Instruction: what to do if a cat eats its own feces.

Understanding Coprophagia in Cats

What is Coprophagia?

Coprophagia- the consumption of feces- is a documented behavior in many animal species, including domestic cats. It occurs when an animal ingests its own excrement or that of another animal. In felines, the act may be triggered by nutritional deficiencies, gastrointestinal discomfort, or environmental stressors.

Nutritional factors often involve insufficient protein, low fiber, or missing vitamins and minerals that the cat attempts to recover from waste material. Gastrointestinal disorders such as malabsorption, inflammatory bowel disease, or parasites can alter appetite regulation, leading to the mistaken perception that feces provide needed nutrients.

Behavioral influences include boredom, lack of stimulation, or anxiety caused by changes in the household. Cats confined to small spaces or deprived of appropriate play may resort to coprophagia as a coping mechanism.

Health risks associated with the behavior are significant. Ingested feces can introduce bacteria (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli), parasites, and toxins, potentially causing vomiting, diarrhea, or systemic infection. Repeated episodes increase the likelihood of intestinal obstruction and exacerbate underlying medical conditions.

Management strategies focus on eliminating the underlying cause and preventing access to waste. Effective measures include:

Veterinary assessment to identify and treat nutritional imbalances, gastrointestinal disease, or parasitic infection.
Dietary adjustment to a high‑quality, balanced cat food that meets all macro‑ and micronutrient requirements.
Regular litter box cleaning to remove fresh feces promptly, reducing opportunity for ingestion.
Environmental enrichment through interactive toys, climbing structures, and scheduled play sessions to reduce boredom and stress.
Behavioral consultation when anxiety or compulsive tendencies are suspected, potentially incorporating pheromone diffusers or targeted training.

Prompt veterinary consultation is essential after any incident of fecal ingestion. Early detection of complications allows for timely intervention, minimizing long‑term health consequences.

Why Do Cats Eat Feces?

Behavioral Reasons

Cats may consume their own stool for several behavioral motivations. Understanding these drivers helps determine effective interventions.

Nutrient deficits: insufficient protein, vitamins, or minerals can trigger a search for missing elements in feces.
Instinctual grooming: mothers clean kittens’ waste; some adults retain this habit when litter hygiene is poor.
Stress response: anxiety from changes in environment, routine, or social hierarchy can manifest as coprophagia.
Boredom or lack of enrichment: insufficient play or mental stimulation may lead to repetitive, self‑directed behaviors.
Learned association: exposure to other animals that eat feces or previous reinforcement of the act can normalize the behavior.

Addressing each factor reduces the likelihood of recurrence. Ensure a balanced diet, maintain a clean litter area, provide regular play sessions, and minimize stressful triggers such as sudden moves or new household members. If the behavior persists despite these measures, veterinary assessment is advisable to rule out underlying medical conditions.

Medical Reasons

A cat that consumes its own feces is exhibiting coprophagia, a behavior often linked to underlying medical issues. Recognizing the physiological drivers enables targeted intervention and reduces health risks.

Nutrient deficiency, particularly low protein or essential fatty acids, prompts the animal to seek missing components in stool.
Gastrointestinal malabsorption disorders, such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, leave undigested nutrients in feces, making them attractive.
Parasitic infestations, including tapeworms and coccidia, can cause irritation and increase the urge to ingest fecal matter.
Endocrine abnormalities, notably hyperthyroidism, elevate metabolism and may trigger abnormal eating patterns.
Chronic pain or discomfort, for example from inflammatory bowel disease, can lead to compulsive behaviors including coprophagia.
Stress, anxiety, or environmental boredom often manifest as self‑directed oral activity, with feces serving as a readily available source.

Health consequences of this practice include bacterial infection (Salmonella, E. coli), reinfection with intestinal parasites, and exposure to toxins present in the stool. Persistent ingestion may exacerbate dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

Immediate steps for owners:

Schedule a veterinary examination to rule out systemic disease.
Request comprehensive diagnostics: fecal flotation, blood panel, thyroid assessment, and imaging if indicated.
Implement a balanced, high‑quality diet formulated for the cat’s life stage and health status.
Initiate deworming and, if needed, targeted antimicrobial therapy based on laboratory results.
Address pain or inflammation with appropriate medication and dietary supplements.
Enrich the environment with interactive toys, feeding puzzles, and regular play to reduce boredom.
Keep the litter box clean and consider covered or separate boxes to limit access to fresh feces.

Addressing the medical root causes eliminates the compulsion and safeguards the cat’s overall wellbeing.

Immediate Actions

Observing Your Cat

Observing your cat closely provides the first line of defense against coprophagia. Identify the moments when the behavior occurs: note the time of day, location, and whether the cat is alone or in the presence of other animals. Record any patterns that emerge, such as increased frequency after feeding or during periods of stress.

Monitor physical indicators that may signal underlying health issues. Look for weight loss, changes in stool consistency, vomiting, or signs of gastrointestinal discomfort. Regularly check the cat’s coat for matting or excessive shedding, which can indicate nutritional deficiencies that sometimes drive the urge to ingest feces.

Assess the litter environment. Ensure the box is cleaned daily, as residual waste can attract the cat. Use a covered litter box only if the cat can still see the contents clearly; otherwise, an open box with fine, unscented litter may reduce curiosity. Place the box in a quiet, low‑traffic area to minimize anxiety that can trigger abnormal eating habits.

Track dietary intake. Verify that the cat receives a balanced, high‑protein diet appropriate for its age and activity level. Supplement with fiber‑rich foods or a veterinarian‑approved digestive aid if the stool appears unusually soft, as softer feces are more tempting to ingest.

Document any behavioral changes after environmental modifications. If the cat stops eating feces following improved hygiene, diet adjustment, or stress reduction, the observation confirms the effectiveness of the intervention. Conversely, persistence of the behavior despite these measures warrants a veterinary examination to rule out parasites, malabsorption disorders, or hormonal imbalances.

By maintaining systematic records of the cat’s routines, health metrics, and environmental conditions, owners can pinpoint triggers and implement targeted solutions before the problem escalates.

Removing Remaining Feces

When a cat has consumed part of its stool, the immediate priority is to eliminate any residual waste that could encourage repeat behavior or cause contamination. Follow these precise actions:

Wear disposable gloves to protect skin and prevent pathogen transfer.
Use a paper towel or disposable cloth to lift visible fragments, placing them directly into a sealed plastic bag.
Apply a pet‑safe enzymatic cleaner to the affected area. These products break down organic matter, neutralize odor, and reduce the attraction for the cat. Follow the manufacturer’s contact time before wiping.
After the enzymatic solution has set, blot the surface with a clean, damp microfiber cloth to remove residue.
Rinse the cleaned area with lukewarm water, then dry thoroughly with a low‑heat dryer or clean towel.
Discard the sealed bag with waste in an outdoor trash receptacle, not in indoor bins, to avoid re‑exposure.

If the incident occurred on fabric or carpet, remove the item if possible. For washable fabrics, launder at the highest safe temperature with a pet‑specific detergent. For carpet, steam‑clean using a nozzle that injects hot water and extracts it immediately; follow with the enzymatic cleaner as described above.

Finally, inspect the litter box and surrounding floor for hidden traces. A thorough sweep with a handheld vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter ensures microscopic particles are captured. Maintaining a pristine environment reduces the likelihood of the cat revisiting the site.

Cleaning the Area

When a cat consumes its own feces, immediate sanitation of the contaminated zone is critical to prevent bacterial spread and secondary ingestion. Begin by removing visible material with disposable gloves; place waste in a sealed bag and discard it in an outdoor trash container. Follow with a thorough wipe‑down of the surface using a pet‑safe enzymatic cleaner; these agents break down organic residues that ordinary detergents may miss. Apply the cleaner according to the manufacturer’s contact time, then rinse with clean water and dry with disposable paper towels.

If the incident occurred near a litter box, empty the box, discard the used litter, and wash the container with hot, soapy water. Rinse, then sanitize with a diluted bleach solution (one tablespoon of unscented bleach per gallon of water) or an approved veterinary disinfectant. Allow the box to air‑dry completely before refilling with fresh, clumping litter.

For fabrics or carpets, blot the area to absorb excess moisture, then treat with an enzymatic stain remover. After the product has penetrated for the recommended period, blot again and launder removable items on the hottest safe setting. Carpeted flooring may require a steam‑cleaning cycle or professional cleaning to eradicate hidden particles.

Finally, decontaminate personal protective equipment and wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Store cleaning supplies out of the cat’s reach to avoid accidental exposure. Consistent adherence to these steps reduces the risk of repeat incidents and maintains a hygienic environment for both pet and owner.

Addressing the Underlying Cause

Dietary Adjustments

Food Quality

Food quality directly influences a cat’s propensity to ingest feces. Low‑protein, low‑fiber diets can leave digestive residues undigested, creating a lingering scent in the litter that encourages oral exploration. Nutrient deficiencies, particularly in essential amino acids and B‑vitamins, may trigger abnormal eating habits as the animal seeks missing nutrients.

To mitigate coprophagia through dietary improvement, follow these precise actions:

Select a commercial formula with a minimum of 35 % protein derived from animal sources.
Ensure the product contains at least 3 % digestible fiber to promote regular bowel movement and reduce odor.
Verify the presence of taurine, arginine, and vitamin B12 at levels meeting AAFCO recommendations.
Avoid food containing excessive fillers, such as corn gluten meal or soy protein isolate, which can impair nutrient absorption.
Rotate protein sources periodically to prevent monotony and potential nutrient gaps.

Monitor the cat’s stool consistency after dietary adjustment; firm, well‑formed feces indicate adequate nutrient intake and reduced attraction. If the cat continues to consume waste despite optimal food quality, consult a veterinarian to assess underlying medical conditions or behavioral interventions.

Supplementation

Cats that ingest their own stool often signal an imbalance in nutrition, gut health, or stress. Addressing these factors through targeted supplementation can reduce the behavior and improve overall wellbeing.

First, evaluate the cat’s diet for deficiencies. Low levels of essential amino acids, B‑vitamins, and minerals such as zinc or magnesium can drive compulsive eating. A balanced, high‑quality protein source supplemented with a comprehensive feline multivitamin restores nutrient adequacy.

Second, support the gastrointestinal tract. Probiotic blends containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains stabilize microflora, enhance digestion, and diminish the appeal of fecal material. Prebiotic fibers, for example inulin, feed beneficial bacteria and promote regular bowel movements.

Third, consider digestive enzymes. Supplementing with pancreatic enzyme complexes (protease, amylase, lipase) aids nutrient absorption, reducing residual undigested material that may attract the cat’s attention.

A practical supplementation protocol might include:

Daily multivitamin formulated for adult cats, providing vitamins A, D, E, K, B‑complex, and trace minerals.
Probiotic capsule or powder (minimum 1 billion CFU) administered with food.
Prebiotic fiber supplement, 0.5 g per kilogram of body weight, mixed into wet meals.
Digestive enzyme powder, 1 tab per 5 kg, added to each meal.

Monitor the cat’s stool consistency and frequency for two weeks. Improvement in texture and reduced odor often correlate with decreased coprophagic behavior. If symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian to rule out medical conditions such as malabsorption, parasites, or dental pain that may require prescription‑grade supplements or therapeutic diets.

Behavioral Interventions

Enrichment and Play

When a cat begins to ingest its own stool, the behavior often signals inadequate mental stimulation or a lack of appropriate outlets for natural instincts. Addressing the issue through targeted enrichment and structured play can reduce the compulsion and promote healthier habits.

Introduce a daily play schedule that mimics hunting cycles. Short, high‑intensity sessions using wand toys, laser pointers, or feathered lures engage the cat’s predatory drive and expend excess energy. Rotate toys every few days to maintain novelty; a predictable rotation prevents habituation and keeps interest high.

Provide environmental complexity. Install vertical climbing structures, such as cat trees or wall‑mounted shelves, to encourage climbing and perching. Place scratching posts near feeding areas to associate the litter zone with other activities. Puzzle feeders that dispense kibble only after manipulation add a problem‑solving component, delaying access to food and encouraging focus elsewhere.

Incorporate scent enrichment. Offer safe, natural aromatics-catnip, silvervine, or valerian root-on toys and scratching surfaces. Scented grooming brushes or fabric strips placed near the litter box can redirect the cat’s attention from fecal material to appealing odors.

Schedule regular interactive sessions. Allocate 10-15 minutes, three to four times daily, for direct engagement. Use treat‑dispensing balls that require rolling or batting to release rewards, reinforcing active play and rewarding appropriate behavior.

Monitor litter hygiene. Clean the box at least twice daily to remove tempting material before the cat can access it. Consider a covered litter box with a low entry point to limit visual cues that may trigger the habit.

If the cat continues to consume feces despite enrichment, consult a veterinarian to rule out medical causes such as nutritional deficiencies, gastrointestinal disorders, or parasites. Combining professional assessment with the enrichment strategies outlined above offers the most comprehensive approach to breaking the cycle.

Litter Box Management

As a veterinary behavior specialist, I observe that coprophagia often stems from litter‑box conditions. Proper management of the feeding area reduces the likelihood that a cat will consume its own feces.

Keep the litter box clean; scoop at least twice daily and replace the substrate weekly. Residual odor and debris attract the cat to the waste.
Choose a low‑tracking, clumping litter that solidifies stool quickly, making it less appealing to eat.
Provide a separate, quiet location for the box, away from food and water dishes, to prevent association of waste with feeding areas.
Ensure the box is appropriately sized: the cat should be able to turn around without touching the sides, which discourages accidental contact with feces.
Monitor the cat’s health; gastrointestinal disorders, nutritional deficiencies, or parasites can trigger ingestion. Regular veterinary check‑ups and a balanced diet address these underlying issues.
If the cat continues the behavior despite optimal box hygiene, consider a deterrent such as a bitter‑tasting spray applied to the litter surface, following product instructions carefully.

Implementing these litter‑box strategies creates an environment where the cat is less inclined to interact with its stool, supporting both hygiene and overall wellbeing.

Reducing Stress

Reducing stress is essential when addressing feline coprophagia. High anxiety levels can trigger a cat to ingest its own waste, so managing environmental and physiological stressors directly influences behavior.

Identify sources of tension. Common triggers include sudden changes in routine, loud noises, overcrowded litter areas, and illness. Conduct a brief health check to rule out pain, gastrointestinal upset, or parasites, as discomfort often manifests as abnormal eating habits.

Implement environmental modifications. Provide multiple clean litter boxes-one per cat plus an extra-placed in quiet, low‑traffic zones. Use low‑dust, unscented litter to minimize irritation. Maintain a predictable feeding schedule and ensure ample playtime with interactive toys to expend excess energy.

Enhance nutritional support. Offer a balanced diet rich in fiber and essential fatty acids; supplements such as omega‑3 can calm the nervous system. Provide fresh water constantly, and consider a probiotic to stabilize gut flora, which may reduce compulsive ingestion.

Apply behavioral interventions. Introduce puzzle feeders that require problem‑solving, diverting focus from the litter. Use pheromone diffusers (e.g., Feliway) near the litter area to create a soothing scent environment. Reward the cat with treats when it uses the box without attempting to eat waste.

Monitor progress. Record incidents, noting time of day, litter condition, and any concurrent stressors. Adjust strategies based on patterns, gradually eliminating triggers while reinforcing positive habits.

Practical checklist

Verify health status with a veterinarian.
Add extra, clean litter boxes in quiet locations.
Switch to low‑dust, unscented litter.
Establish consistent feeding and play routines.
Supplement diet with fiber, omega‑3, and probiotics.
Deploy pheromone diffuser near litter area.
Use puzzle feeders to occupy attention.
Log behavior and refine interventions.

Consistent application of these measures lowers anxiety, discourages feces consumption, and promotes overall feline well‑being.

Veterinary Consultation

When to Seek Professional Help

As a veterinary behavior specialist, I observe that occasional coprophagy in cats can be a mild curiosity, but certain patterns indicate underlying health or behavioral issues that require professional assessment.

Persistent ingestion of feces despite environmental changes, sudden increase in frequency, or association with vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss signals a physiological problem. Concurrent signs such as lethargy, pain when palpating the abdomen, or changes in urination suggest systemic disease. Behavioral red flags include compulsive repetition, aggression when the behavior is interrupted, or signs of anxiety that persist despite enrichment efforts. If the cat is young and has not been vaccinated or dewormed, the risk of infection rises sharply.

When to contact a veterinarian or certified animal behaviorist:

Continuous coprophagy for more than a week without improvement.
Presence of gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, constipation).
Noticeable weight loss or failure to gain weight in growing kittens.
Signs of abdominal pain, swelling, or discomfort.
Changes in appetite, water intake, or urination patterns.
Evidence of parasites or infections in stool samples.
Behavioral escalation, such as aggression or severe anxiety linked to the act.
History of underlying medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, hyperthyroidism) that could be aggravated.

Prompt professional evaluation enables accurate diagnosis, targeted treatment, and the development of a management plan that safeguards the cat’s health and welfare.

Diagnostic Tests

When a cat ingests its own stool, immediate assessment focuses on identifying underlying health issues that may have prompted the behavior. The veterinarian will order a series of diagnostic examinations to detect gastrointestinal disturbances, metabolic disorders, or parasitic infections.

Complete blood count (CBC) to reveal anemia, infection, or inflammation.
Serum biochemistry panel to evaluate liver and kidney function, electrolyte balance, and glucose levels.
Fecal flotation and direct smear to identify intestinal parasites, eggs, or larvae.
Fecal PCR panel for detection of bacterial pathogens such as Clostridium spp. and Salmonella.
Urinalysis to assess kidney health and rule out urinary tract disease that can influence appetite.
Abdominal radiographs or ultrasound to visualize intestinal motility, obstruction, or structural abnormalities.
Endoscopic examination with biopsy if chronic inflammation or neoplasia is suspected.

Results guide targeted treatment, dietary adjustments, and behavioral interventions. Early detection of abnormal findings reduces the risk of secondary complications and helps restore normal elimination habits.

Treatment Options

When a cat consumes its own feces, prompt intervention can prevent gastrointestinal upset and discourage recurrence. The following treatment options are recommended based on clinical experience.

Immediate hygiene: Remove all accessible litter and replace it with fresh, unscented substrate. Clean the area with an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate residual odors that may attract the cat.
Dietary modification: Switch to a high‑protein, low‑fiber diet to reduce stool volume and improve stool quality. Incorporate a limited‑ingredient formula if food allergies are suspected.
Supplemental deterrents: Apply a non‑toxic bitter agent or commercial feces‑repellent spray to the litter surface. Reapply after each cleaning to maintain effectiveness.
Medical evaluation: Schedule a veterinary examination to rule out underlying conditions such as parasites, malabsorption syndromes, or pain that may drive coprophagic behavior. Administer deworming medication and prescribe probiotics if dysbiosis is identified.
Behavioral enrichment: Increase environmental stimulation with interactive toys, climbing structures, and scheduled play sessions. A well‑exercised cat is less likely to engage in abnormal oral behaviors.
Litter box management: Provide multiple litter boxes in quiet locations, ensuring each is cleaned at least twice daily. Consider covered boxes for privacy or open trays for cats that prefer unobstructed access.
Pharmacologic support: In refractory cases, a veterinarian may prescribe an appetite suppressant or a short course of an anti‑anxiety medication to reduce compulsive ingestion.

Implementing these measures concurrently yields the highest success rate. Monitor the cat’s behavior for at least two weeks; if coprophagia persists, reassess with a veterinary specialist to explore additional diagnostic testing.