Why is my cat not pooping?

If your cat stops passing stools regularly then this could be a sign that the cat is constipated. This guide outlines possible reasons, what you can do at home, what you should avoid, and when it’s time to contact a vet.

Cats do not become constipated without a reason and there’s often a medical or behavioural reason behind the change in bowel habits. You should therefore always consult a vet if your cat isn’t eating, drinking, pooing, or urinating as usual.

Signs of Constipation

Constipation is a sign of an underlying issue. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to your cat’s behaviour and overall health. Common signs, regardless of the cause, include:

Difficulty pooing or not pooing at all
Straining with little or no stool
The presence of dry and hard faeces in the litter box
Pain or visible discomfort
Tight or tender abdomen
Loss of appetite
Lethargy or changes in general condition

Why Is My Cat Constipated?

Constipation in cats always has an underlying cause and it is the consequence of any behaviour, condition or disease that delays or impairs the transit of faeces through the cat's colon. The increased transit time allows the colon to absorb more water and salts from the faeces than it would under normal conditions and the result is drier stools which can be had to pass. Being observant about your cats behaviour and habits is therefore important as it may provide important clues to the cause of constipation.

Common causes include:

Decreased appetite or thirst due to illness
Painful defecation due to for example back or hip pain, anal or rectal disease, inflamed anal glands etc.
Conditions that cause a narrowing of the pelvic canal or the intestinal lumen such as a rectal stricture.
Environmental stressors like moving, new pets on the home, or other changes in the household
Dirty litter tray
Eating bones or hair (overgrooming)
As a side effect to certain medications
Secondary to medical conditions such as kidney disease or hyperthyroidism

What Can I Do at Home?

You should always consult a vet if your cat isn’t eating, pooing, or urinating normally. Never give Micralax, Klyx, or lactulose without veterinary guidance. These can seriously damage the intestines and delay necessary care. Cats are especially sensitive to laxatives.

Make sure the litter box is clean and easily accessible – Clean the tray several times daily to encourage your cat to use it. If the cat has stopped using the litter tray then provide another tray in a different part of the house. This gives the cat a choice.

Increase your cat’s activity levels to help stimulate the digestive system, and brush your cat regularly to reduce the amount of hair they may swallow.

Make sure you provide several sources of clean water for your cat to help with the dehydration levels.

What Can I Feed a Constipated Cat?

Here are a few tips that may help:

Switch dry food for wet food, which has a higher moisture content and is easier to digest
You can also add a bit of water to the wet food to boost hydration
When appropriate, your vet may recommend a specific diet following a clinical examination

When Should I Contact a Vet?

You should seek veterinary care if your cat:

Isn’t eating, drinking, pooing, or urinating normally
Has blood in the stool
Might have swallowed a foreign object
Shows signs of pain or abdominal tension
Is vomiting or appears unwell
If signs of mild constipation doesn’t improve after 1–2 days
If your cat has recurrent signs of constipation

Veterinary Treatment for Constipation

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and a series of tests may be needed in order to identify it. Treatment often involves:

Specific treatment or advice addressing the underlying cause
IV fluids
Pain relief
Anti-nausea medication
Possibly laxatives or lactulose (a medication that draws water into the intestines)
Preventive advice for managing or avoiding future constipation

Is Your Cat Pooing Outside the Litter Box?

One of the most common reasons for litter box avoidance is a health issue, such as urinary problems or diarrhoea. If your cat experiences pain while using the litter box, it may associate the discomfort with the box and start avoiding it all together.

Other reasons a cat might poo outside the box include:

Stress, environmental changes, or social tension. Cats are sensitive to changes such as renovations, new furniture, new family members or pets. Such changes can create stress and anxiety and this often leads to a change in its toileting behaviour.