What makes a rabbits poop soft? - The Environmental Literacy Council (2025)

The primary reason for a rabbit’s soft poop is the presence of uneaten cecotropes. These are not true diarrhea but rather a specific type of fecal matter produced by rabbits. Cecotropes are a crucial part of a rabbit’s digestive process and are designed to be eaten directly from the anus. When this doesn’t happen, you observe soft, often smelly, and mucous-covered stools. This usually indicates an imbalance in their diet, often stemming from excessive treats, pellets, or overly rich vegetables.

Understanding Cecotropes and the Digestive Process

Rabbits have a unique digestive system that requires them to extract nutrients from their food twice. After initial digestion, food passes into the cecum, a large pouch in their digestive tract. Here, beneficial bacteria ferment the fibrous plant material. The result of this fermentation process is the production of cecotropes, which are nutrient-rich packages containing vital vitamins, minerals, and beneficial bacteria.

These cecotropes are normally eaten directly by the rabbit from their anus and further digested in the small intestine, allowing them to absorb the released nutrients. This process ensures that rabbits obtain all the necessary nutrients, especially B vitamins, which are essential for their health. When a rabbit does not eat its cecotropes, they are left as the soft, messy poops that owners may find concerning.

Dietary Imbalances: The Root Cause

An imbalance in diet is the most common reason a rabbit fails to eat its cecotropes, leading to those soft, sticky poops. Here’s a breakdown:

• Too Many Pellets: Pellets are often high in carbohydrates and low in fiber. A diet heavy in pellets can disrupt the normal digestive process, preventing the formation of proper cecotropes. This can lead to the rabbit being full and thus skipping the cecotropes.
• Excessive Treats: Treats, particularly those high in sugar and starch, upset the delicate balance of gut flora and lead to the production of malformed cecotropes.
• Overly Rich Vegetables: While vegetables are important, excessive amounts of certain high-nutrient, high-sugar vegetables like kale, dandelion greens, carrot tops, and chard can disrupt the cecum’s fermentation process, leading to overly rich cecotropes that the rabbit may reject.
• Lack of Fiber: Fiber, particularly from hay, is critical for proper digestion in rabbits. A lack of adequate fiber leads to the production of poorly formed cecotropes and general digestive issues.

Other Contributing Factors

While dietary imbalances are the main culprits, other factors can also contribute to soft stools:

• Stress: Stress can cause the digestive system to speed up, resulting in mushy or watery stools. Stress can stem from changes in environment, loud noises, or sudden disruption of their routine.
• Underlying Illness: In some cases, soft stools can be a sign of an underlying health problem, such as a bacterial infection (like E. coli) or other digestive disorders.
• Dental Problems: If a rabbit has difficulty chewing, it may not properly digest its food, which can lead to soft stool.
• Age: Younger and older rabbits may be more prone to digestive upset and could experience soft stools more frequently.
• Lack of Hydration: Dehydration can affect the consistency of their digestive contents.

Recognizing the Difference: True Diarrhea vs. Unconsumed Cecotropes

It’s important to distinguish between true diarrhea and uneaten cecotropes. True diarrhea is characterized by watery stool that is often uncontrolled and may contain blood. It’s a serious condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. Unconsumed cecotropes, on the other hand, are generally pasty, mucousy, and typically smell stronger than normal feces. They are also often found clumped together rather than being separate droplets of watery stool.

Addressing Soft Stools

If your rabbit is producing soft stools, consider the following:

1. Dietary Adjustments: Start by limiting pellets and treats. The majority of their diet should be high-quality hay (such as Timothy, orchard, or meadow hay). Introduce vegetables gradually.
2. Ensure Fresh Water: Always ensure that your rabbit has access to fresh, clean water to stay properly hydrated.
3. Reduce Stress: Maintain a calm environment and keep their routine as consistent as possible to minimize stress.
4. Veterinary Consultation: If the soft stools persist, if you notice any signs of true diarrhea, or if your rabbit becomes lethargic or loses its appetite, consult a veterinarian immediately. They can help identify underlying issues and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What do healthy rabbit poops look like?

Healthy rabbit poop should be dark brown or black, relatively dry and firm, round, and uniform in size. They should not be overly moist or sticky.

2. How many poops should a rabbit produce daily?

A healthy rabbit should typically produce between 200 and 300 pellets per day. A sudden increase or decrease in their normal production is a cause for concern.

3. What does stress poop look like?

Stress poop is often described as mushy with fluffy pieces, resembling a pudding-like consistency. It indicates that the digestive process is moving too quickly, often due to stress or sudden dietary changes. It may also be yellow.

4. What does unhealthy rabbit poop look like?

Unhealthy rabbit poop can appear as small, hard, and dry pellets, suggesting dehydration or insufficient food intake. It can also be soft, mushy, or watery, indicating digestive upset.

5. How do I know if my rabbit has diarrhea?

True diarrhea is watery, uncontrolled, and may be accompanied by a loss of appetite, lethargy, and/or blood in the stool. This is different from uneaten cecotropes, which are pasty, mucousy and generally not watery. Diarrhea requires immediate veterinary attention.

6. What foods should I avoid giving my rabbit to prevent soft stools?

Avoid giving too many sugary treats, excess pellets, and overly rich vegetables. These include foods high in carbohydrates and sugar, along with excessive amounts of leafy greens like kale, chard, and carrot tops.

7. What foods help to regulate rabbit’s digestion?

Hay is the most important dietary component for rabbits, as it provides the necessary fiber. A diet rich in fiber promotes healthy digestion and helps in proper cecotrope formation.

8. Why are my rabbit’s cecotropes smelly?

Cecotropes naturally have a strong odor due to the fermentation process in the cecum. When they are not eaten, this odor can become more noticeable.

9. Can antibiotics cause soft stools in rabbits?

Yes, antibiotics can disrupt the delicate balance of gut flora, sometimes causing digestive issues like soft stools. Always consult your vet before administering antibiotics.

10. Is it normal for rabbits to eat their poop?

Yes, it’s perfectly normal. Rabbits consume cecotropes to further digest the nutrients that were produced in the cecum. This process is essential for their health.

11. When should I be concerned about my rabbit’s poop?

You should be concerned if your rabbit’s poop changes in size, shape, color, or consistency or if you notice a sudden increase or decrease in the amount of poop. Other concerning signs include loss of appetite, lethargy, and any sign of true diarrhea.

12. How do I increase fiber in my rabbit’s diet?

Ensure that the majority of your rabbit’s diet consists of high-quality hay. This is the best way to provide them with the necessary fiber.

13. Can stress cause soft stools in rabbits?

Yes, stress can significantly impact a rabbit’s digestive system, leading to the production of mushy or watery stools. Reducing stress is key to maintaining digestive health.

14. What are some natural laxatives for rabbits?

Rabbits should never be given human laxatives. If you are concerned about your rabbit being unable to poop, consult a veterinarian. Some herbs, such as licorice and cascara are sometimes used, but should only ever be used under the direction of a qualified vet.

15. What are some common mistakes that owners make, which can lead to soft stools?

Common mistakes include overfeeding pellets and treats, not providing enough hay, making sudden dietary changes, and not recognizing the signs of stress or underlying illness. Always make dietary changes gradually.

By understanding the importance of cecotropes, recognizing the signs of digestive upset, and maintaining a balanced diet high in fiber, you can ensure your rabbit’s digestive health and minimize the occurrence of soft stools. Always be vigilant and consult a veterinarian if you notice persistent or severe changes in your rabbit’s poop or health.