# Cat Constipation — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/cat-constipation): Cat Constipation — Quick answer. Occasional firm stools are common, but straining without passing stool for over 48 hours needs a vet. Obese, senior, and arthritic cats are at higher risk. Repeated constipation can lead to megacolon — a stretched, weak colon that is harder to treat. Vomiting with constipation is urgent.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/cat-constipation): Cat Constipation — Normal toileting vs constipation. Healthy cats pass stool most days — frequency varies with diet. Constipation means infrequent, hard, dry faeces or repeated straining with little or no result. Obstipation is severe blockage where no stool passes despite straining. Usually harmless: - One slightly firm stool after a diet change - Brief straining that produces a normal stool Needs investigation: - No stool for 48 hours or more - Small, hard, dry pellets repeatedly - Straining, crying, or visiting the tray without result - Constipation with vomiting or not eating - Lethargy, bloating, or painful abdomen when touched

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/cat-constipation): Cat Constipation — Common causes in UK cats. | Cause | Typical signs | Notes | |-------|---------------|-------| | Dehydration | Hard dry stools, reduced urination | Wet food and water fountains help | | Obesity | Infrequent defecation, overweight body | See Cat obesity UK | | Arthritis | Straining, avoiding tray | Pain limits squatting — see Cat arthritis UK | | Pelvic injury | Chronic constipation after trauma | Narrowed pelvic canal | | Hairballs | Constipation with vomiting fur | See Cat hairballs | | Megacolon | Recurrent severe constipation | Stretched colon — needs specialist care | | Kidney disease | Dehydration contributing to constipation | See Kidney disease in cats | ### Litter box and behaviour factors Cats may withhold stool if the tray is dirty, moved, or in a noisy location. Stress from new pets or building work can contribute. Rule out behavioural causes alongside medical ones — especially in multi-cat homes.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/cat-constipation): Cat Constipation — When to see a vet urgently. Phone your vet the same day or use emergency out-of-hours care if: - No stool for 48 hours with repeated straining - Vomiting alongside constipation - Bloated, tense, or painful abdomen - Lethargy, collapse, or not eating for 24 hours - Blood from the rectum after straining - Known pelvic fracture history with worsening signs Book a routine appointment within a few days for recurrent firm stools or mild straining that keeps returning.

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/cat-constipation