Why Do Cats Track Litter And Feces
There are a few reasons why your cat might track litter and feces. Some of these problems are easier to resolve than others.
Kittens learn many behaviors by watching their mothers and litter-mates. Bottle-fed kittens and young rescue kittens miss out on being properly taught how to use a litter box. Many simply benefit from a quick poop-covering lesson. When your cat is in its box, gently take its paws and show it how to cover its poop.
What Does It Mean If Your Cats Poop Is White
Most of the time, pure white or very pale cat poop is a sign that your cat has an issue going on with either their liver or their gallbladder. This is because very pale feces is a sign that your cats digestive system is not producing enough bile and working as it should be. Considering that bile is essential for proper digestion, it is crucial that you get your cat to the vet as soon as possible if you notice that their stool is white, clay-like, or pale.
On the other hand, sometimes, a cats stool isnt entirely white. Rather, there are white spots in their feces. Cat poop with white spots indicates that your cat has a parasitic infection, specifically with parasites that live in their digestive system. Luckily, parasitic infections are relatively treatable by a vet. As a result, cats with parasites usually feel better after receiving proper veterinary treatment.
What Color Should Cat Poop Look Like
Deep brown color usually means your cats droppings are healthy. Moreover, healthy cat poop shouldnt be excessively soft or mushy. It should also have some smell, but not too much smell.
Talking of what color your cats poop looks like, what does light colored cat poop mean? While poop that is too light usually signals that your cat may have liver problems or bile obstruction, dark brown or black stool may mean that your cat has blood in his stool.
Furthermore, droppings which appear like small, hard balls are usually abnormal and unhealthy considering the fact that they could be a sign of constipation.
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Summary Of Worms In Cats
There are many different types of worms that can infest cats, so be aware of the signs and symptoms. Immediate treatment will not only help prevent the infestation in your cat from becoming worse, but it will also help protect the other pets in your household. Discovering that your cat has worms may be disturbing, but with effective treatment from your vet, your cat will be worm-free before you know it!
Color Of Your Cats Poop
Under normal circumstances, a cats stool is dark brown, Waldrop says. Black is consistent with digested blood in the stool, especially if its shiny and looks like road tar, he describes. Tan or light brown can be an indication of liver or pancreatic issues, he says, but diets high in fiber will also produce a lighter-colored stool.
If you notice blood in your pets stool, make an appointment to see your veterinarian, Schwartz advises, as that can be a sign of a potentially serious problem and provide a route for bacteria to enter your cats bloodstream.
Pet parents should also call their vet if they notice mucus in the stool. Your cats poop should not have any coating, Waldrop adds. If you find coating on the stool, it could be an indication of colitis.
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Old Cat Poop Turns White
Old feline poop can become white as it develops mold. This mold can start to create in just a few hours.
Moreover, keep in mind that poop is more prone to develop mold in litter boxes that arent cleaned regularly.
Also, note that mold spores arent only hazardous to cats but also to people, so its of high importance to safely dispose of any cat feces as well as the litter.
You can either use a bin bag or a sealed plastic bag to dispose of the poop properly.
Once you remove the poop, wash and dry the tray, then add new litter. Lastly, dont forget to wash your hands well and clean the litter box often to prevent future mold growth.
Otherwise, your feline can inhale mold spores and get sick. If you suspect that your cat has already inhaled mold spores, observe them closely for coughing, respiratory distress, and nasal discharge.
And if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned, consult your vet for advice.
Final Tips On Cat Poop Turn White
Overall, healthy animals produce brown and solid poops. Moreover, although some odor isnt abnormal, your cats poop shouldnt have a foul smell.
If you notice white poop in your cats litter box, make sure its not old as older poops turn moldy and therefore white.
If thats not the case, having your vet examine your feline as white poop can indicate a broad range of medical issues such as internal parasites, fungal toxicosis, liver or gallbladder issues, etc.
In my personal experience and the experience of other cat owners, white spots in your cats stool or white cat poop in the litter box usually indicate worms .
Theyre both large enough to be detected with a naked human eye, so you can easily see if this is the case if the poop is white.
And dont worry as its a less serious issue. Just take a sample of your cats stool to your local vet. They will determine whats the issue and provide treatment.
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Why Is My Cats Poop Light
Color of Your Cats Poop Tan or light brown can be an indication of liver or pancreatic issues, he says, but diets high in fiber will also produce a lighter-colored stool. Pet parents should also call their vet if they notice mucus in the stool. Your cats poop should not have any coating, Waldrop adds.
Is It Bad If Your Cat Poop Is White
A stool that is pale, especially if it is white or clay-colored, can signal a major health issue. Its usually safe to wait and observe if a pale stool returns to normal in cats who have no other symptoms. A doctor should be consulted as soon as possible if a cat or kitten has pale or white excrement.
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Does Old Cat Poop Turn White
Old cat poop does not turn white, so if you find white cat poop in your cats litter box, then it likely came out of your cat that way. White, clay-like cat stool is a sign of a digestive problem, and cat feces with white spots signify a parasitic infection. As a result, you should take your cat to the vet as soon as possible if you find any kind of white cat poop. This will ensure that they get proper treatment for any medical problem that they may have.
What Causes Diarrhea In Cats
Diarrhea in cats has a variety of causes ranging from diet and nutrition to stress and disease. Its important to take note of any changes in your cats routine and observe her other behavior when working with your veterinarian to pinpoint the cause of diarrhea.
Below are some common causes of diarrhea in cats:
Dietary changes: Diarrhea signals a problem with digestion, so diet and nutrition can play a role. Cats may develop diarrhea due to eating table scraps or unfamiliar food. But it can also happen as a result of your cat eating non-food items such as tinsel, rubber bands, and bits of toys. Less commonly, cats have food allergies or sensitivities that cause diarrhea.
Toxicity: Some plants are toxic to cats, and curious cats who chew on them get sick with diarrhea, vomiting, or other signs of illness.
Stress: Cats are very sensitive to change. Change leads to stress and stress leads to diarrhea. This can be from something obvious like boarding your cat while youre away on vacation or hosting a large family gathering at your house. But triggers of stress and anxiety in cats can also include less obvious things like moving furniture or going from using the heat to the air conditioning in the spring.
Other: Nearly anything can cause cat diarrhea. It can be a condition your cat is born with, result from diseases of other organs, or have an idiopathic cause, meaning that a cause for the diarrhea is never identified.
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Why Is My Cats Poop White
Cats can have white poop. Therefore, if the poop is white, your feline may be suffering from severe bacterial imbalance and severe infection in the bowel.
If you see small white patches in fresh poop, your feline probably has worms. Theyre very common, long, skinny roundworms or rice-shaped tapeworms which can be seen with a naked human eye.
I suggest that you take a sample of your cats feces to a local vet clinic to determine if they have worms. Moreover, observe your cats poop every second day. That way, you will catch any health issues early.
Now, lets discuss a few different reasons for white cat poop including tapeworms and possible treatments.
Should You Be Concerned If Your Cat Has White Poop
You are your cats best advocate when it comes to his health. If you notice changes in his energy or appetite, loose stool or diarrhea, or yellow areas like the eyes or gums, then it is best to have him examined by your veterinarian.
Some variation in stool is expected on a day-to-day basis. Any sudden diet changes can alter your cats stool, though. If you recently switched cat foods and your cat has some softer stool or a slight color change, this may be due to the food transition. If you havent changed the food, it is best to check in with your vet.
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Can Cat Poop Be Dangerous
Handling cat poop may have an eww factor, but it isnt typically dangerous. That said, there is a concern that cat poop can contain a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, which causes Toxoplasmosis. You can also get Toxoplasmosis from eating raw or undercooked meat. Toxoplasmosis isnt a big deal for most people who either wont get sick or show only mild flu-like symptoms. However, it is of particular concern to pregnant women who can pass the parasites along to the unborn child and cause birth defects or even fetal death.
While this sounds scary, its good to know that contracting these parasites from the litter box is not a common occurrence. Cats infected with the parasite only excrete it for a short amount of time, and the parasites arent infective for at least 48 hours. That means if youre scooping out the litter box daily, you greatly reduce the risk of infection.
Just to be safe, pregnant women should hand over litter box duties until the baby is born. If thats not possible, scoop and clean the box wearing rubber gloves and thoroughly wash your hands after youre done. Keeping your cat insidewhich is recommended by our strategic partner The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® for all catscan also help prevent them from contracting this parasite.
How To Diagnose Fungal Toxicosis
To diagnose fungal toxicosis, visit your vet, and he will use several diagnostic methods to determine if fungal toxicosis is the cause of your cats symptoms.
To determine if fungal toxicosis is the cause of your cats symptoms, your veterinarian will employ a variety of diagnostic tests.
Similar symptoms can be caused by a variety of other illnesses in cats, including bacterial infections, viral infections, and certain malignancies.
Prepare to talk about your pets medical history, living situation, symptoms, and the timeline of those symptoms.
Check for evidence of mold or fungal development in your cats food, bedding, and other locations where they spend a lot of time before going to the vet.
Bring a sample of anything you think has molded after coming into contact with your pet.
Imaging modalities such as CT scans or MRIs may be used to search for alterations linked with a fungal infection.
Veterinary professionals may also look for evidence of fungi or antibodies usually produced to fight fungal infections in blood, tissue, urine, feces, and mucus.
If fungal toxicosis is suspected, tests will be performed to assess the type of fungus and the level of harm to your pets bodily systems.
Because mycotoxins usually harm the liver, special attention will be directed to it, including diagnostic imaging and maybe a biopsy.
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Diagnosing Worms In Cats
While some worms can be seen by the naked eye, others must be diagnosed with fecal testing. Your veterinarian will ask you to bring in a stool sample, which will be placed in a solution that allows the parasite eggs to separate from the feces and float to the top.
Next, a drop of the sample is placed on a slide and examined under a microscope to determine the exact type of worm infesting your cat. A physical exam, along with blood work, may also be carried out to get a complete picture of your cats health.
Because the lifecycle of each parasite is different, its important to know exactly the type of worm infesting your cat. This will determine medication, treatment, and follow-up care. After treatment, your cat will likely need another fecal exam to ensure the worms have been wiped out.
Thankfully, most intestinal worms in cats are easily resolved with either a single dose of dewormer or a short course of deworming medication that your vet can prescribe and administer. Certain worms can be more stubborn to resolve, resulting in slightly longer treatment courses of intestinal dewormers.
Treating Vomiting In Cats
If your cat has an isolated episode of vomiting with no apparent underlying disease, your veterinarian may administer an anti-nausea medication to settle your cats stomach. You may also be sent home with a short course of a bland, prescription diet, which is easily digestible and will provide rest for your cats gastrointestinal tract. In some cases, symptomatic care is all that is needed to get a cat over an upset stomach.
In more severe cases, involving ongoing or severe vomiting, your cat may require hospitalization. This will allow your veterinarian to administer intravenous fluids and injectable medications, while closely monitoring your cat. Hospitalization can be used to rehydrate your cat and get vomiting under control once your cat is stable, they can come home with you for ongoing outpatient care.
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What Should Normal Cat Poop Look Like
Generally, healthy poop is malleable, like modelling. It shouldnt be too hard or too soft, and it should be shaped like a tootsie roll. This is of course considering the gold standard when it comes to cat poop. Additionally, normal healthy droppings should be dark brown in color, but not excessively dark since blackish stool usually means blood in stool.
Healthy Vs Unhealthy Cat Poop: What To Look For
Healthy poop is generally malleable and shaped like a Tootsie Roll. This is considered the gold standard for poop: Your kitty is passing stool normally. Healthy stool is dark brown in color, but not too dark, as blackish poop can mean blood in the stool. Poop that is too light also may indicate a more serious issue like liver disease as it can be an indication that there is complete obstruction of the bile duct, says PetWave.
Small, hard balls of poop are considered abnormal and unhealthy because they can be an indicator of constipation. This is a serious issue for cats because it may indicate problematic health concerns like neurological or metabolic conditions or a colon obstruction, notes International Cat Care. According to Wag!, the fact that your cat is constipated may also indicate that they are dehydrated. You should definitely call your vet if your cat passes small, hard balls of stool.
You should also be on the lookout for soft or liquid-like stool that has no discernible shape. Cat diarrhea is caused by a variety of things, from bacterial infections to intestinal parasites to food intolerance. If you aren’t looking closely, you may mistake liquid stool for urine. Make sure you always take a good, close look at what you’re scooping or use a pair of disposable gloves to test the texture.
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Tips For A Cleaner Litter Box
A clean litter box means no poop can be tracked around the house. Some people have success stacking a few litter boxes of the same size on top of each other, with holes in alternating places along the bottom of the box.
When you lift the top box, clean litter is sifted into the box below. You can dump waste collected in the top box into the trash. You then replace the empty litter box on the bottom of the stack, making sure the holes in the bottom of the box are not in the same location as the box immediately on top. For some people, this is a quick alternative to scooping a box. Automatic litter boxes can scare a cat and cause litter box avoidance.
Simple rugs can help keep litter and poop from being tracked throughout your house and there are even specially designed mats that help catch the litter particles. Place one of these mats at the edge of your cat’s litter box so that they will walk on it when they exit their litter box.
Some types of litter are designed to help keep litter tracking to a minimum. If your cat is not particular to the litter you are currently using, consider trying one of these products. Different pet brands offer litter that isn’t made from clay and might be the solution to your litter problems.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault