Why is my cat pooping small, dry balls? Should I worry about kidneys?

This could be due to a mild constipation, possibly due to hairballs. Mild constipation that lasts no more than two days can usually be resolved at home with increased fiber and hydration. Canned pumpkin (not pie filling, just the straight-up pumpkin) or liquid paraffin can be used, and should work straight away in the following 8 hours from administration. DO NOT TRY to give an enema as it could be dangerous and cause electrolyte imbalances and colon perforation. If constipation lasts more than 24 hours from administration of those or 48 hours in general, a check up at your local vet is required. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

The difference in the stools are likely due to the diet change. Once his system gets used to the food they may normalize. The stool change doesn't have anything to do with the kidneys worsening or not. If the stools don't normalize I suggest you talk to your vet about this issue.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Mellow. His still appears to be dry and firm un the pictures. He may be battling constipation. I recommend increasing his water intake and adding canned food to his diet. You can also offer a small amount of canned pumpkin daily. If this does not help him to produce normal stool, then he will need to see his veterinarian. I hope this information helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I have seen cats that are constipated leave hard pieces of stool randomly over the house. I would have your Vet do an exam and take a belly X-ray to evaluate for constipation. Constipation is a symptom of an underling condition: sudden dehydration from an illness, kidney disease or intestinal disease (IBD or intestinal cancer). I hope this helps and I wish Midnight the best!

As long as she is not trying but failing to pass stools I would not be immediately concerned given the recent changes in diet. Adding some canned pumpkin for additional fiber may help to regulate bowel movement if not improved in the next 24hours. Ensure she is drinking adequate water also

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would recommend getting Tiga on a prescription kidney diet like Hill's k/d. I would add some non-flavored powder metamusil to the food daily (1/4 tsp to start). The prescription diets have proven to extend the life span of cats with kidney disease. If adding metamusil doesn't help I would ask your Vet about prescribing lactulose to help with the stools. Good luck!

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. What you are describing (hard feces despite drinking and peeing, and drinking a lot of water) can definitely be caused by kidney disease, and that would be the number one concern. Other concerns would be diabetes, hyperthyroidism, megacolon, or possibly cancer. In terms of your medications comment, all medications have different times for how long they take to kick in, and how long they last. This can be changed based on hydration, age, kidney and liver function, and overall health status. It sounds like Jay might need to see a vet, based on your questions. Best of luck with Jay!