What It Is:
Constipation in cats means they’re having trouble passing stool, or they’re passing stool infrequently, with difficulty, or not at all. It’s a common condition, especially in older, sedentary, or chronically ill cats.
Mild constipation can usually be managed at home. But if left untreated, it can progress to obstipation (severe blockage) or megacolon, a serious condition where the colon becomes stretched and stops working properly.
🐾 Common Symptoms
- Straining in the litter box
- Producing small, hard, dry stools
- Little or no stool for 48+ hours
- Frequent trips to the litter box with no result
- Crying or vocalizing during defecation
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Belly discomfort or bloating
- Defecating outside the litter box (from frustration or pain)
Many owners mistake constipation for urinary blockage, especially in male cats, so it’s important to observe carefully.
🦠 Causes
Constipation can be triggered by a wide range of issues, including:
- Dehydration (especially with kidney disease)
- Low-fiber diet or all-dry food
- Obesity
- Pain (e.g., arthritis, back injury)
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Neurologic or spinal issues
- Pelvic injury or deformity
- Hair ingestion (especially in long-haired cats)
- Intestinal blockage (e.g., foreign body, tumor)
- Medications (e.g., opioids, some antihistamines)
- Stress or litter box aversion
- Underlying diseases (e.g., diabetes, hypothyroidism)
🔍 Diagnosis
A veterinary exam is essential to determine the cause and severity of constipation.
Typical diagnostics include:
- Physical exam (feeling the abdomen or rectum for stool buildup)
- X-rays (to assess the amount and location of feces)
- Bloodwork (to check hydration and screen for kidney disease or electrolyte imbalances)
- Ultrasound or enema under sedation (if obstruction is suspected)
- Fecal exam (to rule out parasites)
💊 Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause and whether the constipation is mild, moderate, or severe.
Mild cases may be managed with:
- Increased hydration (wet food, water fountains, subcutaneous fluids)
- Laxatives (e.g., lactulose, Miralax – only under vet guidance)
- Dietary changes (adding fiber or switching to prescription GI diets)
- Encouraging exercise
Moderate to severe cases may require:
- Enemas (administered by a vet only)
- Manual stool removal under sedation
- Fluids and hospitalization
- Prokinetic medications (to stimulate gut movement)
If chronic, your vet may recommend long-term strategies to prevent recurrence or, in extreme cases, surgery (subtotal colectomy) if megacolon develops.
🩺 Prognosis
Most cats recover well with appropriate care. However, if constipation is frequent or chronic, your cat may need lifelong management to keep the bowels moving regularly.
Ignoring constipation increases the risk of complications and reduced quality of life.
💡 Cat Owner Note
Cats aren’t shy about where they poop, but they can be shy about letting you know when they can’t. If the litter box is clean but your cat keeps straining, it’s not stubbornness. It’s a red flag.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Constipation in Cats
How often should my cat poop?
Most cats poop once every 24–36 hours. Less than that may be a sign of constipation.
Can I give my cat human laxatives?
No. Never give human laxatives without your vet’s guidance. Many are toxic or too harsh for cats.
Is hairball vomiting a sign of constipation?
It can be. Excessive hair in the GI tract can contribute to constipation, especially in long-haired cats.
How can I prevent constipation?
- Feed wet food
- Add a little fiber (pumpkin, psyllium, or a vet-approved supplement)
- Encourage movement and hydration
- Keep your cat at a healthy weight
- Treat underlying conditions early
Can constipation go away on its own?
Mild cases might, but if your cat hasn’t pooped in more than 48 hours, you should call your vet.
Is constipation dangerous?
Yes. Left untreated, it can lead to pain, vomiting, loss of appetite, megacolon, or even organ damage in severe cases.