Is Your Cat Having Trouble Pooping? Let’s Talk Constipation

Is Your Cat Having Trouble Pooping? Let’s Talk Constipation…

What is constipation?

Most healthy adult cats typically have one to two bowel movements a day. When a cat is constipated, stool builds up in the colon (large intestine) and sits there too long. This leads to less frequent bowel movements compared to normal movements. Without regular bowel movements, the body absorbs too much water from the stool, making it dry, hard, and difficult to pass.

Constipation is usually a sign of an underlying issue, not a disease by itself. If left untreated, it can progress to a condition called “obstipation”, which is a severe form of blockage that leaves a cat unable to pass stool on their own. Obstipation is serious and requires veterinary intervention. Frequent bouts of constipation can lead to another condition called “megacolon”, in which the large intestine becomes abnormally big and loses its ability to function properly.

Know the Difference

Common Signs of Constipation

• Hard, dry stools found inside or outside the litterbox
• Straining or spending a long time in the litterbox
• Frequently visiting the litterbox without passing stool
• Weight loss, poor appetite, or signs of abdominal pain (in long-term cases)
• Diarrhea-like accidents (liquid stool may leak around hard, dry stools due to constant straining)

Score Your Cat’s Poop

The ideal stool consistency for cats is a 2 on the fecal score chart above, indicating healthy digestion and good hydration. If your cat’s stool is a 1 on the fecal chart, they may be constipated and should be evaluated by your family veterinarian.

What Causes Constipation in Cats?

Constipation is more common in senior cats and is often due to age-related changes in mobility, hydration, and overall health. If your cat is constipated, it’s essential to talk to your veterinarian; they can help determine the cause and create a treatment plan tailored to your cat’s needs.

Other factors that may cause constipation in a cat include:

• Stress in the home environment
• Lack of regular activity and movement
• Dehydration
• Eating something inedible (like a foreign object)
• Not enough fiber in the diet
• Gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., colorectal mass, strictures)
• Hormonal or metabolic disorders (e.g., kidney disease or hypothyroidism)
• Pain when posturing to defecate (due to osteoarthritis or pelvic trauma)
• Neuromuscular issues (e.g., lesions of the spinal cord)
• Stress or litterbox aversion

When to See the Vet?

If your cat hasn’t pooped in more than 48 hours, or you notice hard, dry stool or straining in the litterbox, it’s time to call your vet. Early intervention can prevent more serious problems and reduce the likelihood of costly treatments.

How is Constipation Treated?

Successful therapy depends on the underlying cause and the severity of constipation. Here are some common approaches:

Mild Cases:

1. Hydration
   • Make sure your cat has clean, fresh water every day
   • Test a variety of bowls to learn which one(s) your cat prefers
   • Consider investing in a water fountain to encourage more water intake
   • Water bowls or a fountain should not be placed next to litterboxes or food bowls
2. Litterbox considerations
   • Place litterboxes in quiet, low-stress areas
   • Scoop those poops and pee clumps at least once every day
   • Have at least one litterbox for each cat, plus one extra
   • Keep litterboxes easily accessible, especially for older or arthritic cats  
3. Dietary Management
   • Wet your cat’s food every other day (or every day) to boost their water intake
   • Talk to your vet about the value of increasing fiber either by selecting a higher fiber food or by adding a fiber supplement
   • Whenever adding fiber, do it gradually since too much can cause gas or bloating or loose stool

Moderate to Severe Cases

1. Laxatives (given under veterinary supervision)
2. Enemas (performed by a veterinarian)
3. Manual removal of stool (under veterinary supervision)

Final Thoughts

Constipation might seem like a minor or temporary issue, but it can turn into a serious medical problem if left untreated. By keeping an eye on your cat’s litterbox habits and acting quickly when something seems off, you can help keep them feeling good and living their best life. If you have concerns about your cat’s bowel movements, don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian.

Written by: Julia Iaboni, BScH, Class of 2025

Reviewed by: Sarah K. Abood, DVM, PhD, Associate Professor, Nestlé Purina Professorship in Companion Animal Nutrition

References:

Davenport, J. D. Remillard, L. R. Carroll, M. (2010). Chapter 64: Constipation/Obstipation/Megacolon. In Hand, M. S. Thatcher, C. D. Remillard, R. L. Roudebush, P. Novotny, B. J. (Eds.), Small Animal Clinical Nutrition (5th ed., pp. 1118 – 1126). Mark Morris Institute.

Guilford G. W., Strombeck, D. R. (2013). Chapter 26: Miscellaneous Disorders of the Bowel, Abdomen, and Anorectum. In Washabau, R. J., & Day, M. J. (Eds.) Canine & Feline Gastroenterology (3^rd ed., pp 503 – 518). Elsevier Saunders.

Collier, A. (2025). Constipation, Obstipation, and Megacolon in Small Animals (Vol. 2025). Merck Veterinary Manual. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/digestive-system/diseases-of-the-large-intestine-in-small-animals/constipation-obstipation-and-megacolon-in-small-animals. (Accessed August 5^th 2025).