Is it normal for a cat to poop every 3 days

Cat Poops Every 3 Days.

Hello everybody, so I have this thing that is worrying me a bit with my cat.He used to poop every day when he was smaller, then he switched to every 2 days and now he is pooping every 3 days, should I be worried?He is on a special UTI food and I feed him 98% wet food, I also put water in his food. I try to feed him about 1 can and half a day, that's what the vet said I should so he isn't eating as much as before either and no more dry food unless I want to give it to him as a treat.He is also taking some medicine for his seizures.He doesn't try to poo or anything, his last poop was good. I want to call my vet and ask him but I wanted to see what you guys say, how many time does your cat poop?

How Often Should Cats Poop? A Veterinarian Explains

Do you ever find yourself looking at the deposits in your cats litter box and wondering if they are normal? While most of us know what to expect when it comes to our toilet trips, it can be daunting for any new pet owner to know what to expect when it comes to the litter box.

Key Takeaways

For most cats, average pooping frequency is every 12 to 36 hours.

The frequency of healthy bowel motions can be affected by age, diet, and activity levels.

An increase or decrease in stool frequency can be seen with various medical problems, so talk to your cat's veterinarian if you notice something has changed.

This is especially true when it comes to how often you should be scooping out those little brown deposits. Did you know your cats toileting habits can give you a wealth of information about their health? In this article, we will explain normal and abnormal cat poop.

What Is Normal When It Comes to Cat Poop?

The color, consistency, and frequency of your cats poop can tell you a lot about their health.

Generally, when I think about poop (and as a veterinary surgeon who has specialized in the field of internal medicine, I spend a lot of time thinking about it!), I consider three main categories: What color is it, what is its consistency, and how often is it coming out? First, lets discuss what is normal when it comes to poop:

• Color: A healthy feline bowel movement should be milk chocolate to dark chocolate brown in color.
• Consistency: A healthy stool should hold form with a moderately firm texture, a bit like a lumpy log (see our handy stool guide here).
• Frequency: There is no one-size-fits-all here. The frequency your cat poops will depend on their diet, activity levels, age, and whether they have any known medical issues. As a rule of thumb, most cats will poop every 12 to 36 hours. If it has been more than 48 to 72 hours since your cat has pooped, it is worth speaking to your veterinarian for advice.

Also Read:How To Tell If A Cat Is Straining To Poop Or Pee

What Does an Increase in Pooping Frequency Mean?

Often, but not always, if your cat increases the frequency of their bowel movements, their poops might also be softer or more watery. This is because there is less time for the gut to absorb all the water from the stool before it is passed. An increase in the frequency of bowel movements can be seen for several reasons, including:

1. Diet Quality

Cats that eat a low-quality food, or a food that contains a lot of fiber, might poop more.

Low-quality diets or those designed to satiate appetite in cats on a weight loss journey contain bulking agents or fillers that do not provide nutritional benefits to the animal. These can lead to an increased frequency or increase in the size of bowel motions as less food is digested. These stools will tend to have a normal consistency.

Also Read:The 10 Best Cat Foods In 2023

2. Exercise

Active cats tend to poop more than sedentary cats.

Cats with a more active lifestyle are more likely to have an increased frequency of normal bowel movements compared to cats that kick back and relax all day.

Also Read:Why Do Cats Need Exercise And The 5 Things To Consider

3. Age

Its normal for kittens to poop more often than adults.

Young cats and kittens tend to have more frequent bowel movements than adult cats or older cats.

4. Food Sensitivities

Food allergies or intolerances can affect the consistency and frequency of a cats poop.

Some cats suffer from a condition called food-responsive enteropathy. This complex condition results from a cat having a food allergy or food intolerance to specific components in food. Proteins are a common culprit. Affected cats will often have loose stools and might vomit.

5. Inflammatory Bowel Disease

IBD in cats can cause diarrhea and other symptoms.

Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, is a very complex and poorly understood condition resulting from an intricate interaction between your cats immune system, the bacteria in her gut, and environmental stimuli such as dietary components.

Affected cats often have diarrhea and might also vomit or show signs of weight loss. Prescription cat food may be recommended.

Also Read:Best Cat Food For IBD

6. Hyperthyroidism

Cats with hyperthyroidism might eat more and experience stomach upset.

Hyperthyroidism is a condition that results from an overproduction of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones are essential in setting basal metabolic rate, the amount of energy the body uses at rest.

Cats with hyperthyroidism might show signs like increased appetite, weight loss, or behavioral changes alongside symptoms of tummy upset.

Also Read:Best Cat Food For Hyperthyroidism

7. Intestinal Parasites

Cats with intestinal parasites might have diarrhea or other symptoms.

Intestinal parasites are more common in young kittens and cats that actively hunt but can affect any age of cat. Speak to your veterinarian about prophylactic treatment protocols suited to your cats life stage and lifestyle.

What Does a Decrease in Pooping Frequency Mean?

A decrease in frequency might result from your cat eating less than usual, which is always a cause for concern. Other causes of a reduction in pooping frequency include:

1. Constipation

Many different health issues in cats can cause constipation. Signs of constipation include straining to poo or passing very hard, small nuggets of feces. Your vet might prescribe laxatives or an enema for cat constipation.

Any cat straining to use the litter tray should see a vet promptly. Bowel blockages are serious, but urinary obstructions can quickly be life-threatening, so never delay a vet visit.

Also Read:Best Cat Food For Constipation

2. Megacolon

Megacolon occurs when the large bowel becomes distended and no longer functions as it should. It can result from chronic constipation or several other disease processes. It often requires lifelong medical or even surgical management.

3. Obstruction

Cats typically arent as bad as dogs for eating none food items, but cats can also be affected by foreign bodies that can lead to an obstruction. Other obstruction causes include intestinal parasites, intestinal tumors, or an intussusception (where the gut telescopes on itself).

Also Read:Cat Digestive System: Anatomy, Diseases, & Treatment

4. Pain

Any condition that results in pain when attempting to poop will make your cat more reluctant to pass a bowel movement. Example health conditions include arthritis or other musculoskeletal problems.

Cats rarely let on when something hurts, so if you notice a decrease in poo frequency, get your cat checked out by the veterinarian.

Also Read:What Can You Give A Cat For Pain? 6 Vet-Recommended Options

5. Age

Elderly cats might have a reduction in the frequency of bowel movements. This might sometimes be associated with conditions such as arthritis leading to pain and reluctance to posture to defecate.

Other Poop Problems

Any of the following signs indicate a potential problem with your cats health:

• Blood
• Increased odor
• Worms
• Color changes
• Consistency

Other Changes to a Cats Toilet Habits

1. Behavioral Reasons

The frequency of your cats litter box use can be affected by behavioral components such as stress or anxiety. This can be especially problematic if you have multiple cats in the home and too few resources for everyone.

As a general rule of thumb, provide one more litter box than you have cats (this rule applies to any resource, including beds, food bowls, etc.). If your cats litter box is somewhere noisy or busy, move it to a quieter area.

Also Read:The 5 Best Elevated Cat Bowls

2. Medications

Certain prescribed medications can cause changes to the frequency or consistency of your cats bowel movements.

Many prescribed medications can affect the frequency of your cats bowel movements. Some might increase the frequency or even cause diarrhea, while others can lead to a decrease in the frequency or constipation. If your cat is on medication and you notice a change in their bowel movements, it is essential to inform your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Also Read:The 6 Best Anti-Vomit Cat Bowls

My Cat Goes Outside

If your cat likes to roam outside, it might mean you have no idea what goes on with their digestive system. If your cat has digestive issues, you might see any of the following signs in addition to changes in stools:

• Weight loss
• Changes in appetite
• Changes in thirst
• Lethargy
• Hiding away or increased grumpiness
• Looking unkempt

Do Cats Poop Less on Wet Food?

Feeding your cat wet food can impact how often they go to the litter box. wet cat food has a higher moisture content, promoting better hydration and resulting in softer stools.

The easier digestibility of wet food means cats absorb more nutrients, resulting in less undigested material in their system.

Additionally, wet food is generally lower in fiber compared to dry food, which can contribute to increased bowel movements as fiber adds bulk and regulates stool consistency.

Final Thoughts

There is so much information that can be gleaned from your cats litter tray, so dont be surprised if your veterinarian asks you for lots of detail when you go to the clinic with a concern about bowel movements.

If ever you are unsure if what youre cleaning up is normal, always reach out to your local veterinary care provider for advice. Remember, as gross as it might seem, your vet will never say no to a photo of poop if its easier than describing it!

Related Conditions:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for a cat not to poop every day?

How often your cat poops depends on many different factors, including the cats diet, age, and exercise levels, and whether they suffer from any medical conditions. Most cats will poop every day, but just because your cat does not, it doesnt mean something is wrong.

Generally, if it has been more than 48 to 72 hours since your cat's last bowel movement, it might mean things are not moving quite as they should, and its time to speak to your veterinarian for advice.

How many times should my cat poop a day?

Most cats will poop one to two times daily, but not every cat will poop every day. It is important to learn what is normal for your cat so you can tell if they have an increase or decrease in poo frequency, as this can indicate a health problem.

Why is my cat eating but not pooping?

A decrease in pooping frequency can be seen for many reasons, including dietary changes, constipation, or parasite infections. If your cat has gone more than 48 to 72 hours without a bowel movement, it is advisable to have her checked by your local veterinarian.

Cat Not Pooping But Acting Normal Why & When To Worry

Do you keep going to your cats litter box ready to scoop up any poop to discover there is none there? All animals need to poop out waste, but constipation can cause them to poop less than they should. It nearly always indicates that something is wrong, even if your cat is not pooping but acting normal.

As a cat owner myself, I have dealt with several bouts of cat constipation in my time. It is important to know what causes this, what the signs are, and what you can do to help. It is also vital that you know how long a cat can go without pooping so that you know when you need to reach out to a vet.

In this article, I look at all of these questions and more! So, keep reading if your kitty is having tummy troubles. Before long, their pooping should be back to normal. This will help to ease their suffering, ensure they are in good health and relieve your worries!

How Long Can a Cat Go Without Pooping?

Before we get into why a cat is not pooping but acting normal, we need to establish how long a cat can go without pooping. A healthy adult cat will typically pass feces twice per day, but this will depend on the amount of food they eat. Therefore, as a general rule, if your cat hasnt pooped in 24 hours then they could be constipated.

However, this does all depend on your feline. Every cat has slightly different bowel movements so was can expect to see some variation. Some cats will only pass stools once per day, meaning when a cat hasnt pooped in 2 days this is a better indication they could be constipated. Therefore, it is always important to think about what is normal for your cat when determining if there is an issue.

If your cat hasnt pooped in 3 days or more, this is when you should contact your vet. Even cats that poop less frequently, three days without passing any stools means their constipation has become severe. You need to get your cat looked at before the issue turns into a medical emergency.

What Are The Signs of Constipation in Cats?

The primary symptom of constipation is that your cat will go several days without passing feces. However, as every cat does have slightly different bowel movements, it is good to know what other signs to look out for. These include the following:

In many cases, your cat will not poop but act normal aside from the above symptoms. This is usually because they dont like their litter box or they are not getting intaking enough water, either through drinking or because they are on a predominantly dry cat food diet.

In other cases, symptoms of any underlying condition could also present. For example, you might notice changes in appetite, nausea and vomiting, weight loss, and behavioral changes.

Why Is My Cat Not Pooping But Acting Normal?

To understand why your cat isnt pooping, we first need to understand the normal physiological processes for the formation of healthy stools.

This process is as follows:

1. Your cat chews and swallows the food. It passes down the esophagus and into the stomach.
2. In the stomach, enzymes start to break down and digest the food into smaller pieces that the body can later absorb.
3. This broken-down food leaves the stomach and enters the small intestine where more enzymes continue to break down the food. Simultaneously, the nutrients are taken up by the small intestine and enter the bloodstream.
4. The remaining indigestible food then passes to the large intestine, at which point water is absorbed from the mixture to form stools.
5. This dried waste collects at the rectum, at which point your cat poops it out.

If your cat hasnt pooped for several days, it is because too much water is removed from step four of this process. This causes any stools that do form to be much drier and harder than usual. As a result, it is much more painful for your cat to pass these stools out of the body. This leads to a reluctance in pooping and constipation.

The reason too much water is being removed in the small intestine is nearly always down to one of two reasons; either (1) your cat is dehydrated and there was not enough water in the mixture to start with, or (2) your cat refuses to go to the toilet and the stools are in the large intestine for longer. Pain from constipation can often exacerbate the latter, meaning a vicious cycle can form.

What Medical Conditions Can Lead to Constipation?

Constipation is a common side effect of many medical conditions. Usually, other symptoms will present as well, but if in doubt always take your cat to the veterinarian. Here is a look at examples of diseases and disorders that can cause pooping difficulties and how.

1. Kidney Disease

Your cats kidneys play a vital role in filtering the blood and draining waste from your cats body. Part of the process in which they do this relies on retaining and holding onto water. For example, when you are dehydrated the kidneys will hold onto as much water as possible and your cat will pee more concentrated urine less frequently.

In cats with kidney disease, the ability of their kidneys to hold onto water in this way is disrupted. This means cats are dehydrated much more often and can cause constipation in cats. Other symptoms include weakness and lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, and weight loss.

2. Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition that causes an increase in blood glucose levels. Blood sugar levels are controlled by the hormone insulin. Cats with diabetes either dont produce enough of the hormone insulin or their bodies stop responding to the insulin that they do make.

The high glucose levels in the blood effects a process called osmosis, which refers to the movement of water between cells. As such, the kidneys dont absorb as much water as they should and so large amounts are lost through urination. This again leads to dehydration, therefore meaning constipation is a common symptom.

3. Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is another hormonal condition, this time regarding the thyroid hormone that is produced from the thyroid glands in your cats neck. Cats with hypothyroidism underproduce thyroid hormone. This hormone is responsible for regulating metabolism and bodily functions, so low amounts slow down all bodily processes.

This can lead to:

• Intolerance to cold weather
• Weight gain or obesity
• Weakness and lethargy
• Lower core body temperature

The disease is also known to cause bowel problems. As metabolism and the majority of other functions in the body slows down, as does digestion. This means the process of formation of the fecal matter through the intestines is slowed and more water is removed from the stools that form.

4. Anal Sac Problems

All cats have two anal sacs found on either side of the anus. They dont serve a real purpose but are generally best left as is. However, they can become infected or get ruptured upon impact. This can cause the sacs to become painful, tender, and swollen. Your cat will lick this area, chase its tail, and scoot along the floor as a result.

Because of the location of these anal sacs, any issues with them also make it extremely painful for your cat to poop. They will therefore avoid defecating, causing their stools to become harder and more solid. This in turn makes pooping more painful and can lead to severe constipation. The sacs will either need to be removed or emptied by a vet.

5. Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a condition that causes the intestines to become inflamed. This can be caused by a range of things, including injury to the area, ingestion of a non-food substance or allergen, or as a side effect of other conditions.

When in this inflamed state, the GI tract becomes much less efficient at carrying out its usual function. This is because the inflammatory cells cause the lining of the GI tract to thicken. This makes it much harder for it to absorb the nutrients the body needs, which can lead to a range of bowel issues including diarrhea and constipation.

6. Allergies

Is your cat throwing up food but acting normal? Are they also showing symptoms of constipation? If so, there is a high chance that your cat is suffering from food allergies. Cats can develop allergies at any stage of their life, so even if you have been feeding your cat the same diet for ages it does not mean they have not recently developed an allergy to it.

Interestingly, the most common feline allergies are to beef, fish, and chicken, three of the most common protein sources used to make cat food. Therefore, you could look at feeding your cat alternate sources of protein and seeing if this helps. Your vet will also be able to help you establish what precisely is causing these symptoms so you can exclude them from their diet.

7. Stress & Anxiety

Stress and anxiety are common in cats. They are notoriously finicky creatures that love routine and despise change. This means even the tiniest changes to their usual schedule or environment can lead to stress. These could be long-term or short-term changes, such as:

• There being loud noises, such as nearby construction work or fireworks
• Changes to your cats feeding schedule or the type of food you use
• Switching to a different type of cat litter or a dirty litter tray
• Conflict with other cats in their neighborhood or your household
• Traveling in the car or going to the veterinarian
• Allowing for new people or animals to enter your household

Stress can easily cause constipation as stress causes the body to divert blood flow from the digestive tract and intestines towards vital organs in the body. The effect of this is reduced intestinal movement, causing the stools to become more dehydrated. This can mean your cat is pooping less while acting otherwise normal.

With that being said, you may notice a few changes to your cats behavior. If your cat is hiding and acting weird they could be stressed. Likewise, refusal to use their litter tray, changes in their weight and appetite, and a withdrawal from people are all common symptoms.

8. Arthritis

Arthritis is pretty common in cats, particularly those that are overweight, elderly, or both. This is a joint disease that makes movement uncomfortable. As such, arthritic cats tend to move around less and seem to be more lethargic. When they do move, their movements are stiff and labored.

This issue may seem like a strange link to constipation. However, arthritic cats will try to hold in their stools for longer so that they have to go to the litter box less frequently. This means the stools sit in the large intestine for longer, slowly becoming more and more dehydrated.

This problem is then exacerbated if the litter box isnt appropriate for cats with joint issues. One that is too small or that has a high entry point can make it painful for your cat to use and climb in and out of. Therefore, they will use their litter tray even less, making constipation worse.

9. Obesity

Obesity can also be the reason why your cat is not pooping but acting normal. Cats that are obese tend to have inflamed intestines. This means the movement of food along the bowels is slowed down and stools become more hard and dry. In turn, this makes it painful for your cat to defecate and so they poop less frequently.

Moreover, obesity can cause physical difficulties when climbing in and out of the litter box. This can cause your cat to use it less frequently and hold onto their stools for longer than is healthy. You need to ensure the litter box you use and its entry is big enough for your cat to try and help deal with this issue, alongside helping your cat lose weight.

10. Intestinal Blockages

Intestinal blockages are one of the more severe medical conditions on this list that can cause your cat to poop less frequently. This is where something is obstructing the intestines, usually from your cat swallowing a foreign object. For example, it could be pieces of string, rubber bands, hair bands, and other small items that your cat has accidentally ingested.

Because the intestines are blocked, your cat cannot defecate as it should do. Other symptoms include vomiting, weight loss, and little to no interest in food. It causes cats severe pain and discomfort, so your cat might show behavioral changes too. For instance, they might growl and act aggressively or hide away from you.

If your cat is showing any of these symptoms, they need urgent medical attention. Your veterinarian will need to x-ray your cat and remove the cause of the blockage. Not doing this promptly can cause death in worst-case scenarios.

11. Cancers

Intestinal and spinal cancers can cause constipation and make your cat may poop less frequently. This is because these cancers can affect the nerves which connect to the colon. These nerves provide electrical impulses which facilitate normal intestinal movement that pushes the stools along the large intestine to the rectum.

If these pathways become damaged, this normal movement is impaired and the stools are not passed as they should be. As a result, your cat will defecate less frequently. When they do pass their stools, they are typically harder and dryer as well.

Home Remedies for Constipation in Cats

If your cat hasnt pooped in 24 hours and youre starting to worry, dont! There are several things you can try at home to help encourage healthy bowel movements before speaking with a vet. These tips can be used immediately if you notice your cat isnt pooping, but can also be implemented long-term to act as preventative methods.

Here is a look at all of the things you can be doing. Remember, if these do not help or if your cat hasnt pooped in 3 days or more, take your cat to the vet. Likewise, if there are any other symptoms alongside constipation, seek medical advice sooner rather than later.

1. Increase Water Intake

As constipation is nearly always linked to dehydration, the most important thing you can do is to help encourage them to drink more water. Most cats dont drink as much liquid as they should and often need a little extra persuasion. Some ways you could increase your cats water intake include:

• Swapping your water bowl for a water fountain as cats have a preference for running water
• Adding a little tuna juice or chicken broth to their drinking water
• Placing the water in a wider dish instead of a bowl to avoid whisker fatigue
• Ensuring you replenish the water regularly so that it is fresh
• Feeding your cat a wet food diet which will increase their overall water intake

2. Change Your Cats Diet

Your cats diet can also have a big impact on their digestive health, and you should see some improvement in their bowel movements by changing their diet. One option is to feed your cat a higher proportion of wet food so they consume more water and thus improve digestion.

It is also important to remember that if your cat isnt pooping but is acting normal, they may suffer from food allergies. Therefore, changing the brand of cat food you are using or opting for a different protein source could make an improvement. You can also speak to your vet about special diets that restrict some ingredients and are known to be better for sensitive stomachs.

If you do change your cats diet, ensure you do go gradually. Sudden changes can shock their digestive system and make things worse. Besides, big changes can lead to stress which is another cause of constipation in cats. Mix a little of the new food in with the old and gradually transition.

3. Encourage Exercise

The more active your cat, the better their bowel movements will be. For one, exercise promotes the movement of food and waste along the intestines. This means formed feces dont sit inside the large intestine for longer than they should do and become overly hard and dried out.

Moreover, obese or overweight cats tend to have slower bowel movements as their intestines are inflamed. Active cats are generally a healthy weight, so exercise can improve difficulties pooping in this way as well. Finally, exercise and play can help cats deal with stress, another cause of constipation in cats.

You should purchase a range of different cat toys to encourage your cat to play. Try and schedule at least 15 minutes of playtime together each day. This will help with their bowels, their weight, their stress levels, and their overall health while simultaneously making the bond between the two of you stronger.

4. Reduce Stress Levels

Exercise is not the only thing you can do to reduce your cats stress levels. Make sure you provide plenty of enrichment and stimulation for your cat as well, such as scratching posts, elevated platforms, and places for them to hide. You of course also need to cover all their basic needs by providing fresh food and water and ensuring their litter tray is always clean.

A lack of routine and anxiety in cats also go hand in hand. Establish a routine that you can stick to and make an effort to do so. Any changes that you do need to make to this schedule or their environment should be done gradually. Keeping your cat happy and calm means you will rarely have to worry about your cat not pooping.

For unavoidable stressors such as going to the vet, traveling, or nearby construction noise, consider purchasing feline pheromone diffusers. You can also speak to your vet about getting anxiety medication if the symptoms are severe.

5. Change Your Cats Litter Box

Cats can become constipated when they hold their poop in and refuse to go. Often this is because they dont like their litter box. It might be too small, in the wrong location, filled with cat litter they dont like or be too dirty for their liking. Therefore, you need to tailor the litter box to the preferences of your feline to help encourage use.

For example, litter boxes for senior cats are a great option if your elderly cat isnt going to the toilet. These have lower entry points and tend to be larger, making them easier on your cats joints. Similarly, an extra large litter box is needed for an extra large cat such as a Maine Coon. This ensures there is enough space inside the litter tray for them to use it comfortably.

You also need to consider how many litter boxes you have in your home if you have more than one cat. Cats like their own litter boxes and value privacy. You need to have one litter box per cat as a minimum, otherwise, it can make your cat reluctant to use it and increase stress levels.

6. Regularly Monitor

You must keep monitoring your cats bowel movements and the consistency of their poop. You can easily do this when scooping up any water from their litter tray and it can be a huge help in catching issues such as constipation early.

If your cat is not pooping but acting normal even after you have tried all of the above remedies, you should speak to your vet. Your kitty may be suffering from one of the medical conditions I mentioned earlier. These underlying issues need to be treated professionally. Once your cat has recovered, its bowel movements should return to normal.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS

If your cat is not pooping but acting normal, it is usually always because they are constipated. This is what happens when too much water is taken out when forming stools in the large intestine. Either dehydration or a reluctance to defecate can cause this.

In cases where your cat hasnt pooped in 24 hours and is acting otherwise fine, try not you worry. You can use the tips I have listed above to try and encourage your cats bowel movements. However, if your cat shows other symptoms or has not pooped in several days, speak to your veterinarian. There could be an underlying medical condition that needs sorting sooner rather than later!