

Is your cat having trouble pooping? Or are they just not acting like themselves? Signs of cat constipation can look like a lot of things. In any case, changes in usual habits or behaviors signals it's time to consult your veterinarian. Constipation in cats can become serious without the appropriate attention and treatment, so it's important to get your kitty the support they need. Here's what you should know about feline constipation and what to expect.
What Causes Cat Constipation?
Some cats can become constipated from stress or a change in nutrition. If you notice signs of feline stress or recently changed your cat's food, let your vet know when you take your cat in for examination. In other cases, an underlying health condition, such as chronic kidney disease, can cause dehydration and compromise healthy digestive function. Any underlying condition that leads to vomiting or diarrhea can also impact your cat's hydration status.
Some cats may develop a condition called megacolon, where the colon stops contracting normally and becomes dilated. This is a severe, chronic condition requiring prompt veterinary care, often involving manual fecal extraction and long-term management.
Other issues that may contribute to constipation include arthritis or other conditions that might make getting into the litter box or posturing to defecate painful. Back and leg pain can be uncomfortable enough that your cat avoids making the trip to the litter box. The longer the feces sits in the colon, the harder and drier it becomes, making it more difficult for your cat to pass it.
Signs of Cat Constipation
One of the common signs of constipation in cats is seeing your kitty spend more time in the litter box than usual. Additionally, their feces (if any) may be a different size and consistency than usual, often appearing small and dense. If your cat is straining particularly hard to pass stool, you may notice a small amount of blood in the stool or around the anal area. In severe cases, cats may vomit from constipation. Other cats won't eat due to belly discomfort. In general, however, the most common and obvious sign is small, dry feces in the litter box.
Conditions With Similar Signs
Signs of constipation in cats can look like other conditions, so it's important to consult your vet for a proper diagnosis. For example, if your cat is making frequent trips to the litter box and/or straining to eliminate, they may actually be attempting to urinate. This can indicate feline lower urinary tract disease, which encompasses a wide range of issues including feline urinary blockage, a life-threatening medical emergency. When in doubt, seek veterinary care right away.
Some types of diarrhea can also cause straining. So, you may see straining and think constipation when diarrhea is to blame. Most pet parents know when their cat has diarrhea based on the evidence left in the litter box. However, if you haven't given your cat's litter box a closer look, check in. Stool quality can provide useful clues that you can relay to your vet.
How to Treat Cat Constipation
When you bring your cat into the office, your vet will perform a full examination and feel their belly. They may recommend blood tests or imaging, such as an ultrasound or X-ray. If your vet establishes your cat is constipated, they'll recommend treatment depending on the severity and any underlying causes.
Veterinary Treatment
Your vet may treat mild cases of constipation with fluids and an oral laxative to get things moving again. Sometimes, they'll administer an enema. More severe cases may require hospitalization to physically remove the feces under sedation or general anesthesia.
Don't attempt to treat constipation without your vet's guidance. Many constipated cats are dehydrated and may require IV fluids to soften the stool and resume healthy bowel movements. Never attempt to give your cat an enema — trying this at home can be fatal as certain types of enemas are toxic to cats. Laxatives can also harm your cat if administered improperly, so follow your vet's dosage instructions.
Nutritional Support
Once your cat is no longer constipated and your vet's ruled out or addressed any underlying predisposing factors, they may recommend therapeutic nutrition to support digestive health. For example, feline prebiotic nutrition can help nourish the beneficial bacteria in the intestines (your cat's microbiome) and promote healthy digestion, stool quality and immune function for overall well-being. Your vet may also recommend a high-fiber food to encourage proper gastrointestinal motility. In general, they can help you choose the best type of food for your cat based on your kitty's age and medical history.
Hydration
Staying hydrated is key to overall health, including digestive health, so make sure your feline friend has easy access to fresh water at all times. You can encourage some cats to drink with pet water fountains, as moving water can be more enticing. Your vet may also recommend adding wet food to your cat's daily regimen to increase their daily water intake.
Keep an Eye on Your Kitty's Habits
Finally, keep an eye on your cat's litter box habits. Observing your cat and noticing any changing patterns is one of the best ways to detect problems before they become serious. Constipation in cats can range from mild to life-threatening, so talk to your vet if you suspect something's amiss. They can help get your cat on the road to recovery.