Cat Constipation : Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Is your cat constipated? Do you want to help relieve this problem so he or she can get back to functioning normally again soon? In this article we will explore what causes constipation in cats, common symptoms to look out for, and some recommended treatments to relieve your cat's constipation.

What Causes Constipation in Cats?

Constipation in cats can be due to a variety of underlying causes. The most common causes for constipation in cats are:

Conformational abnormalities

Cats that have experienced pelvic fractures may develop a narrowing of the pelvic canal, making it physically difficult for stool to pass through. This condition can lead to chronic constipation for your cat or even obstipation, a more severe blockage that requires medical intervention.

Idiopathic megacolon

This condition involves a dilation and loss of motility in the colon, where the colon becomes abnormally large and cannot contract properly to move feces, leaving your cat constipated. The term "idiopathic" means the exact cause is unknown, though it is suspected to involve nerve or muscle dysfunction within the colon wall.

Nerve dysfunction

Neurological issues—such as damage to the spinal cord or nerves controlling the colon and rectum—can cause a cat to become constipated. This is often seen in older cats or those with injuries or degenerative conditions affecting the nervous system.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

CKD can lead to dehydration, a key contributor to constipation in cats. As kidney function declines, the body may not retain enough water, resulting in dry, hard stools that are more difficult to pass.

Hypercalcemia

Elevated calcium levels in the blood can interfere with muscle contractions in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing motility. This makes it harder for the colon to push waste out, leading to infrequent or painful bowel movements and ultimately, constipation for your cat.

Hypothyroidism

Although rare in cats, hypothyroidism can slow down metabolic processes, including gastrointestinal motility. It’s most often seen in kittens or in cats who have undergone treatment (such as radioactive iodine therapy) for hyperthyroidism.

The underlying cause for constipation in cats is often not found because many affected cats have an underlying neurologic problem (idiopathic megacolon).

Common Symptoms of Constipated Cats

You've maybe noticed that your cat hasn't pooped in a few days and you're wondering if they are constipated or perhaps something worse. Here are some key signs and symptoms to look for to understand if your cat is constipated.

Straining in the Litter Box

Cats may spend an unusually long time crouching in the litter box, pushing without producing any stool. This can be mistaken for a urinary problem, but is often a sign of constipation.

Infrequent or No Bowel Movements

Healthy cats typically have at least one bowel movement per day. If a cat goes two or more days without pooping, it’s a clear sign that they are constipated and that something may be wrong.

Dry, Hard Stools

When stool does pass, it may be small, dry, and hard — resembling pebbles. This usually means the stool has remained in the colon too long, losing moisture. This is a clearcut sign that your cat is constipated.

Crying or Vocalizing During Defecation

Cats that are in pain while trying to defecate may meow, cry, or show signs of distress in the litter box.

Lethargy or Hiding

Discomfort from constipation can lead cats to become less active, withdrawn, or more irritable than usual. If your notice that your cat is lethargic, it could simply be constipation, but in some cases it is serious cause for concern and even an emergency.

Decreased Appetite

A sluggish digestive system can cause nausea and reduce a cat's interest in food. Skipping meals may be a subtle sign of gastrointestinal trouble and potentially constipation. Learn more about why your cat might not be eating.

Vomiting

Vomiting can occur when the body tries to deal with a buildup of waste or from pressure building up in the abdomen. If your cat is vomiting, it could be due by constipation, but there are many other common causes.

Abdominal Discomfort or Bloating

Some constipated cats may have a firm or distended belly, and they may react sensitively when their abdomen is touched. You might notice them avoiding being picked up or displaying signs of pain when jumping or lying down. In severe cases, the bloating can become visibly pronounced and may be mistaken for weight gain.

If you notice one of more of these signs and symptoms in your cat, there is a good chance they are constipated. While constipation can sometimes be serious cause for concern and require an emergency vet visit, there are some at-home treatments that you can try.

How to Help Your Constipated Cat: At Home Treatments & Remedies

"How do I make a cat poop when constipated?" is a question we get all the time. If your cat is constipated, there are some simple at-home treatments and remedies that you can try:

1. Increased Hydration

2. Improved Diet

3. More Exercise

4. Limiting Stress

5. Additional Litter Boxes

6. Try Laxatives

Learn more about these simple at-home treatments & remedies below.

1. Hydration Can Help Your Constipated Cat

Hydration is the most important step in helping your cat deal with constipation. When your cat is constipated, it may be due to dehydration. This problem, in turn, will make them even more constipated, so the cycle will continue without some intervention.

You can help your cat stay hydrated by providing him or her with plenty of fresh, clean water every day. If your cat doesn’t drink much water—as most cats don’t—try offering some plain, chicken or tuna broth to drink as well. You may also find cat “broth” meals for purchase in pet food stores, and these can be given every now and then.

2. Help a Constipated Cat Through Diet

Wet food helps relieve constipation because it is hydrating, and it also helps because it is softer and easier for most cats to digest than dry food. High-quality wet foods are just as healthy for most cats as dry, but be sure to talk to your vet before making any significant changes to your cat’s diet.

Ideally, you should alternate wet and dry food. However, if your cat is very constipated, it is usually okay to exclusively feed wet food for a couple of days to help take care of the problem. In some cases, high-fiber prescription diets are recommended for long-term management. Fiber diets can help feed the “good bacteria” and help promote a normal environment in the intestine, while also keeping the gastrointestinal tract hydrated.

3. Exercise is Good for Constipation in Cats

Exercise can help your cat stay regular and reduce the risk of constipation. If you have a very lazy cat or an older cat who isn’t quite as active as she once was, you may be able to help her with her constipation issues by encouraging her to play actively a little bit every day.

Active play can typically be encouraged when you engage your cat by throwing a toy or dangling a wand for her to chase. However, your cat may prefer to play on her own with kick toys, or she might want to chase a treat ball around the room instead.

4. Relieve Cat Constipation by Reducing Stress

Cats with constipation problems can be sensitive to their surroundings and any changes to their routine. Obvious causes, such as adding a new pet to the household, hosting large gatherings, and moving apartments. Less obvious causes can include loud noises near your household (construction, nearby pets making noise, etc), and changes in schedule.

Reducing environmental stress may decrease episode severity and lengthen interepisode interval. Strategies to consider include enrichment activities to the environment (climbing structures, viewing resting perches, scratching posts). Many cats often respond to pheromones (Feliway), natural herbs (catnip), and medications.

 5. Adding Litter Boxes to Your Home

In addition, cats tend to benefit from having more than one litter box in the household. Many tend to be particular about environmental stimuli such as, location, type of box, and litter that may cause episodes of constipation. The usual recommendation is to have two litter boxes per cat in the household. Follow-up with your family veterinarian for additional stress reducing options inducing possible medications.

6. Over-the-Counter Laxatives May Help Constipated Cat

Some constipation patients benefit from regular usage of laxative medications to help pass stool. These medications work by encouraging retained water into the intestine, and helping with stool-softening and passage of fecal material.

Some cats may need to be given these medications daily to help cut back on constipation issues. However, due to pulling of water into the intestine, regular follow-ups should be scheduled with your family veterinarian to prevent any worsening of other underlying diseases (chronic kidney disease, etc).

When is Cat Constipation an Emergency?

Constipation in cats is quite common and is not always a serious issue. Oftentimes cat owners can remedy their cat's issues with some of the at-home treatments listed above. However, in some cases your cats constipation should be considered serious and an emergency.

Constipation with your care becomes an emergency if you notice any of the following:

1. No bowel movement for 3+ days

2. Cat is straining with no result

3. Frequent vomiting

4. Complete loss of appetite

5. Lethargy or Collapse

6. Painful or Bloated Belly

If you notice any of the above with your constipated cat, visit a 24-Hour VEG Emergency Vet immediately. There are no appointments necessary, but feel free to call ahead to any of our locations to speak directly with a doctor.

Getting your cat immediate attention and treatment for their constipation is crucial as they could have an intestinal blockage contributing to the problem, and this condition can be fatal if left untreated.

Find a VEG Emergency Vet location near you.