How to check your cat’s feces at home

Checking your cat's feces is an essential aspect of monitoring their health. Stool can provide valuable information about your cat's digestive system and overall well-being. Here's a detailed guide on how to check your cat's feces at home:

Consistency

• Normal: A healthy stool should be firm but not hard, and maintain its shape when picked up.
• Soft or Liquid: Diarrhea can be a sign of dietary indiscretion, infections, parasites, or other health issues.
• Hard and Dry: This can indicate constipation, which might be due to dehydration, blockages, or other health problems.

Color

• Normal: Typically, cat feces should be a chocolate brown color.
• Black or Tarry: This can indicate bleeding in the upper digestive tract.
• Red Streaks: This may suggest bleeding in the lower digestive tract.
• Pale or Clay-Colored: This can be a sign of liver or gallbladder issues.

Size and Shape

• Consistent Size: The feces should be consistent in size, indicating regular bowel movements.
• Thin or Ribbon-Like: This can be a sign of an obstruction or other issues in the colon.

Odor

• Normal: While cat feces naturally have an odor, a particularly foul smell can indicate infections, poor diet, or other health issues.

Presence of Foreign Material

• Worms: Look for signs of parasites like roundworms (spaghetti-like) or tapeworm segments (resembling rice grains).
• Hair: While the occasional presence of hair is normal due to grooming, excessive hair can indicate over-grooming or other issues.
• Undigested Food: This can suggest malabsorption or digestive problems.

Frequency

• Regular Elimination: Cats typically defecate once or twice a day, but this can vary based on diet and individual habits.
• Infrequent: If your cat is not defecating daily, it might be constipated or have other health issues.

Mucus or Blood

• Mucus: A shiny or slimy layer can indicate inflammation in the colon.
• Blood: As mentioned, bright red blood can indicate lower digestive tract issues, while dark blood can suggest upper digestive tract problems.

Tips

• Safety First: Always use gloves when handling feces to prevent the transmission of parasites or diseases.
• Litter Box Maintenance: Clean the litter box regularly to monitor the feces and ensure your cat's comfort. A clean box also encourages use.
• Dietary Observations: Changes in diet can affect feces consistency and color. If you've recently changed your cat's food, monitor their stool closely.
• Hydration: Ensure your cat has access to fresh water at all times. Dehydration can affect stool consistency.
• Consultation: If you notice any prolonged or significant abnormalities in your cat's feces, consult with a veterinarian.

Regularly checking your cat's feces can provide early indications of potential health issues. However, it's essential to combine this with regular veterinary check-ups for a comprehensive understanding of your cat's health.