Cat Constipation: Signs, Causes and Treatment

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.

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.