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Why is my cat's poop orange and loose after a recent food change?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 11 months and 15 days old

Hello! I woke today and found half of my cat's poop normal and the other half loose and orange. He pooped again today and it's loose and orange as well. He's eating and behaving normally otherwise. I changed Felix's food 2 days ago, not the brand only the flavor. Thank you for your continuous support!

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 16th, 2017

I am sorry to hear about Felix's stool problems! We can see loose stools or color changes in stool as a result of a change in food (even if you are feeding the same brand, a different flavor may have different ingredients or coloring agents). If Felix's energy level is normal and he has no vomiting, then you can try switching him back to his original food and seeing if his stools return to normal after a few days,or you can try picking up a probiotic at the pet store and see if this improves the stools. If these do not work, a trip to the vet is recommended (or if he starts vomiting/stops eating/is lethargic). In the future, if you want to switch foods it is recommended to do so gradually, slowly mixing the new food in with the old food.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Amber W
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on September 16th, 2017
My suspicion is that the new flavor of food is causing the change in Felix's stool. Felix may have a sensitivity to the new flavor so you may want to go back to the old flavor to see if that helps.

For the next day or two you can try to offer Felix a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice. This may be enough to settle his stomach and then you can reintroduce his regular diet. A probiotic like Fortiflora may also help resolve the irregular stool.

As long as Felix's diarrhea resolves in the next day or two I wouldn't be too concerned. If the diarrhea does not start to resolve or any other signs of ill health develop then I would recommend taking Felix to see your veterinarian.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I hope Felix is feeling better soon!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 15th, 2017
Hi there!

Sorry you are so worried about Felix! I think he will be OK until tomorrow. It could be some colon irritation from the diet change. It could be from parasites.

I would recommend taking a photo of the stool if you haven't discarded it already so your vet can see it. Taking an actual sample of the stool for them to see would actually be even better. If you could save some in a ziploc bag, double bag it and put it in the refrigerator so you can take it with you to the appointment - that would be super great! I know that sounds gross but that would be really helpful to your vet.

Be sure to tell the vet what food you had him on before and what the new diet is.

Try not to worry too much. I think he will be just fine until tomorrow :)

I hope this helps. Best wishes!

Dr. Amber
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ana M, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 8th, 2018
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Felix. If the stool was solid, the color change is not as worrisome. If, however, you notice blood present, then he will need to see his veterinarian again. The stool is likely colored from something that he ate recently. If the stool is consistently loose or watery, then he should also see his veterinarian. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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