Why Does My Cat Sniff Its Poop? (What To Do)

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Why Does My Cat Sniff Its Poop

You may have noticed that your cat likes to sniff its poop. It might seem like your cat takes great pleasure in doing so. But why does your cat do this?

Cats sniff their poop to learn more about their own scent and what they’re leaving behind. This is a natural behavior that all cats do, no matter where they live or what they eat.

In the wild, cats use their scent to communicate with other animals. They can also tell a lot about their prey by analyzing its droppings. So it’s no surprise that your kitty is curious about her scent and what she’s leaving behind.

This behavior can be frustrating for pet parents, especially when it seems your cat spends more time sniffing her poop than anything else. But there’s no need to worry, as long as your cat is healthy and has a good diet, her poop sniffing is just a harmless habit.

Continue reading to learn more about why cats sniff their poop and what you can do to discourage this behavior.

cute tabby kitten on a sofa
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Biological Reasons: Is It Normal?

Cats sniff their poop for various reasons, some of which are perfectly normal.

One reason is that cats have an incredibly strong sense of smell. They can smell things that we can’t. So, when they smell their poop, they check to see if everything is as it should be if they’re digesting their food properly, and if they’re healthy overall.

Another reason is that cats like to bury their poop. Sniffing it first helps them locate the right spot to bury it.

Of course, if your cat is constantly sniffing its poop and seems to be doing it more than usual, it’s a sign that something might be wrong, and you should take your cat to the vet.

Medical Reasons Behind Why Cats Smell Their Poop

There can be several health and medical reasons behind your cat smelling poop. Let’s take a look at a few of them:

1. Poor Digestion

If your cat’s poop smells bad, it may be because he or she isn’t digesting their food properly. This could be due to several reasons, such as parasites, a poor diet, or stress.

2. Pancreas Problems

If your cat’s poop is very light in color, it could be a sign that they have a pancreas problem. This is because the pancreas produces enzymes that help break down food in the intestine.

3. Infections

Several infections can cause a cat to sniff its poop, including intestinal parasites, urinary tract infections, and even liver disease.

4. Cancer

Unfortunately, cancer can also be why your cat is sniffing its poop. One common cancer affecting cats is intestinal cancer, which can cause the stool to become very loose and watery.

photo of little cat meowing
Photo by Abdulla Nadeem on Pexels.com

Stress and anxiety can also lead to abnormal behaviors when it comes to sniffing their own poop. We know that cats can feel stressed and anxious, just like humans do, and this can lead to them seeking comfort in their own smells.

If your cat is feeling anxious or stressed out due to a change in routine or environment, they may be more likely to sniff their poop. This behavior could also be linked to underlying medical issues such as kidney disease or intestinal parasites.

If you think your cat’s behavior is stress-related, there are a few things you can do to help reduce their stress levels.

Make sure your cat has plenty of places where they can feel safe and secure, such as a cozy bed or scratching post. Increasing playtime with interactive toys or feeding puzzle feeders can also help reduce stress levels by providing mental stimulation and allowing them to release energy in a positive way.

How To Deal With Cat Poop Sniffing

So what do you do if your cat is sniffing and eating its own poop? You can start by providing regular meals with plenty of water at the same time each day. Allowing your cat to fast for periods may lead them to snack on their stool.

You can also try environmental changes like moving the litter box, introducing new toys, or playtime with your pet. Finally, you should consult a vet as they may be able to help identify a medical condition that’s causing the behavior.

If all else fails, there are products on the market explicitly designed to deter cats from smelling and eating their poop. Some products work by altering the smell, while others work by creating an unpleasant taste. Whatever product you try, make sure it is labeled as safe for cats, and follow any instructions for use carefully.

READ ALSO: How To Discipline Cats (Training)

What Are Some Other Behavior Changes That Accompany Poop Sniffing?

If your cat is routinely displaying odd behaviors such as sniffing their poop or hovering over it for an extended period of time, this can be a cause for concern. While your cat may not mind the smell, you may find it unpleasant.

In addition to sniffing, other behavior changes can accompany this behavior such as pawing at the litter to cover the poop, circling around over it, or even attempting to eat it.

These behaviors are more commonly seen in cats eating a low-quality diet or suffering from a medical issue. If you notice any of these symptoms, take your cat to the vet immediately to get them checked out and ensure there isn’t something wrong.

Do Cats Like Their Poop?

The short answer is not straightforward. It’s certainly not something cats enjoy, but it’s instinctual behavior for cats. The act of sniffing and burying their feces is an ancient instinct from when cats lived in the wild.

Cats would sniff their own feces to mark their territory, mask their scent from predators, and spread the word that they’re around to other cats. It’s possible that your cat may not even be aware they’re doing this—while cats have strong instincts, they don’t always understand why they do certain things.

Even though your cat may find the smell of its own feces pleasant (or at least tolerable), this behavior should still be discouraged with pet-safe scented litter or odor-elimination products.

Doing so will both help keep your home smelling fresh and discourage your cat from sniffing its poop in the future.

Do Cats Like The Smell Of Human Poop?

Have you ever caught your cat sniffing your own poop?! It’s not a pleasant sight, but why do cats do this? When it comes to the biology of cats, it turns out cats like the smell of human poop because it contains bacteria and parasites similar to their own.

So in a way, cats are just trying to figure out if our poop is similar to theirs.

Some veterinarians suggest this behavior is a communication between humans and cats. For example, when a cat sniffs at our waste, they may be trying to say, “Hey, I am here, and I want to know what you have been up to”.

Cats may also smell our poop because they instinctively want to protect us from parasites. They see us as part of their family and want to protect us. So cats use their sense of smell as an extra security against potential risks.

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Is It OK If My Cat Licks His Poop?

It’s not uncommon for cats to lick their poop after they go to the bathroom. You may wonder why it does this – and if it is normal.

The main reason why cats lick their poop is because they want to cover up their scent. This instinctive behavior goes back to when cats were wild animals, and they needed to protect themselves from predators.

They could mask their presence by covering up their scent with their saliva. It’s also possible that your cat is licking its poop because it simply likes the taste.

Regardless of why your cat is licking its poop, it’s important to remember that this behavior can lead to digestive issues such as diarrhea and vomiting. If you’re worried about your cat’s health, I suggest consulting a vet for advice on what to do next.

Conclusion

So, why does your cat sniff its poop? As it turns out, there are a few reasons. Some cats do it because they’re trying to learn more about their environment, while others may do it out of habit or because they’re trying to cover up their scent.

If your cat is sniffing its poop, there are a few things you can do to help break the habit. Start by making sure your cat has a litter box that’s clean and spacious, and try to keep your cat’s litter box in a quiet, low-traffic area.

You may also want to consider buying a covered litter box, as this can help reduce your cat’s urge to sniff its poop.



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