Do Cats Taste Their Poop – Is It Normal

Cat parents rarely run out of sharing their pets’ funny antics. But, sometimes, feline behavior can be a source of curiosity, awkwardness, or a mixture of both. For example, cats licking their privates can startle many feline owners, forcing them to access the internet for answers to their unique queries. One popular question related to the feline grooming habit is: do cats taste their poop?

In some cases, cats do taste their poop. Felines are probably aware of their feces’ taste because of their meticulous grooming habits. It’s not at all uncommon for cats to clean their genital area every time they poop or pee because they’re big on cleanliness. 

If you’re a cat owner who’s astounded by their pet’s privates-licking practice and would like to learn more about the hows and whys – you’re in the right place. This article will tackle all sorts of questions related to a feline’s elimination, including why cats lick their butts and when you should worry about the habit.

Do Cats Taste Their Poop

There’s no other way to say this, but yes, your cat is probably very aware of its poop’s taste. Before you start looking at your cat all funny, there’s a very logical reason behind all this. 

You see, before cats were domesticated, their ancestors living in the wild had to employ all sorts of tricks to protect themselves from predators. For example, wild cats made sure to rid themselves of all types of odor-causing agents. 

We’re sure you’ll agree with us when we say there are few things in life as odorous as poop. Simply put, your kitty’s extremely meticulous grooming habit is an instinct passed on from its wild ancestors who licked every inch of themselves clean to avoid attracting other carnivores. 

While domestic cats have no fear of being attacked by other animals, they still maintain their grooming habits for various reasons. Did you know that cats lick their fur to help distribute natural oils for coat health, cool down, and stimulate blood flow? 

Besides all that, felines are also big on cleanliness. We’re sure you’ve observed your cat immediately take to licking itself around its genitals after a trip to the litter box. So, don’t be too judgy the next time you see your cat licking itself clean after pooping. It’s just trying to do the best it can with what it’s got. 

How Do Cats Clean Themselves After Pooping

Cats employ the only thing they have handy to clean themselves after pooping, also known as their tongues. The practice may seem strange to humans, but seeing as felines don’t have opposable thumbs, expecting them to use toilet rolls or other cleaning methods is a tricky question. 

Besides all that, the way a cat poops is very suitable for keeping the fur around its anal region clean. Once your feline enters the litter tray to answer the call of nature, it’ll dig a little to create a hole and then assume a type of squat position with its tail slightly erect to keep it from touching the feces. 

This position helps gravity do its job, and the poop falls straight down without sticking to your pet’s fur. However, accidents can happen, and it’s not uncommon for cats to have some particles sticking to their fur after elimination. 

But here’s the cool part. Regardless of whether a cat has poop stuck to its fur or not, it will still clean the relevant area clean to ensure hygiene. 

Do Cats Lick Their Kittens’ Poop

Cats do lick their kittens’ poop for various reasons. First off, a mama cat will lick its kitten’s anus after feeding to stimulate feces expulsion. That’s because newborn kittens are unable to eliminate their own waste. 

Secondly, because newborn kittens cannot see or move much, cats will lick them clean (poop and all) to ensure the birthing nest’s hygiene and keep the babies dry and safe. Nothing is more important to a cat than the safety of her litter. The mother will ensure there are no odor-causing agents that can attract trouble. 

That’s also why cats eat their placentas. Mama cats will do their utmost to keep newborn kittens from inadvertently attracting the attention of predators. That remains true whether the cat is wild or domesticated. 

Can Cats Eat Their Own Poop

Cats in the wild will generally eat their own poop if they’re threatened by the presence of a predator nearby. However, domestic and feral cats can suffer from coprophagia (eating poop) due to various health or behavioral concerns. 

Coprophagia, or the habit of eating feces in felines, is typically related to health concerns like vitamin/mineral deficiencies, malnutrition, parasites, thyroid disease, or diabetes. Suppose you notice your kitty has developed a habit of eating feces while experiencing symptoms like weight loss, excessive appetite, or tummy upsets. In that case, it’s best to have your pet checked out by a qualified veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. 

If your cat’s health is fine, the coprophagia might be linked to a behavioral issue. For example, cats have trouble eliminating their litter box in a crowded area. 

Felines are vulnerable when pooping or peeing and prefer carrying out their business without observers. If this is the case, it’ll help to shift your pet’s litter tray to a more private location where your cat can eliminate in safety and peace. 

Things To Consider

Felines are remarkable animals. They’re brilliant, have superior senses, and are great at keeping themselves clean. Still, sometimes, your pet’s grooming habits can exhibit red flags to underlying psychological or physical concerns that cat owners should be aware of. Here’s what some of them are:

• Felines spend at least 50 percent of their time grooming. If you notice your cat’s grooming habits increase without any warning, it may be a symptom of a health issue. For instance, excessive grooming is linked to urinary tract infections, obstruction, or stress-induced behavioral changes. It is best to watch out for related signs, such as pain while peeing, reduced urination, etc. 
• If your cat takes to licking its anal region more than usual, along with scooting its butt on the floor, your pet may be suffering from constipation or impacted anal glands. You can try adding some pumpkin puree to your cat’s diet to increase its fiber intake. However, if the problem doesn’t resolve itself in a day or two, a trip to the vet is necessary.
• Cats can also become excessive lickers if they suffer from diarrhea or constipation. In the case of loose stools, your cat’s excessive licking is likely to clean any feces particles sticking to its fur. On the other hand, constipation can result in inflammation around the anal tissue, resulting in irritation.