Author TB Thompson DVM has been a licensed, practicing veterinarian since 2000.
Cats can be secretive about their bathroom habits. But maybe you’ve noticed fewer “deposits” in the litter box lately and you’re getting worried.
If your cat hasn’t pooped in 5 days, it could be a sign of constipation. Even if your cat is acting normal otherwise, a lack of bowel movements for this long is a reason for a vet visit.
This article will explain common reasons this happens, what to look out for, and give you some simple tips to get your kitty feeling better.
KEY POINTS
- If a cat hasn’t pooped in 2 or more days, they need to see a veterinarian. Home remedies can be harmful and waiting too long can cause permanent damage.
- Constipation is common in middle-aged to older cats and cats with chronic health conditions.
- Simple changes in home care from increasing water intake to finding the right diet for your cat can help prevent future episodes of constipation.
Recognizing Constipation in Cats
Most cats poop once or twice a day. I can relate to how difficult it is to keep track of that when you have multiple cats sharing litter boxes. “Hmm, let’s see… is this Tootsie Roll from Angel or is it from Fuzzball?”
But if you’re scooping all of your litterboxes daily as I advise, you should at least have an idea of the average amount of feces your cats put out.
So how long can a cat safely go without pooping? 48 hours without pooping is the maximum time you should wait before taking your cat to the vet.
If you’re not sure whether your cat’s constipated, here are some more signs to watch for…
Symptoms of Cat Constipation
- Less frequent bowel movements: Poop is not moving out of the colon.
- Straining in the litter box: Dehydrated feces, pain, or abnormal colon contractions make it hard to push stool out. You may notice their anus protruding more than normal afterward.
- Abnormal poop appearance: blood or mucus in the stool, hard/dry stool, smaller pieces than normal.
- Pooping outside the litter box: The cat may be unable to voluntarily pass stools, leading to involuntary excretion.
- Decreased appetite, vomiting, lethargy, weight loss: caused by toxin buildup, sluggish intestinal movement and/or an underlying disease.
Many of these symptoms can be seen with urinary blockage as well.
If you see any of these warning signs, get your cat to a veterinarian right away. Early treatment makes a huge difference in the outcome of feline constipation!
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12 Causes of Feline Constipation
Dehydration is a major cause of constipation in cats. Many things can lead to low body water from stress to prescription medications. Let’s go over some of the common causes of constipation.
| Problem | How It Causes Constipation |
|---|---|
| 1. Anxiety | Fear and stress can decrease intestinal contractions and cause fewer trips to the litterbox. |
| 2. Cancer | Tumors in the intestine, abdomen or pelvis can interfere with normal bowel movements. |
| 3. Diabetes | Excess glucose in the blood causes whole-body dehydration. |
| 4. Dietary Issues | Sudden diet change, hairballs and eating indigestible matter. |
| 5. Drugs | Anti-diarrhea drugs, fluoxetine and diuretics like Lasix can cause constipation. |
| 6. Hyperthyroidism | Constipation is a common symptom of hyperthyroidism. |
| 7. Inactivity | Lack of movement due to injury or confinement can cause constipation. |
| 8. Inflammatory Bowel Disease | Inflamed intestines lead to dehydration and constipation. |
| 9. Kidney Disease | Diseased kidneys cause whole-body dehydration. |
| 10. Neurological Problems | Abnormal pelvic nerve function can be congenital (Manx cats) or from an injury. |
| 11. Obesity | Decreased mobility and sluggish digestive tracts are common in obese cats. (1) |
| 12. Pain | Chronic pain from joint and spine problems is common (2) and may prevent normal pooping posture. |
Diagnosis
Before your vet can prescribe appropriate treatment for constipation they may need to do some testing. The most common procedures include
- Physical exam: The vet will give your cat a thorough check that might include feeling for any hard poop in the belly.
- X-rays & ultrasound: These images can identify excessive feces in the colon and can check for abnormalities like tumors.
- Blood and urine Tests: These tests can spot other health issues like kidney problems or thyroid issues that might be causing constipation.
- Stool tests: These screen for parasites that might be causing constipation.
These tests will help the vet prescribe the best treatment for your cat.
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Step-by-Step Treatment
Constipated cats need treatment from a veterinarian. Therapy will depend on your cat’s unique situation but may include
- Improve Hydration Right off the bat, your vet will check if your cat’s hydration is on track. They may need a simple switch to wet food or a little extra help with subcutaneous fluids. For the kitties who are more than slightly dehydrated, IV fluids might be in order. It’s all about giving their digestive tract the slip ‘n slide it needs to get things moving!
- Laxatives If your feline friend is still on a no-poop plateau, a vet-approved laxative might be the next step. This isn’t a home remedy, though—it’s a careful selection made by your vet to gently coax your cat’s bowels back into action.
- Enemas Sometimes, a professional enema is what it takes to break up the traffic jam inside. It’s a delicate process, one that your vet is expertly trained to perform, ensuring it’s done safely and effectively.
- Prescription Medication For persistent cases, your vet may prescribe medication to help regulate your cat’s digestive contractions.
- Identifying Primary Diseases Constipation may be a secondary symptom of another disease. Treating the primary cause usually relieves the sluggish bowel movement problems.
- Follow-Up Care The journey might not end after the first visit. Your vet will want to schedule a re-check exam to ensure your cat is responding to treatments as expected.
When Should You See a Vet?
See a vet if your cat hasn’t pooped in 2 days or longer. You should immediately seek vet care if your cat is straining to poop but not producing feces. Prolonged constipation can cause death or permanent damage to the colon.
Remember, it’s better to go to the vet too early than too late!
Home Care and Prevention
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If your cat is not pooping but acting normal for one day, a few simple changes may help stimulate them to poop. These changes can also keep constipation from returning after treatment.
- Lots of Litter Boxes: Have one more box than you have cats, and keep them super clean. Changing things up with location and litter types can also help you find what your cat likes best.
- Perfect Diet: Work with your vet to find the yummiest and most tummy-friendly food for your cat. Sometimes moist food, high fiber or hypoallergenic diets are the way to go, and a probiotic might be recommended too. (3)
- Keep Water Flowing: Increase your cat’s water intake. Make sure there’s always fresh water around. Many cats love drinking from a fountain like the one shown below.
- Daily Brushing: Brush your cat often to keep them from swallowing excessive amounts of hair while grooming themselves. This is especially important for long-haired cats.
- Regular Vet Checks: Your vet can monitor your cat’s weight, blood and urine tests. If early changes are detected, new treatments can help normalize things.
- Act Fast: Spot less poop or hard, dry stuff in the box? Don’t wait; talk to your vet for the best at-home tricks to help your cat out right away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion
Cats can’t go without pooping for more than 48 hours without having consequences. If you think your cat is constipated, seek veterinary help right away. When treated early, most cats will make a full recovery. Left untreated, constipation can have long-lasting effects.
