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How Long Does It Take Cats to Digest Food – The Facts

How Long Does It Take Cats to Digest Food – The Facts

You’re doing everything right. You’re feeding your cat good cat food, taking them to the vet every year for a check-up, and keeping them away from people food (well, mostly). You get a little concerned, though, that your cat doesn’t eat lunch with you and realize that some of your friends only feed their cats once a day. Sure, cats spend most of their day sleeping, but how long does it take for cats to digest food? 

Cats will digest food between 7 – 12 hours after consumption. Cats have smaller bodies and take longer to digest foods than other larger pets. Because of the long digestion period, cats can eat fewer meals and calories per day. 

As long as your cat isn’t experiencing any digestive issues or other medical issues, your cat will probably eat once or twice a day because their bodies take so long to digest food. It’s important to remember, though, that digestive issues may make digestion a little more difficult for your cat. Other medical problems, like a blockage, may also change how your cat eats and digests food. Let’s talk a little more about this starting with, well, your cat’s bowel movements. 

How Long Does It Take For A Cat To Poop

Although you probably won’t be timing how long it takes your cat to poop, it’s good to know that your cat should only take a minute or two – or maybe three – for your cat to poop. If your cat is taking a long time in the litter box, it may be an indication that there is an issue. 

If your cat is healthy, pooping probably won’t take your cat longer than a few minutes. Overall, cats probably don’t take as long in the litter box as humans do in the bathroom. 

So you hear your cat scratching around for what seems like a long time. That might be an indication that something is wrong. Your cat could be constipated or have diarrhea. Both of these uncomfortable issues might mean that your cat has a blockage or digestive issues. 

What Should I Look Out For In My Cat’s Poop 

When scooping your cat’s litter box, it is good to check on your cat’s poop.

According to the ASPCA, your cat’s poop should be dark brown. It shouldn’t be too soft or too hard, either. Like any fecal matter, your cat’s poop will have an odor, but it shouldn’t be too overwhelming. If it is, that may also be a sign of a problem; however, you might be in for some stinkier poop if you have a kitten

As a side note, while scooping the litter box, check for any worms. Trust me; you’ll be able to spot them. Gross! This isn’t a sign of digestive issues or blockage, but it may be another problem with your cat that will require medication. 

What Are The Symptoms Of A Blockage In A Cat

Many cats suffer from urinary tract blockages, leading to some of the same symptoms as a digestive issue.

If your cat is experiencing any discomfort, you’ll probably realize something is wrong. What makes this different from a digestive issue is that your cat will struggle with urination. The ASPCA put out a health alert about urinary tract infection with some of the following warning signs:

  • Inappropriate urination, such as not using the litter box
  • Spending a lot of time in the litter box without urinating
  • Blood in the urine, which may be difficult to spot when you’re scooping the litter box
  • Spotty urination that may be easier to notice while scooping the litter box

If your cat is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is a good idea to make an appointment with your local vet to catch this problem. 

How Do I Know If My Cat Has Digestive Problems

If your cat is acting differently than usual, your cat might have digestive problems.

If your cat doesn’t have common digestive issues, it will be easier to notice if your cat has digestive problems when they come up. If your cat is not digesting food well, you might see that your cat isn’t acting like itself. 

Typical changes in your cat might include:

  • Lethargy
  • Refusing to eat
  • Vomiting and/or diarrhea 
  • Increased aggression toward you or other animals

Think about it: how do you feel when you have a stomach ache? Your cat might be feeling the same and can’t reach into the medicine cabinet for some medicine. 

If you notice changes in your cat early enough, you may be able to help your cat’s digestive issues. 

What Human Foods Can Lead To Digestive Issues In Cats

Cats usually shouldn’t eat people food, but dairy products could be the worst option for your cat. 

I probably won’t be the first to tell you this, but cats are cats. There is a reason why they should eat cat food and not people food. 

Some foods, like meat or some vegetables, might not be a bad option for your cat. If these foods are plain, they’re not a bad snack that you can share with your cat.

If you like to share with your cat, you might want to avoid dairy products. Although you might think cats like milk, it can be hard for them to digest. A few licks might not be bad, but if your cat drinks too much milk, there might be additional issues. It’s probably best to avoid those foods, just to be safe! 

How Can I Improve My Cat’s Digestive System

Even if your cat doesn’t have digestive issues, you can still improve your cat’s digestive system in different ways, like with food. 

If your cat doesn’t have digestive issues, that’s great! You can still think about helping her digestive system:

  • Feed your cat foods that help with digestion. If your cat doesn’t like food that helps with digestion, you can mix it in with food your cat does like. 
  • Use medicine that promotes digestive health. You can find these in squeeze tubes to add in food or directly to your cat’s mouth.
  • Pay attention to your cat’s overall diet and health. Taking your cat to the vet regularly will ensure you catch any issues before they become significant problems. 

If My Cat Is Dealing With Digestive Issues, Can I Help

It’s not easy to watch your cat struggle, but it is possible to make your cat more comfortable.

Let’s face it. Your cat is a member of your family, and you can’t just take its pain away, which feels terrible. You can help your cat all you can with medical attention, but you can also make sure your cat is comfortable. 

  • Give your cat a few extra pats
  • Let your cat sleep close to you
  • Give him more treats if he’ll eat them

Like you would a sick family member or friend, treat your cat with more compassion. Just remember that he isn’t feeling well if he’s acting more grumpy than usual. I promise he doesn’t mean it!

Having issues with digestion isn’t fun for anything, but it’s especially no fun when your cat is suffering. Digestive issues can lead to many problems and an overall unhappy cat, which no one wants! At least we know that cats don’t have to suffer in silence with those digestive issues, and you can be there for them. If you want to learn even more about your cat’s digestive health, I suggest diving into more medical studies. They might be a little more challenging to understand, but you may enjoy it!