Last Updated: 03/02/2026
Puppy & Kitten Poop Problems: What’s Normal and What’s Not
Navigating puppy and kitten poop problems can be messy. Our vet-guide helps you identify what's normal, when to see a vet, explains common causes, and offers actionable tips to support your pet's gut health.
Author: Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 9 minutes - short read
Welcoming a new furry family member is a whirlwind of cuddles and zoomies, but it often involves a fair bit of "poop patrol." It is incredibly common for new puppy digestion to be a little hit-or-miss, and many owners find themselves navigating a sensitive kitten stomach during those first few weeks. Because their internal systems are still under construction, even minor changes can lead to messy results.
In this article, we will explore how to identify a healthy stool, and red flags that require veterinary attention, the common reasons why digestive upsets occur in young pets, and practical steps you can take at home to support their gut health.
What’s normal vs not normal: puppy and kitten poop
Understanding what is landing on the grass or in the litter box is the first step to peace of mind.
The ideal poop
Colour: A healthy stool should be chocolate brown.
Consistency: A normal healthy stool should be well-formed, slightly moist, and easy to pick up or scoop without leaving any residue behind.
Frequency: How often a puppy or kitten should defaecate varies widely, due to age, diet and individual digestive differences. A "normal" frequency of passing stools for a young puppy or kitten (around 8 weeks) may be 2-4 stools per day, and as they get older, the frequency reduces to around 1-2 stools per day.
Soft stools & diarrhoea
When are soft stools acceptable?
Softness in the stools that persists for a few days is quite common, particularly after the introduction of new foods or treats, or in the first few days of settling in to a new home. Soft stools are acceptable if:
- The softness resolves within 2-3 days, and the stool returns to normal
- Your puppy or kitten remains energetic and playful
- Your pet has a normal appetite and is drinking a normal amount of water
- There are no other symptoms, such as vomiting
Red flags to watch for
If your puppy or kitten is experiencing softness in their stools, it's very important to see your vet immediately if there is:
- Profuse or very watery stools
- Persistent soft stools or diarrhoea lasting longer than 2-3 days
- Foul-smelling diarrhoea
- Inappetance or refusal to drink water
- Blood in the stools (bright red or dark, tarry black)
- Excessive mucus (looks like jelly)
- Weight loss or failure to gain weight
- Lethargy, tucked tummies, or vomiting
Common causes of puppy & kitten poop problems
There are several reasons why a young pet might experience a digestive wobble.
Immature digestive systems
Puppy and kitten gastrointestinal tracts are still developing the right balance of micro-organisms and "good bacteria", making them more sensitive to digestive upset. Their immune systems are also still developing, which means that they are more prone to illness compared to adult dogs and cats.
Sudden diet changes
Some puppies and kittens may pass a softer formed poop temporarily after consuming a different treat or food. This is very common as they settle into a new home and are perhaps offered different foods to what they have been eating previously. The softness is due to a mild change in digestion and will often return to normal within a few days.
Stress & excitement
Occasional soft stools can also occur due to the stress and/or excitement of a new home and new experiences. Stress and excitement can cause an increase in gastrointestinal motility, and also a shift in the gut microbiome, which can lead to softness in the stools. This is sometimes referred to as "stress colitis".
Parasites & infections
Intestinal parasites (like roundworms or Giardia), and bacterial and viral infections like parvovirus, are very common in young animals. In fact, puppies can be infected with roundworms and hookworms even before birth, as they can be transmitted across the placenta from their mother. Kittens can be infected immediately after birth via suckling from an infected queen.
Food intolerances
Food intolerances to certain ingredients (usually proteins) commonly manifest as itchy skin, but about 50% of dogs and 10-15% of cats with food allergies will show gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting. Pets of any age can develop adverse food reactions however, it's more common in puppies, kittens and young adults and we usually see signs before 3 years of age.
What you can do at home to support digestive health
Supporting a young pet's gut health starts with consistency and quality.
High-quality nutrition
Setting up a puppy or kitten for a lifetime of health starts with a stable digestive system, and this starts with feeding a premium, complete and balanced, age-appropriate diet. Puppies and kittens have specific nutrient requirements, different to those of adult dogs, and do best on premium quality, highly digestible foods. Keeping their diet consistent can help to prevent digestive upset.
Learn more in our guides to:
Vet Picks
The 7-10 day switch
It is tempting to fill the bowl with a new, shiny bag of premium food immediately, but a sudden switch is a recipe for tummy upset. You must allow time for the gut microbiome - the "good bacteria" living in the digestive tract - to adjust to the new ingredients.
In the first instance, we recommend feeding the same food as the breeder or shelter for the first 1-2 weeks as your puppy or kitten settles into their new home. The same food provides familiarity and consistency, and can help them adjust more quickly to their new environment.
Then, we recommend a gradual approach to changing foods - start by mixing about 25% of the new food with 75% of the old diet for the first few days. Gradually increase the ratio of new food every two days until the transition is complete.
If you know you have a puppy or kitten with a sensitive stomach, don't be afraid to stretch this transition out over 14 days.
If at any point the stools become soft or runny during the transition, hold the ratio steady for an extra day or two until things firm up before increasing the new food again.
Learn more in our guide to How to Introduce a New Food to Your Pet.
Gut-friendly feeding tips
During the first few months of life, the microbiome - the community of bacteria living in the gut - is still finding its balance.
Along with highly digestible premium foods and gradual transitions, feeding small, frequent meals rather than one large bowl can help their microbiome to adjust more quickly, and can help to ensure better nutrient absorption.
While a premium balanced diet is the foundation, there are times when the gut needs a little extra support. Probiotic supplements can be particularly beneficial during high-stress events that disrupt the natural bacterial balance, such as weaning, moving to a new home, or following a course of antibiotics. Probiotic supplements can help support the population of beneficial microorganisms and support a robust immune system.
Ensure vaccinations and worming are up to date
Maintaining a rigorous preventative health schedule is a cornerstone of digestive wellness for growing puppies and kittens.
Intestinal parasites, such as roundworms and hookworms, are a primary cause of soft stools and nutritional deficiencies in youngsters, making regular worming treatments essential. Be sure to check the age and weight guidelines on the products you purchase, to ensure they are suitable and safe for your pet.
In addition, staying up to date with core vaccinations provides a vital shield against serious viral infections, like parvovirus, which can cause devastating gastrointestinal disease.
Create a calm environment
The digestive system is highly sensitive to emotional shifts, meaning a stressed mind often leads to a stressed tummy.
In puppies and kittens, the "gut-brain axis" is particularly reactive; a sudden move, a loud household, or overwhelming social interactions can trigger a rush of cortisol that disrupts normal digestion and leads to stress-induced diarrhoea.
Help to settle their nervous system by:
- Providing a predictable routine
- Setting up a quiet safe space for naps
- Using pheromone diffusers to send messages of comfort and security
- Using calming beds and toys
By fostering a calm and secure environment, the body can remain in a "rest and digest" state, allowing for optimal nutrient absorption and more consistent stool quality during these formative months.
Learn more about How to Calm an Anxious Pet.
Hydration support
Soft stools and diarrhoea cause the body to lose fluids much faster than normal, which can lead to dehydration. For puppies and kittens, dehydration can become a serious risk very quickly. Ensure fresh, clean water is always available in multiple locations around the house for easy access, and also consider:
- Adding a little warm water to their kibble to increase water intake.
- Investing in a water fountain. Many pets, especially cats, prefer running water, so a pet fountain can be a great investment.
- Adding a pet-specific broth to their drinking water (ensure they also have a bowl of clean, fresh water should they prefer it) or food
- Offer wet food as part or all of their diet, as this contains more water than dry food.
Learn more about How to Increase Your Cat's Water Intake.
Top products to support hydration
Optimal toilet set-up
To support your puppy or kitten's gut health, a clean and accessible "bathroom" setup is crucial. Proper hygiene prevents the spread of bacteria and ensures your pet feels secure when they aren't feeling their best.
For puppies: Use high-quality absorbent puppy pads near their sleeping area and the back door. This provides a "safety zone" for those urgent moments when they can't quite make it outside. Ensure you clean any accidents with an enzymatic cleaner rather than ammonia-based products, as the latter can actually encourage them to go in the same spot again.
For kittens: A kitten-friendly litter tray should have low sides so it is easy to enter. Use a non-clumping, paper-based litter which is gentler on their paws and less likely to be accidentally ingested. Ensure the litter tray is scooped at least once daily to encourage good toileting habits, and prevent the spread of disease.
Location matters: Ensure the litter tray or puppy pads are in a quiet, low-traffic area, to prevent your puppy or kitten being startled.
Learn more about How to Toilet Train Your Puppy and How to Litter Train Your Kitten.
When to see the vet
Urgent veterinary care is required if you notice:
- Lethargy
- Refusal to eat and/or drink
- Blood or excessive mucus in the stool
- Vomiting
- Profuse, watery stools
- Foul-smelling diarrhoea
- Weight loss
Early treatment is crucial to prevent a minor tummy upset from becoming a major health crisis.
While puppy and kitten poop problems can be a messy start to your journey together, most cases are easily managed with a bit of patience and consistent care. By keeping their diet stable, transitioning foods slowly, and maintaining a clean environment, you are giving your pet’s digestive system the best chance to mature and thrive. Remember the red flags to watch for - a quick trip to the vet is always the safest bet for your new best friend.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
2 Feb 2026
Written by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr. Gillian loves being able to provide depth and detail to pet parents questions, and give up to date, evidence based advice. She loves the variety of pets and inquiries she receives - she especially loves the 'curly' questions that require some research! Seeing the gorgeous photos that pet parents send through of their babies is a highlight of the day! Gillian enjoys to further her veterinary knowledge, and has completed further training in ultrasonography, behaviour and backyard poultry!
