Causes of Cats Getting Poop on Their Paws
There are a few common reasons why cats may get poop on their paws:
Using litter boxes – Cats need to dig and cover their waste in litter boxes. This digging action can sometimes get bits of poop and litter stuck between their paw pads and claws (Source).
Long fur – Long haired cats are more prone to getting poop stuck in the fur between their paw pads or on the fur on the back of their legs as they exit the litter box (Source).
Exploring outside – Outdoor cats who explore outside may step in poop from other animals and track it back inside (Source).
Health Risks
There are several health risks associated with cats getting poop on their paws. One major concern is the spread of parasites and bacteria. A cat’s paws can pick up parasites like Toxoplasma gondii from litter boxes or soil contaminated with feces. These parasites can then be spread throughout the home and to humans via the cat’s paws.
Another risk is that the paws themselves can get infected. Cat poop contains high levels of bacteria that can cause infections if the paws have any scratches or wounds. Signs of an infected paw include swelling, redness, and discharge.
Cats can also transmit a disease called toxoplasmosis to humans through contact with feces-contaminated paws. As noted by CatTime, toxoplasmosis can cause flu-like symptoms in humans and more serious complications for pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.
Cleaning Methods
If your cat gets poop stuck on their paws, there are a few effective cleaning methods you can use:
Baby wipes work well for cleaning paws quickly. The texture of baby wipes can help loosen stuck-on litter and waste. Be sure to use unscented wipes to avoid irritating your cat’s sensitive nose.[1]
For a deeper clean, use warm water and a mild pet shampoo. Gently massage the shampoo into the paw and rinse thoroughly. This helps sanitize the paw and remove any leftover residue.
Disinfectant wipes containing chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide can also be used. These wipes kill bacteria and prevent infection. Be sure to follow label instructions closely.
Preventative Measures
There are some simple preventative measures cat owners can take to help keep their cat’s paws free of poop:
Regularly cleaning the litter box is crucial. The ASPCA recommends scooping the litter box at least once a day and changing the litter completely every 1-2 weeks [1]. A dirty litter box is more likely to result in cats tracking waste out of the box.
Trimming the fur around your cat’s paws can help prevent poop from getting caught in their paws. Long haired cats especially can benefit from having the fur between their toes trimmed [1].
Disinfecting litter mats and areas around the litter box frequently removes bacteria that can be tracked around the house. The ASPCA recommends daily cleaning with an enzymatic cleaner [1].
Litter Box Location
Choosing the right location for your cat’s litter box is crucial to preventing them from getting poop on their paws. According to experts, the litter box should be placed in an easily accessible, low-traffic area away from their food and water bowls (https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/behavior/common-cat-behaviors/where-to-put-your-cats-litter-box). Cats prefer privacy when doing their business, so aim for a quiet corner of the room. Avoid high traffic areas where your cat may feel too exposed or stressed.
Make sure your cat doesn’t have to go up or down stairs to reach their litter box, as this can deter them from using it. The litter box should be on the same floor where your cat spends most of their time. Placing it in an enclosed space like a closet or cabinet is also not ideal, as cats like to have an escape route. Opt for an open area with good ventilation instead (https://www.tuftandpaw.com/blogs/cat-guides/where-to-put-your-cats-litter-box).
Additionally, keep the litter box away from their food and water. Cats don’t like their elimination area to be too close to where they eat. Follow the “rule of paw” – place the litter box at least 3-10 feet away from their bowls. This helps prevent contamination and encourages good bathroom habits.
Litter Box Size
The size of the litter box is an important factor in preventing cats from getting poop on their paws. According to Fundamentally Feline, litter boxes should be at least 1.5 times the length of your cat. A litter box that is too small increases the chances of your cat stepping in poop or urine as they enter and exit the box.
For multi-cat households, it is recommended to have multiple litter boxes, ideally one per cat plus an extra box. This gives each cat enough space to feel comfortable using the litter box without competing for space. Having multiple large litter boxes can help reduce the chances of cats tracking poop and litter outside the box. The extra space and privacy can encourage proper elimination habits.
Litter Type
The type of litter you choose can impact the likelihood of your cat getting poop stuck on their paws. The main options are clumping vs. non-clumping litters.
Clumping litters form clumps when exposed to moisture, allowing you to scoop out solid waste and leave clean litter behind. This helps control odors. However, some cats may kick litter out of the box as they bury their waste, getting it stuck on their paws (Source).
Non-clumping litters do not form clumps, so solid waste sits on top for easy removal. This reduces tracking, but odors may build up faster. There are natural non-clumping options like pine and wheat litters, as well as clay-based non-clumping litters.
In general, non-clumping litters may be better at preventing poop from sticking to paws. But you’ll have to balance that against odor control and ease of cleaning. Trying out a few different litter types can help you find the right balance for your cat (Source).
Litter Box Cleaning Schedule
Keeping a cat’s litter box clean is essential for preventing cats from getting poop on their paws. The general recommendation is to scoop the litter box at least once per day. Scooping daily removes urine clumps and feces, which helps control odors and provides a clean surface for cats.
In addition to daily scooping, the litter box should be dumped out and thoroughly cleaned every 1-2 weeks. For homes with multiple cats, more frequent full changes may be needed. Empty the litter box contents into the garbage, wash the box with mild soap and warm water, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely before refilling with fresh litter. This helps remove any residues that can cling to surfaces.
According to Pet Health Network, daily scooping is ideal, but litter boxes should be cleaned at minimum every other day.
Trimming Fur
One way to help prevent cats from tracking litter and feces is to trim the fur on their paws. According to The Spruce Pets, long-haired cats often have a lot of fur between their toes that can collect litter and feces. By keeping the fur on their paws trimmed, there is less area for litter to stick. When trimming the fur, it’s important to only trim the fur on the cat’s paws, not trim other areas. Blunt tip scissors should be used to avoid nicking the cat’s skin. The trimming should be done carefully and slowly to prevent quicking the cat’s nails.
When to See a Vet
Cats occasionally getting poop stuck to their paws is generally not a major concern. However, if the issue persists and leads to consistent irritation or infection, it’s best to schedule a veterinarian visit.
Signs that it may be time to see the vet include:
- Persistent irritation, redness, or swelling of the paws
- Ongoing infections that don’t clear up
- Limping or showing signs of pain when walking
- Loss of appetite or appetite changes
As noted in this veterinary article, “10 Warning Signs Your Cat Needs to Go to the Veterinarian,” it’s vital to get prompt medical attention for conditions like infections or limping as they can indicate larger issues (https://www.tandcvets.com/warning-signs-your-cat-needs-to-go-to-the-veterinarian/).
Don’t hesitate to contact your vet if your cat’s paw problems don’t clear up or you notice any concerning symptoms. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to potential health issues.