Cat and dog stool score card: use this seven-point chart to assess your pet’s stool consistency
Choose dog or cat, then select the score that most closely matches your pet’s stools. Tell us how long it has been happening and whether there are other signs. The result will suggest whether to monitor your pet or contact a vet.
1. Which level looks closest? (level 3 is ideal)
2. How long has it been like this?
3. Any of these? (select all that apply)
Why stool tells you about the gut
Dogs and cats both carry hundreds of millions of microbes in the gut, and digestion only works well when the good and bad bacteria stay balanced. Switching food too fast, stress (moving home, a new family member, boarding), finishing a course of antibiotics, or eating something that does not agree with them can tip that balance, and stools become softer, moving from score 3 to score 4 or 5. A one-off is nothing to panic about. 2-3 days in a row is the time to watch and give some everyday support. Blood, vomiting, not eating, or a puppy, kitten or senior pet with stools matching scores 6–7 means it is time to see your vet, because small and older pets dehydrate fast. Level 1-2 is too hard, and that is usually not enough water or not enough fibre (cats also get hairballs building up), which has little to do with probiotics.
Dogs have one more common cause: scavenging on walks and raiding the bin. That kind of soft stool usually settles on its own in 1-2 days, but if you see white rice-like bits or worms in the stool, your vet needs to handle deworming. How to pick a probiotic, which strains, and how to feed it: How to pick a dog probiotic · How to pick a cat probiotic; for cats that bring up hair often or pass a lot of hair, see Cat hairball and gut Bites.
Always switch food slowly over 7-10 days. If you see level 4 while mixing, hold that ratio for two more days instead of pushing ahead. Dogs scavenging on walks and cats trying a new snack are the most common reasons for soft stool.
FAQ
Which stool level counts as normal for dogs and cats?
Level 3 is ideal: a firm log, moist, and it leaves no mark when you pick it up. The odd level 2 or level 4 is fine. If it keeps up, look at water, food and stress. Dogs and cats use the same 7-level scale.
Can a dog with soft stool take probiotics?
For level 4-5 soft stool with no blood, no vomiting and normal energy, probiotics are a common everyday support, usually given for 2 to 4 weeks before assessing the results the result. Pick a product that lists its strains. Scavenging on walks and switching food too fast are the most common causes in dogs, so sort those two first. At level 6-7, or with other signs, see your vet first.
Can a cat with soft stool take probiotics?
Same as dogs: level 4-5, no blood, no vomiting, normal energy, and probiotics run for 2 to 4 weeks before assessing the results. Pick a cat-specific formula. Cats dehydrate fast, so at level 6-7 see your vet as soon as you can.
Does blood in the stool always mean a vet visit?
Yes. Fresh blood, black tarry stool, or a lot of mucus all mean you should see your vet as soon as you can, especially with puppies, kittens and seniors. Do not try to hold it off with probiotics or a food change.
What are the white rice-like bits or worms in the stool?
Most often tapeworm segments (the white rice-like bits) or roundworms. Your vet handles deworming for these, and probiotics are not the answer. For a deworming schedule, use the Deworming, vaccination and check-up schedule to work it out.
This tool is general pet care information and is not veterinary advice. Supplements are everyday support and are no substitute for professional veterinary care. If signs keep up, see your vet.
