Constipation in cats: symptoms, causes, and treatment

• Laxatives can help make the stool more watery or easier to pass. A vet should decide the type and amount of laxative.
• Enemas involve putting liquid into the colon through the bottom to help make the stool more watery and to get the bowels moving.
• Some medications can increase the movement and strength of contractions in the intestines, helping with bowel movements.
• In very bad cases where the colon gets too stretched over time and stops working properly, surgery might be necessary. This usually involves removing the affected parts of the colon to prevent serious problems like bacteria spreading from the gut into the bloodstream.

Preventing constipation in cats

Adopting the following preventive measures can significantly lower your cat's constipation risk. However, these do not replace professional veterinary advice, especially if your cat has a history of gastrointestinal problems or other health concerns.

Regular hydration

Ensuring your cat stays well-hydrated is really important. Regular drinks of water keep the stool soft, helping its passage through the intestines. Cats prone to constipation may do better on a wet food than a dry diet.

Avoid indigestible materials

Prevent your cat from swallowing materials like fur, which can lead to blockages. Regular grooming, particularly for long-haired breeds, can reduce fur ingestion.

Clean and accessible litter boxes

Maintain cleanliness and accessibility of litter boxes. Cats may avoid using a dirty or inconveniently placed litter box, increasing the risk of constipation. If you have more than one cat, always make sure that you have more litter boxes than cats, to avoid competition, and place them in different areas around the house.

Balanced diet with suitable fibre

A diet that includes both soluble and insoluble fibre can help food move through the intestines smoothly and prevent constipation. Soluble fibre in foods such as canned pumpkin and psyllium helps the colon contract. Insoluble fibre increases stool size and promotes colonic movement. However, too much fibre can cause diarrhoea and interfere with nutrient absorption, so moderation is important. Speak to your vet about a suitable diet for your cat, especially if they’re prone to constipation.

Monitor for gastrointestinal distress signs

Keep alert for signs of stomach problems, which may indicate early stages of constipation or other digestive issues. Prompt detection and treatment can prevent the condition from getting worse.

Regular veterinary check-ups

Regular visits to the vet are important to check for things that could be causing your cat's constipation, like problems with their nutrition or medication. Members of the Pet Health Club receive two healthy pet checks a year as part of their subscription.

Physical activity

Exercising regularly can help prevent constipation. It works by getting the bowels moving and promoting better bowel function. Encourage your cat to play, especially if they don’t have outdoor access.

Read more: Symptoms and treatment of feline colitis

Any studies into constipation in cats?

One study titled Nutrition and Feline Idiopathic Constipation discovered that feeding cats a diet that includes psyllium, a type of fibre, was highly effective in treating chronic constipation. In this research, 82% to 93% of the cats on the psyllium diet showed complete improvement from their constipation symptoms​​.

Another study called Retrospective evaluation of risk factors and treatment outcome predictors in cats presenting to the emergency room for constipation found that older, overweight cats and those with chronic kidney disease or a history of constipation are more prone to constipation. It also noted that cats in pain during abdominal exams often respond less well to enema treatments. The study suggests more research to find the best treatments for constipation  in emergencies.

A third study explained that constipation in cats is a common problem in cats and is often caused by issues with muscle movement in the colon, dehydration, or diet problems. Cats with constipation might strain to go to the bathroom or stop altogether. Treating it can involve giving them medicine to help them go, changing their diet, or, in serious cases, surgery. Some cats get better with treatment, but others might keep having problems.

Need more advice on constipation?

Contact your vet if you need further advice – they’ll always be happy to help.

Find your nearest vet using our Find a Vet page, or speak to a vet online using our video vet service.