Our Vets are Available 🟢
Dial A Vet Logo
🐾 Pet Health
Blogs
Dog HealthCat HealthVeterinary ServicesPet Health
ask a vet
Ask A Vet Q&A - Free!Vet Tips - By Our Vets!
resources
Free Symptom CheckerDial A Vet NZFind a Local Vet ClinicGlossary
about DIAL A VET
Terms & Conditions
Privacy PolicyEditorial GuidelinesNewsletter
View all Blogs
Over 6,000 Articles
View All Q&A
5,000+ Answers
💵 Pricing📖 How it Works📧 Contact
Chat to a Vet

Question:

Cat is sick, might be constipated, what can we do?

Help, I'm really worried about my cat, Luna. Over the past few days, she hasn’t been herself at all. She’s usually super playful and loves to zoom around the house, but lately, all she wants to do is lie in her favorite spot by the window and nap. I’ve noticed she’s been straining when she tries to use the litter box, but nothing much is happening, which makes me think she might be constipated. Her appetite has also decreased, and she turns her nose up at her favorite treats, which is so unlike her. I've read that this might be serious, and I’m starting to panic. My vet can’t see her until next week, so I’m reaching out to see if anyone has experienced something similar. Is there anything I can do at home to help her? I hate seeing her uncomfortable like this. Any advice would be massively appreciated.

Answer:

Thanks for reaching out about your cat's health. Seeing your furry friend unwell can be worrying, so let's explore what's happening and what you can do at home.



Constipation in cats can occur due to several reasons, such as dehydration, hairballs, a diet low in fiber, or even stress. You'll often notice your cat straining in the litter box, producing hard, dry stools, or visiting the box more frequently without results.



Here are some at-home care tips that may help relieve mild constipation: First, make sure your cat has plenty of fresh water to encourage hydration, as this can help soften stools. You can also try gently increasing their dietary fiber by introducing small amounts of canned pumpkin or steamed vegetables. Setting up a regular grooming routine can help reduce hairballs, which often lead to constipation.



Keep an eye out for signs that the issue may be more serious. If your cat hasn't defecated in a couple of days, seems to be in pain, has a poor appetite, or appears lethargic, it's important to seek veterinary care promptly as this may indicate a more serious condition.



I recommend booking a video consult with Dial A Vet so we can further assess your cat's condition and provide tailored advice to get them back to feeling their best.

Answered by

Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet

June 26, 2025

  Book A Vet Consultation
The "Ask a Vet" forum on Dial A Vet offers general information and helpful tips on pet health, but it's not a substitute for professional veterinary care. The advice here doesn't create a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, and our vets can't diagnose or treat your pet remotely. For emergencies or specific medical concerns, always contact your local veterinarian immediately. Your pet's health is unique, and decisions should only be made after consulting with a qualified professional. By using this forum, you acknowledge these limitations and agree to seek in-person veterinary advice for all your pet's health needs. View our content guidelines.
🧠 Related Pet Owner Questions
Cat A has virus. Vet says wait it out. Now cat B has virus. Follow steps for cat A??
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Any exotics vets in the house?
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Elderly Cat's fine, except he's not fine?
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
[DOG] Yellow vomit every 2/4 days
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Money Magazine
Australia's Leading
Online Vet
TrustPilot:
Excellent
Real Vets

Thousands of Pet Owners across the Globe rely on Dial A Vet for peace of mind.

Real questions, vet reviewed answers and quality care.

Trusted by 40,000+ users
4.7/5
dog in grass
Ina
Pet Owner

It was so easy, I needed some eye drops for my dog and thinking about going to the vet on a weekend made me nervous about the cost involved. Dial A Vet was a much simpler, cheaper option with faster results. Within 10 minutes of the call, I had the medicine I needed for my dog without an expensive consultation.

25 May 2025
Joanne
Pet Owner

A great fast efficient service with a qualified vet who was lovely and helpful. Thank you Samantha. I was able to sort my dog at 6pm on a Sunday night for $49 - amazing. Highly recommend.

12 May 2025
Lisa
Pet Owner

What an amazing service, at my wits end as I knew my beautiful dog had an ear infection, could not get into the vet for 4 days. Never knew there was vets online until I googled. Within 15 minutes on a Sunday I was taking to beautiful Samantha who diagnosed and treated our Jasper. Only $49. She trusted that we knew our boy and gave us lots of advice. I will definitely be using dial a vet every time and sharing with all my friends and family. Absolutely fantastic kind caring service. 11/10

7 April 2025
The logo for Dial A Vet, the online vet company.

With Dial A Vet, expert veterinary advice is just a tap away. Get fast vet consultations, trusted care, and personalized pet support - anytime, anywhere, all year round.

Dial A Vets uses software that is HIPAA compliant and SOC - 2 Certified.

support@dialavet.com.au

dial a vet owner with cat
dial a vet pet owner with dog in a orange top
colourful pet owner with their dog
40k+
Pet Owners
Fluffy stuff
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy policy
Company
How It WorksPricingBlogFree Online VetOnline VetPet Symptom CheckerFind a Local Vet ClinicAsk A Vet: Q&AGlossary
NEW ZEALAND
Speak to A Vet NZ
Our Social Links