Constipation in Cats

Cats

Overview of Feline Constipation

Constipation is infrequent, incomplete, or difficult defecation with passage of hard or dry feces. Constipation is sometimes used interchangeably with obstipation, which is intractable constipation where defecation becomes impossible. It may cause great distress and pain in cats. 

IMPORTANT: If your cat is straining in the litter box, it is critical to know for sure if your cat is straining due to constipation or due to the inability to urinate. A urinary obstruction is life-threatening and often mistaken for constipation in cats. 

Causes of Constipation in Cats

Dietary

Environmental

Drugs/Medications

Painful defecation

Mechanical obstruction (physical blockage)

Neurologic disease

Metabolic and Endocrine diseases

What to Watch For

Straining to defecate and passing a small amount of feces or none at all

Hard, dry feces

Infrequent defecation

Small amount of liquid feces produced after prolonged straining

Occasional vomiting

Lack of appetite

Depression