Feline constipation is a very common cause for concern: your cat goes to the litter box, strains, sometimes meows… and nothing (or almost nothing) comes out. The problem can be minor (excessively dry stools, hairballs, dehydration), but it can also mask a serious condition (obstruction, significant pain, megacolon ) or even a urinary issue that resembles constipation. In this guide, you will learn to recognize the reliable signs, take effective action (without taking risks), and know precisely when to call a veterinarian .

How to recognize constipation in cats (without making a mistake)

Typical signs

A constipated cat often presents with:

• Efforts at the litter box (squatting posture, repeated pushing)
• Infrequent , small, very hard/dry , sometimes in "pea-like" pieces
• Prolonged time spent in the litter box, frequent trips back and forth
• A tense abdomen or discomfort upon palpation
• Sometimes: decreased appetite, anal licking, irritability

Warning: Constipation or urinary urgency?

A cat that strains “without passing anything” may be urinarily blocked (especially males), which is a life-threatening emergency .

Signs that suggest urinary involvement:

• Small drops or absence of urine in the litter box
• Licking of the penis/vulva, restlessness, marked pain
• Meowing, lethargy, rapid vomiting

If you are unsure whether it is stool or urine, consider it an emergency and call a veterinarian.

Common causes of constipation in cats (and risk profiles)

Common causes (often reversible)

• Dehydration (insufficient food, unappealing water, heat)
• Food too dry / low in moisture
• Lack of activity / overweight
• Hairball (especially long-haired cats)
• Stress (moving house, conflict, change of litter)
• Litter poorly accepted: dirty tray, noisy location, smelly litter

Medical causes not to be missed

• Pain (arthritis: the cat avoids positioning itself to defecate)
• Obstruction / foreign object (string, bone, toy, etc.)
• Megacolon (dilation and loss of motility of the colon, chronic constipation)
• Diseases that promote dehydration (e.g., kidney disease): constipation may be an associated symptom

When to worry and seek medical advice: simple guidelines ( triage )

Time thresholds (practical guideline)

• If your cat has not defecated for 48–72 hours , you should call/consult a veterinarian.
• If constipation lasts > 36 hours with fatigue, vomiting, blood, etc.: increased vigilance is required.

Warning signs = prompt consultation (or even emergency)

Consult immediately if you observe:

• Vomiting , lethargy, refusal to eat
• Obvious pain, very distended abdomen
• Blood in the stool
• Suspected ingestion of string/toy
• Cat straining but not urinating (emergency)

What to do at home for mild constipation (safe)

Step 1: Increase hydration (lever #1)

Objective: to make stools less dry.

• Switch to a wetter (pâté, mixed feed)
• Add warm water to the food (if accepted)
• Provide multiple water sources/ fountains if the cat drinks little

Step 2: Adjust fiber and transit (gradually)

Depending on the profile, the aim is either to soften or to increase the volume of stools.

• Soluble fibers (e.g., psyllium ): often used to support transit (dosage to be validated with a veterinarian, especially if obstruction is suspected).
• Probiotics : may be offered depending on the context (veterinarian's advice).

Step 3: Move + litter routine

• 2–3 short gaming sessions per day (5–10 min)
• Litter box: clean, accessible tray, sufficient quantity, quiet location

What to avoid (common mistakes)

• Do not perform a home enema (risk of burns/trauma, use of unsuitable products). When indicated, an enema should be administered in the doctor's office .
• Do not randomly administer “ human laxatives ”: toxicity/inappropriate dosage possible.
• Do not insist on fibers/oils if the cat is lethargic , vomiting , or in severe pain (risk of occlusion ).

Veterinary treatments (what is actually done in practice)

Depending on the examination and the degree of fecal impaction, the veterinarian may suggest:

• Rehydration (sometimes via IV) + pain management
• Fecal softeners / laxatives suitable for cats, sometimes probiotics
• Medical enema or stool extraction if necessary
• Assessment if recurrences: imaging, search for cause (pain, megacolon , etc.)

Preventing constipation in cats (anti-relapse plan)

• Focus on the moisture content of your pet's food (often more impactful than "changing kibble")
• Attractive hydration: fresh water, fountain, bowls separate from food
• Brushing (long hair) + hairball
• Enrichment: play, scratching post, obstacle course, stress reduction
• Monitoring of weight and mobility ( osteoarthritis = indirect constipation)

FAQ: Cat constipation 

When should you worry about constipation in a cat?

If this lasts more than 36–48 hours or if there is vomiting , fatigue , blood , pain , a veterinarian should be called as this may indicate an obstruction or an emergency.

How long should you wait without a bowel movement before consulting a doctor?

If your cat has not defecated for 48 to 72 hours , contact a veterinarian.

How to relieve constipation in a cat?

For mild constipation: increase hydration , improve the food (make it wetter), and optimize the bedding. Options like psyllium /oil are often mentioned, but should be used with caution and never if an obstruction .

What can you give a constipated cat?

In mild cases, a dietary adjustment may be sufficient; otherwise, a veterinarian may prescribe laxatives / stool softeners and sometimes an enema or probiotics .

Conclusion

Feline constipation is often easily managed when addressed early: increased hydration, a wetter diet, a clean litter box, and a little more activity. However, vomiting , lethargy , pain , absence of bowel movements for more than 48–72 hours , or any suspicion of a urinary problem warrants a prompt veterinary consultation . If your cat is constipated today, the safest course of action is to monitor their bowel movements (stool/urine), increase their hydration immediately, and contact your veterinarian at the slightest sign of trouble.