Cat Fecal Tests: Everything You Need To Know
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What Are Cat Fecal Tests?
Cat fecal tests are a macroscopic (visual) and microscopic examination of your cat’s feces.
The tests are mainly used to detect multiple harmful parasitic organisms, which are the major causes of illness and may cause death in cats.
They include:
Fecal tests are a good screening tool for these parasites, looking for their eggs and cysts, many of which are transmissible to other animals and people.
Even bacterial and fungal organisms can be identified.
The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) recommends testing cats at least four times until their first birthday, and at least two times per year thereafter depending on the health and lifestyle of the individual cat.
Kittens, cats that are let outdoors, or those with immunodeficiencies should have more frequent tests.
Cats that frequent the outdoors are at greater risk for contracting infectious diseases. For their safety (and yours), it's recommended to keep cats indoors at all times.
Types of Cat Fecal Tests
There are multiple kinds of cat fecal tests, but each fecal exam is started with a visual assessment of the stool.
The feces are evaluated for consistency, color, and the presence or absence of blood, mucus, and debris (plant, pollen, or foreign material, like plastic or stuffing).
For instance, hard fecal balls may indicate constipation, whereas yellowish-orange or white feces may indicate liver disease; dark, tarry black stools may indicate a gastrointestinal bleed or stomach ulcer.
The feces are then evaluated by one of the following tests:
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Fecal flotation—The most common test performed, where the stool is mixed with a solution to allow for eggs to “float” upward, away from the fecal matter. This allows for detection.
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Fecal sedimentation—This is helpful in detecting certain types of parasites such as fluke eggs, as they are denser and tend to sink instead of float on routine tests.
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Fecal direct smear—A small amount of fecal matter is mixed with saline or a stain and evaluated under the microscope; this test is used more for the detection of certain kinds of parasites and bacteria.
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Fecal culture/fecal PCR/fluorescent antibody/antigen fecal tests—These are specialized tests useful in detecting organisms undetected by routine microscopic exam or those that can’t be properly differentiated or identified. They may also be able to detect infections earlier.
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Baermann sedimentation—This test helps recover parasitic larvae such as lungworms.
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Fecal cytology—Evaluates cells and bacteria and is useful in assessing the colonic and rectal health as well as the presence or absence of red blood cells, white blood cells, and yeast.
Sometimes, a combination of the above tests may be required to provide an accurate diagnosis. Together, the chance of a positive result is more likely.
Why Would a Cat Need a Fecal Test?
Cats commonly have this test done as part of their routine preventative care. A fecal test might also be recommended when your cat is sick, showing symptoms such as:
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Weight loss or malnourishment
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Noticeable worms in or around the anus—These often have the appearance of spaghetti or “rice-looking” segments; these are often known as tapeworm proglottids (eggs).
How Do Cat Fecal Tests Work?
Cat fecal tests require at least 1 gram of fresh feces (2–5 grams is preferred), or at a minimum, feces obtained within the past 24 hours.
Each fecal test works differently, but the more commonly performed fecal flotation test works by mixing the feces with a solution.
Cat fecal tests are mainly used to detect multiple harmful parasitic organisms, which are the major causes of illness and may cause death in cats.
This process releases eggs from the fecal matter, where they float to the top and adhere to a microscope slide. This allows for easier detection. More dense material (like feces) sinks to the bottom.
Not all parasites shed eggs continuously, and the test is limited by the amount of sample obtained, timing of test, and experience/training of the lab tech (human error), leading to an accuracy of about 80% detection.
As a result, false negative results are more common than false positives.
Repeated tests may be necessary for diagnosis. Multiple fecal tests may improve the chance for a positive diagnosis.
Why Are Cat Fecal Tests Important?
Cat fecal tests are important not only to ensure compliance with monthly flea and heartworm prevention (which often includes deworming the cat for intestinal parasites) but also to screen for infection and monitor response to treatment.
Moreover, parasitic infections cause disease.
However, not all pets develop symptoms, so routine fecal tests are important to ensure that your cat isn’t harboring dangerous parasites or shedding them into their environment.
By limiting the spread of zoonotic disease, fecal tests are the best way to ensure your cat and family are safe from internal parasites.
Cost of Cat Fecal Tests
The cost of a basic fecal test for cats varies, but in general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $30–$70. Specialized fecal exams are often more costly, ranging from $80–$300 or more.
Alternative payment options may include Scratchpay or CareCredit.
Speak with your veterinary office to see if they offer other options like a payment plan or pet insurance, which may help with the expense.
Preparation for Cat Fecal Tests
Your cat’s stool should be analyzed within 24 hours of collection with minimal amount of litter contamination, if possible.
Ensure that the sample doesn’t dry out (keep in a cool place), as many parasites can die, leading to false negative results.
A clean plastic container, sandwich bag, or poop bag is a sufficient place to keep your cat’s sample.
For your safety, always wear gloves when handling feces.
Alternatively, stool may be collected from your cat through defecation while at the hospital.
How Long Do Results for Cat Fecal Tests Take?
Most fecal exams are performed bedside, in the hospital, with results returning in as little as 30 minutes.
Some specialized tests, like those sent out to a reference laboratory, can take several days to weeks to return.
Cat Fecal Tests FAQs
How fresh does a stool sample have to be for a cat?
Fresh is best! Having the stool sample analyzed within 24 hours of collection provides the best diagnostic results. If not analyzed immediately, the stool should be kept in a cool place where it won’t dry out.
Is a fecal test also necessary for indoor cats?
Absolutely. Indoor cats are also at risk of becoming infected with parasites. Cats also acquire parasites through rodents and insects, and eggs can be brought into the home through your shoes and clothing.
This poses a risk to your cat, and potted plants also carry sources of infection in the soil. Additionally, certain parasites can hibernate and cause infection and disease to others—including you.
References
Controlling Internal and External Parasites in U.S. Dogs and Cats. Companion Animal Parasite Council.
