Cat Constipation Relief: Effective Solutions for Your Feline Friend

Most people notice cat constipation the same way: a cat visiting the litter tray again and again, straining, and leaving little (or nothing) behind. It’s easy to hope it will pass on its own, but constipation can quietly tip from uncomfortable to dangerous—especially if the cat is actually struggling to urinate, or if stool becomes impacted in the colon.

Below is a clear way to recognise constipation early, try sensible at-home support for mild cases, and spot the moments when a vet visit matters. It also covers the common causes (including dehydration, pain, and underlying disease) and how chronic cases like megacolon are managed.^{1, 2}

What constipation looks like in cats

Constipation means infrequent or difficult passage of hard, dry stool. Some cats still pass small amounts, but only with effort, and the litter tray becomes a place of repeated, unproductive attempts.^{1, 3}

• Straining to poo, sometimes vocalising or lingering in the tray³
• Repeated trips to the litter tray with little produced³
• Hard, dry stools (sometimes small “pellets”)¹
• Reduced appetite, lethargy, or vomiting (especially if constipation is more severe)¹

First, make sure it’s not a urinary blockage

Cats can look very similar when they’re straining to wee versus straining to poo. A male cat that is repeatedly squatting and producing little or no urine may have a urethral blockage—an emergency that needs urgent veterinary care.^{1, 4}

If you’re not sure what’s coming out (urine, stool, or nothing), treat it as urgent and call a vet immediately.⁴

Common causes of cat constipation

Constipation is often a symptom rather than a diagnosis. Sometimes the cause is straightforward (not enough water, too little movement). Sometimes it’s a clue to pain, obstruction, or a medical problem that dries the body from the inside out.^{1, 2}

Dehydration and low moisture intake

When a cat is short on water, the colon draws more water back out of the stool, leaving it dry and difficult to pass. Cats eating only dry food may take in less moisture overall, and underlying illness can worsen dehydration.^{1, 2}

Pain, reduced mobility, and “holding on”

Cats may avoid defecating if it hurts to posture (for example, arthritis) or if the litter area feels unsafe or unpleasant. That delay gives the colon more time to dry the stool further.³

Hair, foreign material, narrowing, or masses

Ingested hair or indigestible material, foreign bodies, strictures (narrowings), or tumours can all contribute to constipation or blockage. Your vet may recommend imaging if obstruction is a concern.¹

Medication side effects and other medical problems

Some drugs and medical conditions can predispose cats to constipation, including electrolyte disturbances and neuromuscular disease. Quite often, no single cause is found (idiopathic constipation).¹

When to contact a vet (and when it’s urgent)

Constipation is uncomfortable, and it can become serious if stool becomes impacted or if the colon begins to lose function over time. If you suspect constipation, it’s sensible to contact your vet for advice early—especially if your cat is unwell in themselves.³

Seek urgent veterinary care now if your cat:

• Is straining and producing no urine, or you’re unsure whether they’re weeing or pooing⁴
• Seems painful, bloated, very lethargic, or is vomiting^{1, 3}
• Has had constipation that is severe, recurrent, or not improving with simple measures^{1, 2}

At-home support for mild constipation (safe basics)

If your cat is bright, comfortable, and only mildly constipated, the safest home support focuses on moisture, gentle dietary adjustment, and movement. If your cat seems unwell, skip home treatment and speak to a vet first.³

1) Increase moisture intake

• Offer fresh water in multiple quiet spots.
• Consider moving from dry-only to a wet or mixed diet to increase water intake via food.²

2) Trial fibre carefully (only if your cat tolerates it)

Fibre helps some constipated cats by changing stool bulk and water content and supporting motility. It doesn’t suit every cat, and too much can cause diarrhoea or reduce nutrient absorption, so keep changes modest and monitor stool quality.¹

Two commonly used options are plain canned pumpkin and psyllium, usually mixed into food. It’s worth discussing amounts with your vet, particularly if your cat has ongoing constipation or other health problems.^{1, 2}

3) Encourage gentle movement

Regular play and normal daily movement help bowel motility. For older cats, it may be as simple as several short play sessions and easier access to favourite spots (so they keep moving without strain).

Do not give human enemas

Never use phosphate-containing enemas in cats. They can cause dangerous electrolyte disturbances and can be life-threatening.²

Veterinary treatment (what a clinic can do)

A vet will usually start with a history and physical exam, and may recommend imaging or tests if there’s concern about obstruction or underlying disease. Treatment depends on severity and cause, but commonly includes rehydration, laxatives or stool softeners, and—when needed—enemas or manual removal of impacted stool under sedation or anaesthetic.^{1, 2}

For recurrent or severe constipation, vets may also use drugs that increase intestinal motility (prokinetics) and recommend a specific diet plan tailored to the individual cat.^{1, 2}

Chronic constipation and megacolon

When constipation becomes frequent and severe, some cats develop megacolon—an enlarged colon that can lose its ability to move stool effectively. These cases may progress to obstipation (constipation that can’t be managed with routine medical care).^{1, 5}

Management may involve long-term dietary strategies (including fibre-enriched diets for some cats) and medications; in cases that don’t respond, surgical options such as colectomy may be considered by specialist teams.^{1, 6}

Prevention: quiet habits that keep things moving

Constipation prevention is mostly ordinary, steady care—water, comfort, and routines that don’t force a cat to “hold on”.

• Moisture: prioritise water access and consider wet food if your cat tends to be a poor drinker.²
• Litter tray comfort: keep trays clean and easy to access, especially for older cats or cats with sore joints.³
• Body condition and movement: gentle daily activity supports normal gut motility.
• Early attention: if litter tray habits change, don’t wait for it to become a crisis—ring your vet and describe what you’re seeing.³

Older cats: a little more vigilance

Constipation is more common as cats age, often alongside reduced mobility, chronic disease, and dehydration risk. Small changes—an extra water station, lower-sided trays, more wet food, and regular check-ups—can prevent a slow build-up into impaction.³

Final thoughts

Constipation in cats is common, but it’s rarely something to ignore. Watch the litter tray, trust pattern changes, and act early—especially if your cat is straining without producing anything, vomiting, or seems unwell. The best outcomes usually come from a simple mix of moisture, sensible diet tweaks, and timely veterinary help when things don’t shift.^{1, 2, 3}

References

1. Cornell Feline Health Center (Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine): Constipation
2. Merck Veterinary Manual: Constipation and Obstipation in Small Animals
3. PDSA: Constipation in cats
4. Cats.com: How to Tell if a Cat Is Straining to Poop or Pee
5. Merck Veterinary Manual: Constipation, Obstipation, and Megacolon in Small Animals
6. Cornell Feline Health Center: Ask Elizabeth — What is There to Treat Idiopathic Megacolon?
7. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (PubMed): Psyllium-enriched extruded dry diet for management of constipation in cats (Freiche et al., 2011)
8. MSD Veterinary Manual (Australia): Constipation and Obstipation in Small Animals