Cat Pooping Clear Jelly: What Does It Mean?

Cats are curious creatures, and their poop can provide a window into their health. While it may not be the most glamorous task, keeping an eye on your cat's litter box can offer valuable insights. One concerning sign is the presence of a clear jelly-like substance in their stool, which may indicate intestinal issues. This substance, known as mucus, is typically produced to aid digestion, but excessive amounts may suggest inflammation or other problems. It's important to monitor your cat's behaviour and consult a veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

IBD can involve any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract but most commonly affects the stomach and/or the intestines. If the stomach is involved, your cat will experience chronic vomiting. If the intestines are involved, chronic diarrhea will occur. In some cases, both parts of the digestive tract are involved, resulting in both vomiting and diarrhea. Other common signs of IBD include weight loss, lethargy, reduced appetite, and an enlarged liver.

The exact cause of IBD is often unknown or undetermined. However, possible causes include bacterial infection, parasitic infection with worms or single-celled parasites, or an allergy or intolerance to a specific protein in the diet.

Diagnosing IBD typically involves a combination of tests and procedures. Your veterinarian may recommend basic blood and fecal tests, as well as liver and pancreatic function tests. Imaging techniques such as ultrasound or X-rays may also be used to aid in diagnosis. Ultimately, a definitive diagnosis of IBD requires a biopsy of the affected tissue, which is then examined under a microscope.

Treatment for IBD in cats focuses on reducing inflammation and typically involves a two-pronged approach: removing the antigen triggering the immune response and using drugs to suppress the immune system. Dietary modifications are crucial, and your veterinarian may recommend a novel protein diet or a hydrolyzed protein diet. In some cases, a high-fiber diet may be suggested. Additionally, various medications may be prescribed, including corticosteroids, metronidazole, and immunosuppressive drugs like azathioprine and chlorambucil.

While IBD in cats is a serious and lifelong condition, proper management through dietary changes and medical therapies can help affected cats live healthy and comfortable lives.

Constipation

Symptoms

A constipated cat may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Little to no fecal production
• Frequent visits to the litter box
• Vomiting
• Decreased appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Decreased energy
• Lack of interest in interacting with family

Causes

There are many potential causes of constipation in cats, including:

• Dehydration
• Lack of exercise
• Trauma
• Ingestion of indigestible materials (e.g. fur) or foreign bodies (e.g. bones)
• Pelvic injuries
• Obesity
• Underlying health issues (e.g. kidney disease, arthritis, diabetes, hyperthyroidism)
• Stressful situations
• Issues with the litter box (e.g. cleanliness, accessibility, type of litter)
• Issues with the water dish (e.g. dirty water, type of bowl)
• Lack of play and activity

Treatment

If you suspect your cat is constipated, consult your veterinarian. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause and may include:

• Administration of enemas and manual extraction of feces
• Intravenous fluid therapy
• Dietary management (e.g. high-fibre diets, increased water intake)
• Laxatives
• Stool softeners
• Drugs that stimulate contraction of the colon
• Surgery (in severe cases)

Infections

In addition to bacterial infections, cats can also suffer from intestinal parasites or worms. Roundworms and hookworms commonly affect cats, causing irritation and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Other common parasites include protozoal parasites such as giardia or coccidia, which are single-celled and can be transmitted through infected faeces. Cats with intestinal parasites or worms are usually treated with an appropriate anthelmintic, and the environment should be disinfected to prevent further transmission.

If you notice any abnormal stool in your cat, it is important to contact your veterinarian for guidance and to schedule an exam as soon as possible. While the issue may be due to a simple stomach upset, it could also indicate an underlying condition that requires veterinary care.

Intestinal parasites

The most common intestinal parasites in cats are roundworms, affecting 25% to 75% of cats, with higher rates in kittens. Roundworms are three to five inches long, cream-colored, and live in the cat's intestine. The adult female worm produces fertile eggs that are passed in the infected cat's feces. Cats become infected with Toxocara cati by ingesting eggs or by eating rodents that have larvae in their tissues. Kittens can become infected by larvae passed through an infected queen's milk. Toxascaris leonina is usually contracted by ingesting infective eggs in the environment or larvae in the tissues of rodents.

Roundworm infections are typically benign, but affected kittens may show vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or loss of appetite. Untreated, roundworm infections may cause life-threatening anemia or, in extreme cases, stomach rupture. Roundworm infections are diagnosed by the presence of parasite eggs during microscopic examination of the stool. Several medications treat roundworm infections effectively, but owners can minimize the likelihood of infection by prohibiting hunting and reducing exposure to the feces of infected cats.

Hookworms are less common than roundworm infections, with a prevalence of 10% to 60% in North America. They are slender, thread-like worms, less than half an inch long, that live attached to the lining of the intestinal wall, feeding on the host's blood. Because of their small size, they are usually not visible in the feces of infected cats. Adult cats usually become infected by larvae that penetrate their skin or that are ingested. Once inside the host, the larvae migrate to the lungs and then to the intestines, where they develop into adult worms. It is uncertain whether cats can become infected by eating rodents containing larvae or by ingesting an infected queen's milk.

While mild cases of hookworm infection may cause diarrhea and weight loss, severe parasitism can cause anemia due to blood loss. In these cases, a cat's feces will appear black and tarry due to the presence of digested blood. If too much blood is lost, the cat may die without treatment. Fortunately, hookworms are easily diagnosed and treated. Good sanitation and daily cleaning of the litter box are key to controlling hookworm infections.

Tapeworms have long, flattened bodies that resemble a tape or ribbon. Their small head is connected to a series of segments filled with eggs. The adult tapeworm lives in the small intestine with its head embedded in the mucous membrane. As the segments farthest from the head mature, they break off and pass in the feces. These segments can be observed near the cat's tail and rectum or in the feces. Tapeworm segments are about a quarter-inch long, flat, and resemble grains of rice when fresh or sesame seeds when dry. Microscopic examination of fecal samples may not always reveal tapeworms because eggs are passed as a group in the segments. Although the discovery of tapeworm segments can alarm cat owners, tapeworm infections rarely cause significant disease in cats.

Cats usually become infected with tapeworms by ingesting infected fleas while grooming or by eating infected rodents. Modern medications are highly successful in treating tapeworm infections, but reinfection is common. Controlling flea and rodent populations reduces the risk of tapeworm infection in cats.

Some other intestinal parasites that can affect cats include whipworms, stomach worms, Isospora (coccidia), and Giardia. Whipworms are an uncommon parasite in cats in the United States and typically do not cause serious disease. Stomach worms, such as Ollanulus tricuspis and Physaloptera species, inhabit the feline stomach and are transmitted through the ingestion of parasite-laden vomit from another cat. Isospora is a microscopic, single-celled organism that causes coccidiosis. Virtually all cats become infected with Isospora felis during their life, usually by eating a cyst passed in the feces of another infected cat. Giardia are one-celled organisms that parasitize the small intestine of cats. The prevalence of Giardia infection is estimated to be less than 5% but can be much higher in certain environments. Cats become infected by ingesting Giardia cysts in the feces of another infected animal, typically a littermate or chronic carrier cat.

Diet changes

If your cat is experiencing digestive issues, such as mucus or jelly-like substances in their stool, it is important to consider dietary changes that could help alleviate these symptoms.

Firstly, it is crucial to rule out any food allergies or intolerances that your cat may have. This can be done by introducing an elimination diet, where potential trigger ingredients are removed and gradually reintroduced under the guidance of your veterinarian. Common food allergens for cats include proteins such as chicken, beef, and dairy. By identifying and eliminating these allergens, you can reduce inflammation in the gut and promote healthier digestion.

Additionally, transitioning to a bland diet for a few days can help to rest the gastrointestinal system. This may include feeding your cat boiled chicken, white fish, or prescription food specifically formulated for sensitive stomachs. These prescription diets typically contain hydrolyzed proteins that are easy to digest and single ingredients that minimise the risk of allergic reactions. Examples include Hill's Prescription Diet z/d cat food and Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet GI Gastrointestinal Support Cat Food.

Another important aspect of dietary changes is ensuring your cat stays well-hydrated. In addition to fresh water, you can offer a rehydration solution or bone broth to support their fluid intake. Proper hydration helps to prevent constipation and promotes regular bowel movements, reducing the risk of impaction and other digestive issues.

Probiotic supplements are also beneficial in supporting digestive health. Probiotics contain live microorganisms that promote healthy gut flora and normal digestion. When choosing a probiotic supplement, look for products specifically formulated for cats, such as VetriScience Laboratories Probiotic Everyday for Cats or Pet Naturals Daily Probiotic for Cats.

Finally, it is important to make any dietary changes gradually. A sudden shift in diet can cause further digestive upset, so it is recommended to transition over a period of 4-5 days when introducing new food. This allows your cat's digestive system to adjust and minimises the risk of triggering further inflammation or irritation.

By implementing these dietary changes and working closely with your veterinarian, you can help improve your cat's digestive health and reduce the occurrence of mucus or jelly-like substances in their stool.

Frequently asked questions