than usual, which can be a subtle sign of an underlying issue. Very small stools may suggest that your cat is eating less than usual or they are experiencing a slower digestion rate than normal. Consistently large stools could point towards dietary imbalances or improper absorption of nutrients.Something Smells “Off”Let’s be honest, all poop has an odor, and it’s not an odor we generally get excited about. However, healthy cat poop shouldn’t have an overwhelmingly foul or offensive smell. While you won’t be mistaking your cat’s litter box for roses anytime soon, even if they are 100% healthy, a sudden and significant worsening of that smell can be a red flag. This may signal bacterial overgrowth in the digestive tract or digestive upset. Trust your nose – if the smell seems noticeably different and concerning, it’s worth taking note and investigating further.Frequency and HabitsMost cats will typically have a bowel movement once or twice a day. This is considered “normal” and indicates that their digestive system is operating as it should. Still, it can vary slightly from cat to cat based on factors such as their diet, activity levels, and overall metabolism. Monitoring your cat’s bathroom habits can help you establish what’s normal for them, arming you with the information necessary to recognize if something’s “off.”A significant and persistent change in their usual bathroom habits, whether it’s going much more or much less often, is a red flag worth paying attention to.Red Flags in Your Cat’s Litter BoxWhile understanding what healthy poop looks like will give you a baseline, you will need to fine tune your observation skills to be able to recognize when something has changed, even subtly. Certain changes in consistency, color, contents, odor, frequency, or volume may signal underlying issues that need to be addressed or even a need for a visit to the veterinarian ASAP.Here are a few of the red flags you should be on the lookout for in more detail:Changes in ConsistencyOne of the most common changes you may notice is diarrhea, which can manifest in several forms. It may appear watery, very loose, or have a soft, puddling-like consistency. Several factors can contribute to diarrhea in cats. Often, it is the result of eating something they shouldn’t. However, stress, parasites (such as roundworms, hookworms, or Giardia), bacterial or viral infections, food sensitivities or allergies, and even underlying medical conditions can impact the digestive tract.It's also important to keep in mind that diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration, especially in vulnerable populations like kittens and senior cats, making prompt attention critical.On the opposite end of the spectrum is constipation, characterized by hard, dry pellets or infrequent and often strained attempts to go. You may notice your cat making repeated trips to the litter box without producing much or showing signs of discomfort when trying.Dehydration is also a significant contributor to constipation, as is a diet lacking the necessary fiber your cat requires. Hairballs, particularly in long-haired breeds, can also cause blockages. Other potential causes include obesity, pain (making it uncomfortable to get into position to go), neurological issues, and, in severe cases, a condition called megacolon, where the colon becomes enlarged and loses its ability to contract and move the stool along effectively. Constipation can be pretty uncomfortable for your cat and, if left untreated, can lead to serious medical problems.
