While purring, grooming habits, and appetite are common indicators of your cat’s health, one of the most overlooked sources of insight is the litter box. Yes, your cat’s urine and faeces can alert you about their internal health—if you know what to look for.
Urine clues: hydration, kidneys, and more
Healthy cat urine is typically pale yellow, with a moderate odor. If your cat’s urine suddenly becomes darker, very strong-smelling, or unusually dilute, it might indicate dehydration or kidney issues.
Frequent urination or unusually large clumps in the litter box can be signs of diabetes or hyperthyroidism.
Conversely, straining to urinate, producing small amounts, or blood in the urine may signal a urinary tract infection (UTI), crystals, or even a life-threatening blockage—especially in male cats.
Watch for changes and chat to your vet.
Faeces fundamentals: digestive health
A healthy cat stool should be firm, brown, and shaped like a log. If your cat’s faeces are consistently soft, mushy, or watery, it may be due to dietary intolerance, parasites, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Hard, dry stools could indicate dehydration or constipation, particularly in older cats. Never ignore blood or mucous—it can point to infections, parasites, or even tumors.
Behavior around the box matters
Cats that suddenly stop using their litter box may be experiencing pain when they try to go. Maybe it’s arthritis (making it hard to climb into a high-sided box), or discomfort linked to UTIs or gastrointestinal issues.
When to see the vet
You can expect to see temporary changes, especially with changes in food or stress. Any persistent change in your cat’s litter box habits, urine color, stool consistency, or frequency should prompt a visit to your vet. Bring a fresh sample, if possible, it may help fast-track a diagnosis.
So…
Monitoring the litter box might not be the most fun aspect of cat ownership, but it’s one of the most powerful tools you have for safeguarding their health.
The next time you scoop, take a moment to observe. Your cat’s toilet behavior might just be the clue you need to keep them purring for years to come.