If it has been a while since you found anything in your cat's litter box, the issue could be constipation. Cat constipation can be uncomfortable and, in some cases, may signal an underlying health problem. This guide covers the symptoms and causes of cat constipation, home remedies and dietary changes that can help, and when to contact your veterinarian — including a Q&A with Dr. Joya Griffin, DVM, DACVD.
Cat Constipation Symptoms
If your cat usually poops on a predictable schedule and suddenly avoids the litter box, watch for these signs of constipation: walking more stiffly than usual, hard, dry, or pebble-shaped stools, crying, meowing, or grunting while pooping, hunching over while attempting to defecate, a stiff abdomen, pooping outside the litter box, going in and out of the litter box without producing stool, avoiding the litter box altogether, and decreased appetite.
What Causes Cat Constipation?
Occasional constipation in cats is not uncommon. Activity levels change due to mobility and lifestyle shifts, dietary needs evolve, and illness can affect gut health. However, frequent constipation may indicate a more serious problem or a chronic condition.
Common causes of constipation in cats include a lack of dietary fiber, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, poor hydration, intestinal blockage or obstruction, stress and anxiety, and changes in routine such as moving or traveling.
Cat Constipation Remedies and Dietary Changes
Most cases of cat constipation can be addressed at home with diet and lifestyle adjustments.
Increase fiber intake
Prioritize ingredients like pumpkin, flaxseed, and wheat germ in your cat's diet for added fiber. If you prefer not to change their regular food, adding a fiber supplement powder can boost their intake without disrupting their usual diet.
Encourage hydration
Boost your cat's water intake by providing more clean water sources around the house or offering moisture-rich foods. Wet food is beneficial for cats prone to constipation and may be a dietary change worth considering if your veterinarian agrees based on your cat's health history.
Maintain a healthy weight
Overweight cats are at higher risk for constipation because excess body mass can strain the gastrointestinal tract. Maintaining a healthy weight — which your veterinarian can help you determine — is one of the most effective ways to keep constipation under control.
Add daily exercise
Exercising a cat requires a different approach than walking a dog, but you can still build a healthy activity routine. Motivate your indoor cat with a laser pointer, cat tree, or cat tunnel. Outdoor cats tend to get more exercise naturally but may still benefit from indoor play if they are gaining weight.
Keep their rear clean and comfortable
In some cases, cat constipation can cause leaking between bowel movements — not diarrhea, but a liquid stool that has moved around the hard mass of impacted stool. To avoid further irritation around the anal tissue, clean the area with sanitary pet wipes made with soothing ingredients.
If your cat is experiencing pain around the anal area due to straining or chronic constipation, a topical analgesic can help provide relief. A no-touch rectal spray with Lidocaine offers a convenient option for both you and your cat.
Cat Constipation Q&A with Dr. Joya Griffin
Dr. Joya Griffin, DVM, DACVD, is a member of the Vetnique veterinary advisory board and star of Nat Geo WILD's "Pop Goes the Vet with Dr. Joya." Here are her answers to common cat constipation questions.
How can I tell if my cat is constipated?
"Some cats will vocalize from the litter box when they are constipated, or you may notice their stool is dry and small. They may also be straining to get the poop out, and you could see blood on their stool."
My kitten hasn't pooped in 2 days — is that normal?
"Normally, cats of all ages should poop 1–2 times a day as long as they are eating normally."
How often do cats poop?
"Cats should poop 1–2 times a day, especially if eating normally."
Can I use a cat laxative at home, or should I consult my vet first?
"You should always consult your veterinarian before giving any over-the-counter or prescription medications that are not intended or prescribed for your pet."
Is cat constipation normal?
"No, it is not normal for your pet to be constipated and can be a symptom of more serious conditions like dehydration, kidney disease, or gastrointestinal disease."
What puts a cat at higher risk for constipation?
"Cats with underlying medical conditions like kidney disease or gastrointestinal disease can result in dehydration, which can cause small, dry stools or a backup of feces."
When to Talk to Your Vet
In most cases, cat constipation is mild and manageable at home with dietary or lifestyle adjustments. However, contact your veterinarian if you suspect an intestinal obstruction, if your cat is constipated and vomiting, if your cat has not pooped in two days (48 hours), if you notice blood in the stool, or if you suspect the constipation is related to an illness or chronic condition.
The longer a cat is constipated, the more likely they are to experience pain when passing a bowel movement. If something seems off, your veterinarian is the best resource for determining the cause and recommending treatment.
