Skip to Content

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Do Cats Leave Poop Stains – Is It Normal?

Do Cats Leave Poop Stains – Is It Normal?

It happens to young cats, old cats, and every cat in between the dreaded poop stains and feces around the house. It’s gross and unpleasant for the owner, and it may be a bad sign for the cat’s health. So you ask, do cats leave poop stains? 

Generally, cats do not leave poop stains. However, cats can leave poop stains due to having long fur that feces gets caught in or having issues with the litter box itself. In many cases, cats leaving poop stains around the house are signs of underlying medical issues and should be taken to the vet immediately.

This article will discuss why your cat leaves poop stains around the house and how you can remove them.

Is It Normal for Cats to Leave Poop Stains

No, it is not normal for cats to leave poop stains.

If your cat is leaving poop stains where she sits, it is a cause for concern. You should investigate why this is happening to your cat. Is it because of an external issue, such as litter box, diet issues, or the uncleanliness associated with long-haired cats? Or is it because of an internal issue?

If you rule out the external issues, you should take your cat to the vet as soon as possible to minimize any pain your cat may be experiencing.

Reasons Why Your Cat is Leaving Poop Streaks on the Floor

Cats have many reasons for leaving poop stains. Below are the most common.

Your Cat Has Long Hair

It’s gross, but sometimes long-furred cats get poop caught in their luscious locks. Any pet owner who has picked up their kitty only to discover the poop a moment too late will have this basic fact ingrained into their minds.

Your cat must have a big enough litter box to comfortably squat without pooping on the wall. If this continues despite your Olympic-pool-sized litter box, consider trimming the fur around your cat’s butt. 

Your Cat Has Diarrhea 

A cat with diarrhea may not make it to the litter box, which will cause her to leave poop stains or even watery stools around the house. Diarrhea itself is not a disease; an underlying problem causes it.

This may involve moderately severe conditions such as kidney disease or colon cancer. Make sure to take your cat to the vet immediately.

Your Cat Is Constipated

Now, for the opposite reason–your cat is constipated. When your cat attempts to poop, liquid may get caught in the fur around her anus, which she will spread whenever she sits. Again, this is more an effect rather than a cause. It is essential to take your cat to the vet to discover the cause behind this effect.

Your Cat Has Litter Box Issues

The most common problem owners have with their litter boxes is cleaning them too infrequently. Litter boxes should preferably be cleaned every day, although some pet owner’s cats get away with once every other day.

However, if the litter box gets too dirty, your cat may track poop and litter over the house or refuse to use the litter box altogether. Luckily the solution is simple: clean the litter box more often. 

Your cat may also have trouble getting into the litter box. Declawed and arthritic cats often have issues getting into the litter box to do their business, which will lead them to find other places to poop. Consider installing a pet ramp on the box and discuss pain medication with your vet.

Finally, your cat’s litter box may be too small. Many litter boxes in stores are not fit for adult cats–if you find poop and pee just over the side of the box, or if you observe your cat circling and recircling as she attempts to find the correct spot to poop or pee, you need a larger box. 

Your Cat’s Diet Has Changed Recently

If your cat’s diet has changed recently, she might begin to suffer from intestinal problems, especially if she’s allergic to an ingredient in the food. If you believe that the new food is to blame, try shifting back to the old brand to see if that solves the issue. 

How Do You Remove Cat Poop Stains

Remove any solid feces with paper towels and throw it out, careful not to press it into the carpet. In the case of diarrhea, you should wipe up what you can before proceeding.

After cleaning up as much as you can without detergent or chemicals, grab a bristly brush and some detergent and water. Pour some of the detergent and water onto the affected spot and scrub, making sure to wipe away the suds with a paper towel and wash the brush regularly, so you’re removing the cat poop rather than smearing it around.

Continue until the paper towels come away clean, and make sure to wash all detergent out from the carpet. If possible, you should follow up with a product designed to neutralize feces/urine odors. 

Things To Consider

It is not normal for cats to leave poop stains around the house, whether they’re young or old. Your first step in tackling this problem should understand the root cause.

Keep in mind that changes in diet may lead a cat to experience constipation or diarrhea. If you suspect this is the problem, change your cat’s diet back to her old one.

After finding a poop stain, make sure to examine your cat’s anus area; is there visible poop caught in their fur? If so, give their bum fur a trim once in a while.

If not, your next investigative step is the litter box: is it clean? Does your cat frequently poop just outside of it? Is the litter box accessible to your cat?

If it’s not large enough, or too dirty, or located in a spot that’s hard for your cat to reach, your cat may avoid using the litter box or track feces from it throughout the house.

If everything seems in order externally, then it might be an internal problem. Old cats, in particular, suffer from health problems that cause them to leave poop stains around the house, like kidney disease or hyperthyroidism.

If the problem persists, you should take your cat to the vet since they will know the best course of action for your beloved feline friend.