Cat Constipation: Signs, Causes, and Treatment

Cat struggling to poop? Cat constipation is a fairly common condition, especially in adult cats ages 7 and older, but it’s not something you should ignore. Constipation that’s not managed properly can lead to other more serious problems, all while making your feline friend more miserable. Learn about the signs, causes, and treatment below.

Constipation is when your cat is having infrequent or difficult bowel movements, and the stools are hard and dry. It occurs when the cat has a buildup of feces in their colon, making it difficult to eliminate it.

Ernie Ward, DVM, author and chief veterinary officer at VerticalVet in Charlotte, North Carolina, says that because the colon absorbs water, when feces remain in the colon for too long, it gets dry and tough, making it even harder for your cat to pass. “When they try to go, they might strain excessively, causing pain in their abdominal area,” he says.

Sometimes a constipated cat passes only a small amount of liquid poop. It may look like diarrhea, but it’s actually because the liquid poop passes around the hard, dry stools stuck in the colon. A small amount of blood may appear, because the cat is straining so hard.

Constipation sometimes leads to obstipation, a severe form of constipation in which no stool passes for several days, and results in a large buildup of feces in the colon.

Constipation is seen most commonly in middle-aged (7-10 years old) and older cats, although it may occur at any age, Dr. Ward says. Common causes of cat constipation include:

• Obesity and/or lack of exercise
• Hairballs, especially in long-haired cats
• Ingestion of foreign bodies causing an obstruction in the digestive tract
• Pelvic injuries resulting in a narrowed pelvic canal
• Snacking on plants and grasses
• Dehydration/Not drinking enough water
• Certain medications
• Underlying disease, like hyperthyroidism, diabetes, arthritis, neurological issues, or kidney disease
• Litter box issues

Dr. Ward also points out that, in some cases, no obvious cause can be identified, and that constipation is a common symptom associated with idiopathic (unknown cause) megacolon, a condition in which the colon is consistently stretched out more than it should be.

If you think your cat might be having trouble, watch for these common signs of constipation:

• Unusually dry, hard stools
• Going in and out of the litter box multiple times with little to no stool production
• Straining or crying in the litter box
• Avoiding the litter box completely or going outside the litter box
• Not eating, decreased appetite, and/or changes in drinking habits
• Hiding
• Walking stiffly
• Hunched posture
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Abdominal pain

To make a constipation diagnosis, Dr. Ward says your vet will consider your cat’s clinical signs, their medical history, and they’ll try to palpate or feel the accumulated fecal material in the colon (unless the cat is obese or in obvious pain).

X-rays can help determine the severity of the constipation and allow your vet to look for causes, such as pelvic injuries, colonic strictures, obstructions, arthritis, and tumors. X-rays are also the primary test for diagnosing megacolon. An ultrasound may be ordered as well.

Additionally, blood tests are recommended to rule out metabolic diseases like diabetes, thyroid, and kidney disease.

Treating constipation in cats at home is not recommended because of the potential for a more severe and urgent underlying cause (chronic diseases like hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or kidney disease). Always take your cat to the vet if you believe something is wrong.

Vet-recommended treatment for cat constipation vary depending on the cause and severity of the issue, and can include:

• Enemas
• Manually extracting feces
• Medication
• Environmental changes
• Laxatives or stool softeners

Does cat constipation go away on its own?

Yes, if it is mild it may go away on its own. Dr. Ward says that occasional constipation can be considered being “irregular.” For cats who experience occasional bouts (fewer than once a month), more exercise, increasing dietary fiber, and encouraging more water intake can help prevent future bouts. Talk to your veterinarian first so they can rule out any underlying health issues.

When should I take my cat to the vet for constipation?

If you see your cat struggling to poop and they haven’t been able to poop in 48–72 hours, it’s time to go to the vet.

How long can a cat go without pooping?

Most cats poop once to twice a day. If your cat has not pooped in 48–72 hours contact your veterinarian immediately, especially if they have other symptoms like vomiting, not eating/drinking, straining to have a bowel movement, or lethargy.

How long can a kitten go without pooping?

Kittens can be little pooping machines, and how often they do it can vary. Depending on the kitten’s age and health, they can poop anywhere from one to four times a day. If the kitten hasn’t pooped in more than 48 hours, it’s time for a vet visit, especially if the kitten is showing signs of discomfort like straining, bloating, lethargy, or crying in the litter box.

Every cat is different and not all will experience constipation in the same way. If you have concerns about your cat’s overall digestive health, work with your veterinarian to come up with a personalized plan for your individual cat.

Cat constipation is usually easily treatable, but it can still be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition, which is why you should get your vet involved. A healthy diet, plenty of exercise, and water intake can go a long way. Learn more about probiotics for cats and how they can support healthy bowel health.

Expert input provided by Ernie Ward, DVM, author and Chief Veterinary Officer at VerticalVet, Charlotte, North Carolina.

This content was medically reviewed by Chewy vets.