Soft stool or no caecotrophs
Persistent soft or mushy stool, or sticky caecotrophs left around the rear, is not normal and needs veterinary attention — urgently if your rabbit is also off its food, lethargic, or has a soiled, fly-prone bottom. True watery diarrhoea in a rabbit, especially a young one, is an emergency. Call a rabbit-savvy vet, and keep the rear clean and dry to prevent flystrike while you arrange care.
Fast answer for owners
- Go now if: Watery diarrhoea, especially in a young rabbit; Soft stool plus not eating, lethargy, or a bloated belly; Soiled, wet rear in warm weather (flystrike risk).
- Call today if: Intermittent soft caecotrophs without other illness signs; Recent diet change or too much sugary/starchy food.
- Do not: Ask the vet before giving medicines, forced feeding, home remedies, or delaying care.
- Tell the vet: Record last eating, drinking, droppings, urination, behaviour change, pain signs, temperature, toxins, trauma, and medications.
Go to a vet now if
- Watery diarrhoea, especially in a young rabbit
- Soft stool plus not eating, lethargy, or a bloated belly
- Soiled, wet rear in warm weather (flystrike risk)
Call a vet today if
- Intermittent soft caecotrophs without other illness signs
- Recent diet change or too much sugary/starchy food
What to tell the vet
- How long the soft stool has lasted
- Whether normal hard droppings still appear
- Appetite and energy
- Recent diet and snacks
- Condition of the rear and skin
- Weight and any dental history
What not to do
- Do not withhold hay or water
- Do not give anti-diarrhoeal or antibiotic products without veterinary direction
- Do not ignore a soiled rear in warm weather
What your vet may check
Your vet may assess diet, teeth, weight, and a stool sample, and check for underlying disease. Caecotroph problems are often linked to diet, obesity, or dental pain.
Recovery support after veterinary assessment
Once your vet identifies the cause, they may recommend a high-fibre diet and digestion support such as RodiCare Dia or WOOLY daily-care items to support gut regulation — alongside, not instead of, the vet's plan.
Frequently asked questions
What are caecotrophs and why do they matter?
Caecotrophs are nutrient-rich soft droppings rabbits normally eat directly. Finding them uneaten and stuck to the fur often signals diet imbalance, obesity, or dental pain that a vet should assess.
Is soft stool the same as diarrhoea?
No. Soft or sticky caecotrophs differ from true watery diarrhoea. Watery diarrhoea — especially in young rabbits — is an emergency; persistent soft stool still needs a vet.
How do I prevent flystrike with a soiled rear?
Keep the area clean and dry, check it at least twice daily in warm weather, and get the underlying cause treated. See our flystrike guide for warning signs.
Related emergency guides
Sources & standards
Emergency guidance follows RWAF, House Rabbit Society, and exotic small-mammal medicine standards, source-cited and pending named veterinary review.
Related pages in this emergency hub
Source-cited guidance; pending named veterinary review.