By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
A cat crouched in the litter tray and straining is one of the most important things to get right, because it can mean two very different problems. Constipation is uncomfortable but usually not immediately dangerous. A urinary blockage, especially in male cats, can kill within a day or two. If you cannot tell whether your cat is trying to pass stool or urine, treat it as an emergency until a vet has checked.
Key takeaways
- Straining in the litter tray can be constipation or a life-threatening urinary blockage. If unsure, see a vet the same day, or immediately for a male cat.
- Healthy cats usually pass stool about once a day. Hard, dry stools or going more than two days without one is worth noting.
- Dehydration, chronic kidney disease, arthritis, hairballs, obesity and stress are common contributors.
- Repeated or severe constipation can stretch the colon and lead to megacolon.
- Never use human laxatives or enemas on a cat. Some are toxic.
Signs of constipation in cats
- Straining or spending a long time in the tray with little result
- Small, hard, dry stools, sometimes found outside the tray
- Fewer bowel movements than usual
- Crying while trying to pass stool
- A small amount of liquid stool or mucus passed around a hard mass (this can look like diarrhoea)
- Reduced appetite, vomiting, lethargy or a hunched posture in more severe cases
Why cats become constipated
- Dehydration: cats have a low thirst drive. Dry food diets and conditions that increase water loss make stools harder.
- Chronic kidney disease: very common in older cats, and a frequent cause of dehydration. See our guide to chronic kidney disease in cats.
- Arthritis and pain: a sore cat may hold on rather than climb into a high-sided tray or squat.
- Hair: long-haired cats and cats that overgroom can form hair-filled stools.
- Litter tray issues: dirty trays, trays in busy spots, or changes of litter can make cats avoid going.
- Obesity and inactivity.
- Other problems: pelvic fractures that healed narrowly, nerve problems, or swallowed foreign material.
When to see a vet
Emergency now: any cat, especially a male, straining with little or no urine, crying in the tray, licking the genitals repeatedly, vomiting, or seeming lethargic. A urinary blockage cannot be ruled out at home.
Same day: a cat that has not passed stool for more than two or three days, is straining, vomiting, off food, or has a firm or painful belly.
Book a check: occasional hard stools, a gradual drop in stool frequency, or a cat with known kidney disease and recurring constipation.
What you can do at home
While waiting to see your vet, or once your vet has confirmed constipation and advised home care:
- Encourage drinking with water bowls in several places, fountains, and wider shallow bowls.
- Add wet food, or warm water to food if your vet agrees.
- Keep litter trays very clean, in quiet places, with at least one more tray than the number of cats.
- For older or arthritic cats, use a tray with a low entry.
- Brush long-haired cats regularly to reduce swallowed hair. Our article on hairballs in cats has more tips.
- Do not give mineral oil by mouth, which can be inhaled into the lungs, and do not use human enemas, which can cause dangerous salt imbalances in cats.
How vets diagnose and treat constipation
Your vet will feel the abdomen, check the bladder size to rule out a blockage, and may take X-rays to see how much stool is present and check the colon and pelvis. Blood and urine tests help look for underlying causes like kidney disease or diabetes.
Treatment depends on severity:
- Mild cases: dietary changes, increased water intake and a prescribed stool softener or laxative suitable for cats.
- Moderate to severe cases: fluid therapy to rehydrate, and enemas given in the clinic. Badly impacted cats may need sedation or anaesthesia to clear the colon safely.
- Long term: your vet may suggest a high-fibre or highly digestible diet, ongoing medication to keep stools soft, and treatment for any underlying disease.
Cats who keep getting constipated can develop megacolon, where the colon stretches and loses its ability to contract. This needs specialised management and sometimes surgery. Read more in our article on megacolon in cats.
Prevention
- Increase moisture in the diet, especially for older cats.
- Keep your cat at a healthy weight and encourage play.
- Address arthritis pain so toileting is comfortable.
- Groom regularly and manage hairballs.
- Keep trays clean and accessible.
FAQ
How long can a cat go without pooping?
Most cats go about once a day. More than 48 to 72 hours without a stool, especially with straining or discomfort, needs advice from a vet.
Can I give my cat milk to help?
Milk can cause diarrhoea in many adult cats and is not a safe constipation treatment. Ask your vet for safer options.
Is pumpkin good for constipated cats?
Some vets suggest small amounts of plain pumpkin as a fibre source, but it should not replace a vet exam if your cat is straining.
Why does my constipated cat have diarrhoea?
Liquid stool can leak around a hard blockage. It is a sign of significant constipation.
Talk with a vet
If your cat is straining or has not passed stool in a while, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help you work out whether it is likely constipation or something more urgent. Start a Dial A Vet consult. A cat straining with little or no urine needs an in-person emergency vet immediately.
References
- International Cat Care: Constipation in cats
- Cornell Feline Health Center: Constipation and obstipation
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Constipation and obstipation in small animals
- ISFM and AAFP: Feline environmental needs guidelines
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.