Fecal Exam for Cats

Fecal examinations can be useful in situations where cats are experiencing gastrointestinal problems. A fecal examination can help identify parasites or even viral infections that could be contributing to the problems. It is a non-invasive way to obtain information that could be very important in treating your cat’s gastrointestinal problems.

What is a cat fecal parasite screen?

A fecal parasite screen will test the stool for possible parasites that pass through the intestinal tract. A general screening will look for the more commonly found parasites. Sometimes the doctor will require a more detailed screen to find less common parasitic infections if initial testing comes back negative, or if initial treatments fail to resolve the problem effectively.

How is a fecal parasite screen performed?

Fecal samples are sent to a commercial laboratory for processing and testing. Depending on the situation, a microscopic analysis of the sample may be performed, or biochemical testing for antigens or genetic material associated with parasites or viruses may be performed.

What is the best method for collecting my cat’s stool?

A fresh sample will lead to the most reliable results. A fecal sample that is dried out will be less useful, but a sample that is too liquid to separate from the litter is also less useful. If you are having difficulty collecting a sample from your cat, contact the clinic and we will aid in this process.