Feral cats are those that have had minimal to no human contact, living and thriving in the wild. As a result, their poop may differ from that of domesticated cats, as it’s typically segmented in appearance and can contain all manner of food and waste.

Understanding what feral cat poop looks like is essential for pet owners, wildlife enthusiasts, and those dealing with feral cat colonies. To help you learn more, we will discuss the appearance of feral cat poop, why it’s important to recognize it, and how to handle it safely.

Do Feral Cats Poop in the Same Place?

Since feral cats aren’t domesticated like house cats, they will poop anywhere and everywhere. This leaves some people wondering if feral cats choose one specific spot to use as their toilet.

They can and will poop anywhere they feel safe and comfortable, but there are a few things you should know about where feral cats may be pooping. First, it’s important to understand that feral cats have a much bigger territory than their domestic counterparts.

While a house cat may stick to one or two rooms in a home, feral cats can roam over an entire city block or neighborhood. This means that they will find spots all over their territory to use as their bathroom, and it’s not uncommon for them to move from place to place.

Feral cats tend to be incredibly territorial creatures, and they may use specific markers, such as scents or markings, to claim certain areas as their own.

If a feral cat feels that another animal is encroaching on its territory, it may choose to mark the area with poop to assert dominance.

Identifying Feral Cat Poop

Size and Shape

Feral cat poop is typically cylindrical and measures about 1 to 2 inches in length and 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch in diameter. It’s generally segmented, with one or both ends tapering to a point. However, the consistency can vary depending on the cat’s diet, ranging from firm and well-formed to soft and loose.

Color

The color of feral cat poop is typically dark brown, similar to domesticated cat poop. However, it may vary depending on the cat’s diet. A more meat-based diet will result in darker feces, while a diet rich in fruits or vegetables will produce lighter-colored poop.

Odor

Feral cat poop has a distinctive, pungent smell different from domesticated cat poop. This strong odor is due to the high protein content in their diet and can be a useful indicator when identifying feral cat feces.

Presence of Hair, Bones, and Other Debris

Feral felines are hunters, consuming a variety of small animals like birds, rodents, and bugs. Therefore, their feces may include undigested furballs, bones, feathers, or other elements from their prey.

On the contrary domestic cats usually consume processed cat food, and thus their stool is less likely to contain these materials.

Why Identifying Feral Cat Poop Matters

Health and Safety

These wild cats can be a potential source of contagion to both humans and other animals, as they are capable of transmitting illnesses, like toxoplasmosis, through contact with their excrement.

Monitoring Feral Cat Colonies

Recognizing feral cat feces can help you monitor the presence and activity of feral cat colonies in your area. This information can be valuable for local animal control agencies and organizations managing and controlling feral cat populations.

Pet Health

Identifying feral cat feces is essential to protect your pet’s health if you have outdoor or indoor-outdoor pets. Contact with feral cat feces can expose your pets to parasites and diseases carried by feral cats.

Handling Feral Cat Poop Safely

Wear Gloves

Always wear gloves when handling or disposing of feral cat feces. This will help protect you from possible exposure to diseases or parasites.

Use a Scoop or Shovel

Use a scoop or shovel to remove the feces without directly touching it. Place the feces in a plastic bag and seal it before disposal.

Dispose of Properly

Dispose of the bag containing the feces in an outdoor trash can to prevent the spread of diseases and parasites within your home.

Wash Hands Thoroughly

After dealing with feral cat feces, do not forget to cleanse your hands using soap and water. Doing so will help ensure you are safe from any potential germs or bacteria.

Conclusion

Understanding what feral cat poop looks like is crucial for pet owners, wildlife enthusiasts, and individuals dealing with feral cat colonies. Recognizing feral cat feces’ appearance, odor, and contents can help keep you, your pets, and your community safe.

Featured Image Credit: Shino, Unsplash