If you are a cat owner, you probably know how important it is to keep an eye on your cat’s poop. 💩 It can tell you a lot about your cat’s health and well-being. 😺
But what if you notice your cat leaving little poop nuggets outside of the litter box? 😳
This can be a frustrating and messy problem that can ruin your carpets, furniture, and floors. 😡 Not to mention the smell and the bacteria that can spread. 🤢
Why does your cat do this? Is it a sign of a serious illness or a behavioral issue? How can you stop it and prevent it from happening again? 🤔
In this article, we will answer these questions and more. We will explain the possible causes of cat poop nuggets, how to diagnose them, and how to treat them. We will also give you some tips on how to keep your cat’s litter box clean and comfortable. 🙌
Let’s get started! 🚀
What Are Cat Poop Nuggets?
Cat poop nuggets are small, hard, dry pieces of feces that your cat may leave behind after using the litter box. 🐱 They may look like pellets, balls, or chunks of poop that are stuck to your cat’s fur or anus. 😬
They may also fall off as your cat walks around the house or grooms itself. 😿
Cat poop nuggets are not normal and should not be ignored. They can indicate a problem with your cat’s digestion, bowel movement, or litter box habits. 😿
They can also cause discomfort, pain, or infection for your cat. 😿
Why Does My Cat Leave Little Poop Nuggets Outside of the Litter Box?
There are many possible reasons why your cat may leave little poop nuggets outside of the litter box. 🐱 Some of them are behavioral, such as territorial marking or stress, and some of them are medical, such as constipation or hyperthyroidism. 🩺
Here are some of the common reasons a cat may leave little poop nuggets outside of the litter box:
Territorial Marking
Cats are territorial animals that use their urine and feces to mark their territory and communicate with other cats. 🐈 This is especially true if there are other cats in the house or nearby. 😾
Sometimes, cats may leave their poop exposed or in visible places to show dominance or warn off intruders. 😼 This is called middening, and it is different from normal pooping behavior where cats cover their waste with litter or soil. 😸
If your cat is showing house-soiling behaviors related to communication, it is unlikely that making changes to the litter box will improve these behaviors. 😿 As with all behavior problems, underlying medical issues should always be ruled out first. 🙏
Constipation
Constipation is a common cause of hard, dry feces that are difficult to pass. 💩 It can affect cats of any age, breed, or gender, but it is more common in older cats or cats with low activity levels. 😴
Constipation can be caused by various factors, such as dehydration, low-fiber diet, hairballs, obesity, kidney disease, arthritis, or anal gland problems. 😢
If your cat is constipated, you may notice other symptoms such as straining, yowling, vomiting, loss of appetite, or weight loss. 😿 You may also see traces of blood or mucus in your cat’s stool or around its anus. 😿
Constipation can be very painful and uncomfortable for your cat and can lead to serious complications such as megacolon (a condition where the colon becomes enlarged and loses its ability to contract) or bowel obstruction (a condition where the feces block the passage of food and gas). 😿
If you suspect your cat is constipated, you should see your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. 💊 Your vet may perform a physical exam, blood tests, urine tests, x-rays, or ultrasound to determine the cause and severity of constipation. 💉 Your vet may also prescribe medication or recommend dietary changes to help your cat pass stool more easily and regularly. 🍽
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone (T4), which regulates metabolism and body functions. 🦋 It is one of the most common endocrine disorders in cats, especially older cats over 10 years old. 🐾
Hyperthyroidism can cause various symptoms in cats, such as weight loss, increased appetite, increased thirst and urination
Hyperthyroidism can also affect the bowel movement of cats, causing them to produce small, hard, and dry feces that may be difficult to pass. 💩 This can lead to constipation or bowel incontinence, where the cat may drop poop nuggets outside of the litter box. 😿
If you suspect your cat has hyperthyroidism, you should see your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. 💊 Your vet may perform a physical exam, blood tests, urine tests, or thyroid scan to confirm the diagnosis. 💉 Your vet may also prescribe medication, surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, or dietary therapy to treat the condition and restore the normal thyroid function. 🍽
Allergies
Allergies are a common cause of skin and digestive problems in cats. 🐈 They can be triggered by various substances, such as food, pollen, dust, fleas, or chemicals. 😷
Allergies can cause various symptoms in cats, such as itching, scratching, licking, biting, hair loss, redness, swelling, or inflammation of the skin. 😿 They can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, gas, bloating, or abdominal pain. 😿
Allergies can also affect the bowel movement of cats, causing them to produce loose or watery feces that may leak out of their anus. 💩 This can lead to bowel incontinence, where the cat may drop poop nuggets outside of the litter box. 😿
If you suspect your cat has allergies, you should see your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. 💊 Your vet may perform a physical exam, skin tests, blood tests, or elimination diet to identify the allergen and rule out other causes. 💉 Your vet may also prescribe medication or recommend dietary changes to reduce the allergic reaction and improve digestive health. 🍽
Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition where the body cannot produce enough insulin or use it properly to regulate blood sugar levels. 🩸 It is more common in older cats or cats that are overweight or obese. 😴
Diabetes can cause various symptoms in cats, such as increased thirst and urination, increased thirst and urination, weight loss, increased appetite, lethargy, weakness, or depression. 😿
Diabetes can also affect the bowel movement of cats, causing them to produce large amounts of feces that may be soft or sticky. 💩 This can lead to bowel incontinence, where the cat may drop poop nuggets outside of the litter box. 😿
If you suspect your cat has diabetes, you should see your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. 💊 Your vet may perform a physical exam, blood tests, urine tests, or glucose curve to confirm the diagnosis. 💉 Your vet may also prescribe insulin injections or oral medication to control the blood sugar levels and prevent complications. 🍽
Liver disease is a condition where the liver is damaged or inflamed and cannot function properly. 🫀 It can be caused by various factors, such as infection, toxins, cancer, or genetic disorders. 😢
Liver disease can cause various symptoms in cats, such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, increased thirst and urination, or fluid accumulation in the abdomen. 😿
Liver disease can also affect the bowel movement of cats, causing them to produce pale or clay-colored feces that may be greasy or foul-smelling. 💩 This can lead to bowel incontinence, where the cat may drop poop nuggets outside of the litter box. 😿
If you suspect your cat has liver disease, you should see your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. 💊 Your vet may perform a physical exam, blood tests, urine tests, bile acid test, ultrasounds, or biopsy to determine the cause and severity of liver disease. 💉 Your vet may also prescribe medication or surgery to treat the condition and support the liver function. 🍽
Gastrointestinal Disease
Conditions like IBD, bacterial infections, parasites, cancer, etc. can cause vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, cramping, and overall GI discomfort.
This urgency and pain while pooping may cause your cat to associate the litter box with an unpleasant experience. They may drop poop elsewhere to avoid straining to go in the box.
Loss of Bowel Control
Some medical conditions can cause a loss of bowel control leading to accidental pooping. Age-related loss of muscle tone, spinal injuries, neurological diseases, and certain medications are risk factors.
In these cases, the poop nuggets are not behavioral but related to physical incontinence. The cat cannot hold it until reaching the litter box.
Diet Change
An abrupt change in diet can cause stomach upset and loose stools before kitty’s digestive system adjusts.
The urgency may lead to accidentally dropping poop nuggets around the house. Too many treats or people food can also cause diarrhea.
Stress 😿
Cats are very sensitive to environmental stressors. Changes like construction noise, new pets, or a move can disrupt normal bathroom habits.
Stress may cause loose stool or even temporary marking behaviors. Your cat may drop poop away from the litter box when feeling anxious.
“If your cat starts pooping outside the litter box, don’t assume it’s just bad behavior. It’s often a sign of an underlying medical issue or stress. Contact your vet to identify the cause.” – Dr. Sarah B., Veterinarian
🚩 Recognizing Litter Box Problems
Watch for these signs that signal it’s time to call the vet about litter box issues:
New behavior of pooping outside the box
Blood in the stool or black, tarry poop
Straining, crying, or discomfort when pooping
Loss of appetite or weight loss
Increased frequency of bowel movements
Sudden onset of diarrhea or constipation
Excessive licking around the rear
Urinating outside the litter box
Keeping detailed notes about your cat’s litter habits provides crucial information for your vet. Monitor the date, time, location, appearance, volume, and frequency of pee and poop. Track any changes.
Pay attention to your cat’s posture and vocalizations during elimination. Signs of discomfort, like tucking the tail, crying out, or crouching for prolonged periods could indicate a problem requiring medical attention.
How to Stop Your Cat from Leaving Little Poop Nuggets Outside of the Litter Box?
If your cat is leaving little poop nuggets outside of the litter box, it is important to consult with your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. 💊 Your vet will help you find the underlying cause of the problem and prescribe medication or recommend behavioral therapy to help your cat overcome his/her pooping issue. 💉
“Provide at least one more litter box than you have cats. Place them in multiple locations based on your cats’ preferred elimination spots. Keep those areas clean and anxiety-free.” – Jackson Galaxy, Cat Expert
However, there are also some things you can do at home to help your cat use the litter box properly and prevent poop nuggets from happening again. 🙌 Here are some tips on how to keep your cat’s litter box clean and comfortable: 🚽
Provide enough litter boxes for each cat in the household, plus one extra. 🚽
Keep the litter boxes clean and scoop them daily. 🧹
Place the litter boxes in quiet and accessible areas, away from food and water bowls. 🍽
Use an unscented and clumping litter that is similar to the one your cat is used to. 🐾
Avoid using harsh chemicals or strong scents to clean the litter boxes or the areas where your cat poops. 🧼
Trim your cat’s fur around the anus if it is too long or matted. ✂️
Check your cat’s anus regularly for any signs of irritation, infection, or fecal matter. 🩺
Reward your cat with praise or treats when he/she uses the litter box correctly. 🎁
Don’t ignore small changes in your cat’s litter box habits—contact your vet promptly if you notice:
Pooping outside the litter box
Blood, mucus, diarrhea, or straining
Changes in frequency, volume, or odor
Discomfort when eliminating
Loss of appetite, weight loss, lethargy
Vomiting or increased thirst
Catching problems early allows for better treatment outcomes. In addition to physical exams and lab work, your vet may recommend:
Fecal examination to check for parasites
Blood work to assess organ function
Urinalysis for signs of infection
Imaging tests like x-rays or ultrasound
Endoscopy to visualize the GI tract
Biopsy of abnormal tissue
Behavioral consults if marking or avoiding the box
Don’t try to treat pooping problems at home without professional guidance. Proper diagnosis is crucial, as inappropriate treatment can make some conditions worse. With your vet’s partnership, your cat’s potty habits will be back on track in no time!
Conclusion
Cat poop nuggets are not normal and should not be ignored. They can indicate a problem with your cat’s digestion, bowel movement, or litter box habits. 😿
They can also cause discomfort, pain, or infection for your cat and make a mess in your house.
If you notice your cat leaving little poop nuggets outside of the litter box, you should see your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. 💊 Your vet will help you find the underlying cause of the problem and prescribe medication or recommend behavioral therapy to help your cat overcome his/her pooping issue. 💉
You should also follow some tips on how to keep your cat’s litter box clean and comfortable and prevent poop nuggets from happening again. 🙌
We hope this article has helped you understand why your cat may leave little poop nuggets outside of the litter box and what you can do about it. 😊
Please let us know if you have any questions or comments about this topic. 🙋♂️🙋♀️
