It’s not exactly dinner-table talk, but cat poop says a lot about their health. Whether you’re a new cat parent or a seasoned “crazy cat person” (we see you), understanding what’s normal and what’s not, can make all the difference in spotting issues early. 

From tummy troubles to serious illness, insurance for your cat comes in handy when the poop hits the fan. So, keep an eye on that litter box, it’s your cat’s way of sending you a health status update. 

 

What to Look for in Healthy Cat Poop 

Don’t worry, you don’t need a degree in poop-ology to figure out the gold standard of colour, firmness, shape, and smell.  According to Hill’s Pet Nutrition, ideal cat poop should be well-formed, easy to scoop, and brown in colour.  

Keeping things “moving smoothly” (pun intended) comes down to a few factors for ideal cat poop: 

  • Choose balanced meals with enough fibre 
  • Wet food plus clean water equals a happy gut 
  • Scoop litter boxes daily 
  • No sudden food changes or skipped meals 

 

The Colour of the Clump: Cat Poop Colour Guide 

If cat poop could talk, colour would be its first language. Here’s what your cat poop colour may mean. 

Colour  Possible Meaning  What To Do 
🍫 Brown  Perfectly normal  Carry on #CatParentOfThe 

Year. 
⚫ Black or Tarry  Internal bleeding  Get to the vet, ASAP. 
❤️ Red streaks  Fresh blood  Another trip to the vet. 
🟡 Yellow/Orange  Liver or bile issues  Vet visit advised. 
🟢 Green  Ate grass or infection  If it persists, get advice. 
⚪ White/Grey  Pancreas or bile problem  Off to the vet for tests. 
⚪ White Specks  Worms  Time for deworming. 

A change in your cat’s poop colour could be your kitty trying to warn you that something inside isn’t right, so it’s always worth paying attention. 

 

How Often Should a Cat Poop: Constipation and Other Red Flags 

Most healthy adult cats poop once or twice a day. Kittens and cats on wet food might go more often, while older cats or those eating mainly dry kibble may go less. If your cat’s been regular and suddenly goes two days without a visit to the litter box (or starts going three times as much), something’s off. See your vet if: 

  • There’s straining or crying during a bowel movement. 
  • Poop is watery or ribbon-like. 
  • There’s visible blood or mucus. 

  

RELATED: HUMAN FOODS CATS CAN AND CAN'T EAT 

 

Cat Poop Chart: Consistency and Faecal Scores 

Here’s a quick cat poop chart vets use (and now, so can you). 

Score  Look & Feel  Meaning  Action 
1  Tiny hard pellets  Constipated  More fluids or wet food, please. 
2  Dry, firm log  Borderline hard  Keep an eye on water intake. 
2.5  Firm, moist, smooth log  Perfect!  Screenshot-worthy poop (if you must). 
3–4  Soft, shapeless  Mild diarrhoea  Check food changes or stress. 
5  Liquid or watery  Serious diarrhoea  Call the vet, ASAP. 

 

Cat Diarrhoea: Causes, Care, and When It’s Urgent 

Just like humans, cats get the occasional tummy wobble. A quick diet change, too many treats, or even stress (yes, they feel it too) can upset their stomachs. 

Common triggers include: 

  • Sudden food switches 
  • Parasites 
  • Intestinal inflammation (IBD) 
  • Viral infections 
  • Hairballs. 

Home Care vs. Vet Care: The 24–48 Hour Rule

If diarrhoea doesn’t clear up within two days, or if your cat stops eating or becomes lethargic, see your vet. Dehydration happens fast, especially in smaller cats. Hill’s Pet Nutrition recommends introducing new food slowly over 7–10 days to avoid digestive drama. 

Quick FAQs on Cat Poop: Could Cat Poop Indicate Cancer? 

It’s rare, but yes. Persistent black, bloody, or mucus-covered stools, especially with weight loss, can signal cancer. Vets might suggest imaging or bloodwork to get answers. 

(Oh and Why does my cat’s poop smell so bad)? 

 Usually diet, or bacteria imbalance. If it’s a cause for concern, please consult your vet. 

When to Bring a Stool Sample (and How to Collect It) 

If you’ve made it this far, congrats, you’re practically fluent in cat poop. Your cat’s litter box might not be pretty, but it’s packed with health clues. Get to know what’s normal for your kitty and trust your gut (and theirs) when something’s off. 

When it is off, stool samples may help your vet detect the issues. Here’s how to collect it: 

  • Scoop it within 12 hours 
  • Use a clean ziplock bag or container. 
  • Label it with your cat’s name and date. 
  • Keep it cool (not frozen) until your appointment. 

 

Your vet will probably do a faecal test, maybe some bloodwork, an ultrasound, or even a biopsy… but they will definitely ask you if you have insurance for your cat because sometimes, those “little issues” turn into big bills. That’s where dotsure.co.za comes in. Get in touch anytime if you’re worried about your cat’s wellbeing. You can also check out relevant blogs for more litter-box wisdom.