Signs your cat may be constipated
Constipation means a cat is passing stool less often than usual, or having trouble passing it. Signs commonly described include:
- Straining in the litter box with little or no stool produced
- Small, hard, dry stools
- Going in and out of the litter box repeatedly
- Crying or vocalizing while trying to go
- Passing stool outside the box
- Less appetite, vomiting, or low energy
- A firm or uncomfortable belly
Keep in mind that these signs overlap with other conditions. Looking at the stool itself, and how long it has been since your cat last passed any, gives useful information to share with your vet.
Constipated, or something more serious?
Straining in the litter box is not always constipation. A cat that strains and produces little or no urine may have a urinary blockage, which is an emergency, particularly in male cats. Watch the litter box carefully: if you cannot tell whether your cat is trying to pee or poop, or you see no urine, repeated trips, or crying, call a vet or emergency clinic right away.
Constipation can also be related to an obstruction in the intestines. A cat that is constipated and vomiting, painful, or lethargic needs prompt veterinary attention.
How often should a cat poop?
Many healthy adult cats pass stool about once a day, though this varies with diet and individual habits. A change from your cat’s own normal pattern matters more than a single number. If your cat has not passed stool in more than a day or two, or is straining, it is reasonable to contact your vet. Do not wait beyond about 48 hours, and call sooner if your cat seems unwell. Straining with no stool or no urine means call your vet now, because a urinary blockage can look like constipation and is an emergency.
Common causes of constipation in cats
- Low water intake or dehydration, which makes stool dry and hard
- Litter box problems, such as a dirty box, a location the cat dislikes, or a recent litter change
- Low activity or excess weight
- Swallowed fur or other material in the digestive tract
- Pain (see signs a cat is in pain), for example arthritis that makes squatting uncomfortable
- Underlying disease, such as kidney disease, and in some cats chronic problems such as megacolon, where the colon does not move stool normally
- Obstruction from a foreign object or a mass
What you can safely do at home
If your cat is otherwise bright, eating, and the problem is mild:
- Encourage drinking with fresh water, extra bowls, or a pet fountain.
- Offer wet food, which contains more moisture than dry food.
- Keep the litter box clean, easy to reach, and in a quiet place.
- Encourage play and movement.
- Ask your vet whether added fiber suits your cat. See our guide on how to add fiber to a cat’s diet.
Do not give your cat human laxatives, stool softeners, or enemas, and do not try to administer an enema at home. Some of these products can be dangerous or even fatal to cats.
Will cat constipation resolve itself?
Mild, occasional constipation sometimes eases with more hydration and moisture in the diet, but it can also be a sign of something that needs treatment. If it continues, comes back, or your cat shows other signs of illness, a vet visit is the safer choice. Repeated constipation can lead to a harder, more serious condition over time.
When to call the vet
Contact your vet promptly if your cat:
- Has not passed stool for about 48 hours, or you are unsure
- Is straining with no stool or no urine (call now)
- Is vomiting, refusing food, or lethargic
- Cries out or seems painful in the litter box
- Has a swollen or hard belly
- Has constipation that keeps returning
- May be straining to urinate
What your vet may do
Your vet will examine your cat, feel the abdomen, and may suggest X-rays, blood tests, or urine tests. Treatment might include fluids, medication, a diet change, or in some cases a veterinarian-performed enema or removal of impacted stool under sedation. Long-term management depends on the cause.
If your cat’s belly also looks swollen, see how to tell if a cat is bloated.