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Constipation in cats

Written by Astrid | August 25, 2026

It is a problem we often see in cats: constipation. There are several terms for the problem, including constipation and blockage. However, the problem is the same: your cat has difficulty passing stools. If this is not treated in time, it can lead to a complete blockage of the intestines and a condition known as megacolon. The latter is a loss of normal function of the large intestine. Read this blog to learn about the causes of constipation, how to recognise it in your cat and what you can do about it!

What is constipation?

Constipation means that passing stools is very difficult. Regardless of the cause, the cat passes stools less frequently, which means the stools remain in the intestines for longer. As a result, more moisture is absorbed from the stools, making them dry and hard. This makes passing stools even more difficult. The cat therefore ends up in a vicious cycle that only makes the problem worse. It is important to take action in time to break this cycle!

What causes constipation in cats?

Constipation can have various causes. The most important are:

litter box aversion
pain
narrowing of the pelvis following trauma or nerve damage
dehydration
too little exercise
hairballs

Relevant products

Litter box aversion

An aversion to the litter box may be one of the most important causes. There can be several reasons why your cat dislikes the litter box:

the litter box is too dirty
the type of litter is unsuitable
the design of the litter box is unsuitable or the box is too small
the litter box is in the wrong location
a traumatic experience involving the litter box

Also read our blog How do I get my cat to use the litter box? 5 tips!.

Pain

Pain can also make your cat less willing to use the litter box, causing them to delay passing stools. Pain when passing stools can also contribute to constipation. This may be caused by a painful condition around the large intestine or anus, but also, for example, by back pain that makes it more difficult for your cat to adopt the correct position to pass stools.

Narrowing of the pelvis or nerve damage following trauma

Unfortunately, cats are relatively often involved in road traffic accidents. Such an accident can result in a fractured pelvis. In most cases, this can heal very well, but unfortunately there can sometimes be lasting effects. The pelvis may become narrowed and permanent nerve damage may occur, which can affect intestinal motility as well as the cat’s muscle strength. This can make passing stools more difficult.

Dehydration

Many cats drink very little. Some genuinely drink too little, which can cause more moisture to be absorbed from the intestinal contents, making the stools drier and harder.

Too little exercise

Exercise is important for healthy bowel function. If your cat does not exercise enough, this can cause the intestines to function less effectively. Risk factors for insufficient exercise include being an indoor cat, being overweight and having joint problems. It is therefore important to keep an eye on this. Give your cat measured portions of food, try to encourage your indoor cat to exercise through play or, for example, food puzzles, and contact your veterinarian if you notice that your cat is having more difficulty moving.

Hairballs

Hairballs can eventually also cause your cat to become constipated. Read more about this in our blog Hairballs in cats.

How can I recognise constipation in my cat?

Constipation in cats often develops very gradually and requires owners to pay close attention. At first, you may notice that there are fewer stools in the litter box. Your cat may use the litter box less often. Your cat may also remain in the litter box for longer than usual. If you have an open litter box, you may notice your cat straining more to pass stools or even meowing in pain. Sometimes you may see small amounts of loose stool containing small lumps. This may be diarrhoea that is being pushed past the blockage. If your cat becomes severely constipated, they may become ill, start vomiting and stop eating. This is an emergency!

If the blockage has been present for a very long time, the intestine can lose its normal function. This can result in a condition known as megacolon. If this happens, the prognosis is guarded. In some cases, laxatives can still provide support. However, surgery is often necessary to remove the affected part of the intestine.

How is a cat with constipation treated?

If your cat is severely constipated, you should take them to the veterinarian. Laxatives and medication may be used to try to empty the bowel. Sometimes an enema or bowel flush may even be necessary.

Can I prevent constipation in my cat?

There are several things you can do yourself to help prevent constipation or manage mild constipation:

Keep the litter box clean
Provide enough litter boxes in quiet locations around the home and do not place them all together
Make sure your cat drinks enough. You can offer wet food to increase their fluid intake. A water fountain can also encourage drinking.
Try to encourage your cat to exercise. Provide plenty of cat toys or encourage movement by using a food puzzle.
Prevent your cat from becoming overweight
Feed your cat a high-fibre diet

It is always important to try to determine the cause of the constipation and act accordingly.

Royal Canin Fibre Response for cats

Royal Canin Fibre Response is a special diet for cats that are prone to constipation. This food contains a special combination of fibres that are beneficial for cats with (chronic) constipation. These fibres contribute to:

Supporting healthy bowel function
Restoring a balanced intestinal flora
Inhibiting the growth of harmful, pathogenic bacteria
Protecting healthy intestinal tissue
Promoting intestinal transit and good stool quality

If your cat regularly suffers from constipation, this food can therefore be a good choice.

Do you still have questions about constipation in cats? Please contact us at veterinarian@vetsend.co.uk.

Most frequently asked questions

How long can a cat go without passing stools?

Most cats pass stools every day or every other day. Has your cat not passed stools for more than approximately 48 hours, or do you notice that they are trying to pass stools but nothing comes out? Contact your veterinarian. Do not wait if your cat also refuses to eat, vomits, is in pain or appears unwell.

What can you give a cat for constipation?

Sufficient fluids, exercise and fibre can contribute to healthy bowel function. Wet food, for example, can help increase fluid intake. Do not give your cat laxatives or other products without veterinary advice. In cases of persistent or severe constipation, it is important to have the underlying cause investigated by a veterinarian first.

How do you know if your cat is constipated?

A constipated cat passes stools less frequently and may sit in the litter box for a long time and strain. The stools are often small, dry and hard. Some cats meow when passing stools. With severe constipation, a cat may also start eating less, vomit and become unwell. In this case, always contact your veterinarian.

Can a cat have diarrhoea while constipated?

Yes. Sometimes a small amount of loose stool can pass around the hard stool in the intestine. This can make it look as though your cat has diarrhoea when they are actually constipated.

When should I take my constipated cat to the veterinarian?

Contact your veterinarian if your cat cannot pass stools, strains a lot, is in pain or the constipation keeps returning. Is your cat also vomiting, has stopped eating or is clearly unwell? Prompt veterinary attention is then required. Prolonged, severe constipation can eventually lead to megacolon.

Also read our other blogs

Bladder problems in cats

Cats are susceptible to problems in their urinary system. Not only is this very painful, it’s potentially also very dangerous. How to recognise symptoms of bladder problems in cats?

Choosing the right litter box: open or covered?

A litter box may seem like a simple purchase, but choosing the right one can make a big difference to your cat's wellbeing. Cats are naturally clean animals and can be very particular about where they go to the toilet. An unsuitable litter box or the wrong type of cat litter may even lead to unwanted urinating or defecating elsewhere in the house. In this blog, you'll learn what to look for when choosing a litter box, the differences between an open and a covered litter box, and which option is best suited to your cat.

Diarrhoea in cats and dogs

Diarrhoea is a condition that most pet owners have to deal with at some point. There are two identifiable types of diarrhoea: diarrhoea of the large intestine or diarrhoea of the small intestine. In this article, you can read all about the various forms, causes and treatments of diarrhoea infections in your pet.

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