Full color guide
Dog and cat poop colors, what they may mean, and when to call a vet.
Stool color is only one part of your pet's health picture. Texture, smell, frequency, appetite, energy, vomiting, pain, and behavior changes all matter. Use this guide to choose the closest color, then open the detailed page for next steps.
Last updated: May 2026
Dog poop color guide
Brown dog stool Brown stool is usually a healthy sign when your dog is eating, drinking, and acting normally. Green dog stool Green stool can happen after eating grass, but it can also point to rapid gut transit or bile-related irritation. Yellow or Orange dog stool Yellow or orange stool can be linked to diet changes, food intolerance, fast transit, or liver and biliary concerns. Black or Tarry dog stool Black, sticky, tar-like stool can indicate digested blood from the upper gastrointestinal tract and should be treated as urgent. Red Streaks dog stool Bright red streaks often mean fresh blood from the lower digestive tract or rectal area. White or Chalky dog stool White or chalky stool can happen with too much bone or calcium, but pale stool may also suggest bile flow problems.
Cat poop color guide
Brown cat stool Brown stool is usually normal for a cat when appetite, energy, urination, and litter box habits are steady. Green cat stool Green stool may come from grass, treats, or food coloring, but repeated green stool can signal rapid transit or bile irritation. Yellow or Orange cat stool Yellow or orange stool in cats can be associated with diet changes, intolerance, fast transit, or liver and biliary issues. Black or Tarry cat stool Black, sticky, tar-like stool can indicate digested blood and needs urgent veterinary attention. Red Streaks cat stool Bright red blood can come from the lower intestine, colon, or rectal area and should be taken seriously. White or Chalky cat stool White or chalky stool may reflect high bone or calcium intake, while pale gray stool can suggest bile flow problems.
Color plus texture
A normal color with liquid stool can still mean diarrhea. A concerning color with a firm texture may still need a vet call. Always judge both together.
Photos help
Take a clear photo in natural light before cleaning up. A photo can help your veterinarian compare color, texture, mucus, and blood patterns.
When to act fast
Black tar-like stool, repeated blood, weakness, collapse, vomiting, pale gums, pain, or refusal to eat should be treated as urgent.