Why Does My Cat Have Soft Stools?

1 A Sudden Food Change

A cat’s gut is delicate. When switching food, blend the new kibble with the old and raise the new portion by about 10% each day over roughly a week—the common ‘7-day transition’—so the stomach can adapt and avoid loose or soft stools.

2 Intestinal Parasites

If soft stools appear without a food change, check for parasites. The most common sign is soft stool or diarrhea; worms living in the intestinal lining inflame the mucosa and trigger it. Deworm your cat on schedule using a broad-spectrum product, and consider a topical antiparasitic solution for combined internal and external coverage, since cats pick up parasites easily from hidden corners and the floor.

Internal parasites also arrive through raw or undercooked food, so regular deworming matters if you ever feed raw meat.

3 Overeating and Poor Portion Control

Irregular feeding leads to soft stools. Some cats, especially easy-going breeds like the orange tabby, will not self-limit and gorge when the bowl is full. The gut then cannot keep up and passes undigested food as soft stool. Feed measured meals on a fixed schedule to protect gut health.

4 Gastritis

Season changes, new food, dirty meals, or stress can inflame the stomach and cause soft stools or diarrhea. Offer small, frequent meals and plenty of water while the gut recovers; if it does not improve, have a vet examine the cat.