You notice your cat hasn’t pooped in a couple of days. They’re straining in the litter box, looking uncomfortable, or maybe not acting like themselves. Naturally, you’re concerned. Is constipation in cats a medical emergency?
This article explains what causes cat constipation, how to spot the signs, when it’s serious, and how to get help. If your cat is in distress, use a 24-hour emergency vet to get fast, professional care.
Is Cat Constipation an Emergency?
Mild constipation in cats is not always an emergency, but if your cat hasn’t pooped for more than 48–72 hours, is in pain, vomiting, or showing signs of distress, it can become an emergency—especially if it’s a condition called **megacolon**.
Constipation can lead to serious complications, including life-threatening blockages. If your cat is straining, lethargic, or has a hard belly, get them checked out by a vet right away.
How to Tell If Your Cat Is Constipated
It can be tricky to spot constipation—especially in multi-cat homes—but these are common signs:
- Straining in the litter box with little or no stool
- Hard, dry, or pebble-like stool
- Crying or vocalizing while trying to poop
- Lethargy or hiding behavior
- Loss of appetite
- Bloated or firm abdomen
- Occasional vomiting
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to monitor your cat closely—or better yet, call your vet for guidance.
When Constipation Becomes an Emergency
Constipation turns into an emergency if your cat shows the following:
- No bowel movement for more than 3 days
- Repeated, unproductive straining
- Severe bloating or pain when touched
- Vomiting and not eating
- Signs of dehydration or collapse
These signs may point to a serious blockage or a condition called **obstipation**, where the colon is impacted and can no longer move stool. Cats with chronic constipation may develop **megacolon**, a serious enlargement of the colon that may require surgery.
If you’re seeing any of these symptoms, use our emergency vet finder to locate help right away.
Common Causes of Constipation in Cats
Several issues can lead to constipation in cats. Here are the most common:
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough water, especially with a dry-food diet
- Obesity: Reduces physical activity and slows digestion
- Hairballs: Can build up and block the intestines
- Arthritis or pain: Makes getting to the litter box difficult
- Neurological problems: Affect the colon’s ability to contract
- Foreign objects: Eating non-food items can cause a blockage
- Medication side effects: Some drugs slow bowel movement
Understanding the cause helps your vet create a treatment plan that works fast and prevents future problems.
How Vets Treat Cat Constipation
If you bring your cat to the vet, the treatment depends on how severe the constipation is:
- Rehydration: IV fluids or subcutaneous fluids to soften stool
- Enemas: Done safely by professionals—never at home without vet advice
- Laxatives or stool softeners: Prescription medications for short-term use
- Manual removal: In extreme cases, the vet may need to remove stool manually under anesthesia
- Dietary changes: Adding fiber or switching to a prescription GI diet
Once treated, your vet will recommend a long-term plan to keep your cat’s digestive system healthy and moving.
What You Can Do at Home (If It’s Mild)
If your cat is showing early or mild signs of constipation and isn’t in distress, you can try these steps:
- Offer canned food or add water to their meals to increase hydration
- Use a cat-safe hairball remedy or fiber supplement (with vet approval)
- Encourage exercise with toys and play
- Make sure the litter box is clean, easy to access, and located in a stress-free area
Important: Never give your cat human laxatives or enemas—they can be toxic or fatal. Always check with your vet first.
How to Prevent Constipation in Cats
Here’s how to reduce your cat’s risk of getting constipated again:
- Hydration: Use a water fountain to encourage drinking
- Wet food diet: Adds moisture and eases digestion
- Daily brushing: Reduces hairball buildup
- Regular exercise: Keeps the bowels moving
- Vet-approved supplements: Fiber or digestive aids as needed
- Routine vet visits: To monitor underlying conditions like kidney disease or arthritis
Conclusion: Don’t Ignore Cat Constipation
Constipation in cats might seem minor at first, but it can quickly turn into a painful and dangerous emergency if left untreated. If your cat hasn’t pooped in more than two days or shows signs of pain, bloating, or vomiting, don’t wait.
Visit 24 Hour Emergency Vet to find help fast. Early care makes a big difference in recovery and long-term health.
Your cat’s comfort matters—act quickly and keep their digestion on track.