Cat constipation: how to recognize the symptoms and what to do about it

As a devoted cat parent, keeping your cat’s environment clean is just one part of the job — checking their litter box is also a daily task. But if you notice the droppings look smaller or drier than usual, you might start wondering: is my cat constipated? Is there a quick way to tell? Don’t worry — this article will walk you through how to recognize the signs of cat constipation, along with practical solutions and prevention tips. Let’s learn together how to be the best cat parent you can be!

Why do cats get constipated? 5 common causes

Before diving into the causes, it helps to understand that a cat’s digestive system is quite different from ours. A human’s small intestine is about 8 metres long, a dog’s is around 4.5 metres, and a cat’s is only about 2 metres. This means food passes through a cat’s digestive tract relatively quickly, which affects how nutrients and water are absorbed. On top of that, cats are descended from the African wildcat, which lived in dry desert environments and got most of its moisture from prey. This evolutionary background means cats naturally have a low thirst drive — making them more prone to constipation when they don’t drink enough water.

Because cats naturally take in less water, they’re also more susceptible to constipation and urinary tract issues. Here are the most common causes of constipation in cats:

Cause 1: dry food only diet with insufficient water intake

If your cat eats only dry kibble and doesn’t drink much water, their daily fluid intake may fall short. Consider switching to wet food or adding a little water or fresh food to their meals to help them stay properly hydrated throughout the day.

Cause 2: lack of exercise

One key factor in healthy digestion is how well the intestines move, and that’s closely tied to daily activity levels. Regular movement encourages gut motility and reduces the risk of constipation — so next time your cat is tearing around the house, try not to be too annoyed! That energy is actually keeping them healthy. Spending time playing with your cat not only burns off energy but also supports digestion and helps prevent constipation.

Cause 3: too much hair in the digestive tract

Cats spend nearly a third of their day grooming, which means they naturally swallow a lot of fur. Normally, cats pass hairballs through vomiting or defecation. But if the hairballs aren’t expelled, they can build up in the intestines and cause hairball disease — which can lead to constipation.

Cause 4: dissatisfaction with the litter box environment

Cats are fastidious animals and can be very particular about their litter box. If it’s not cleaned regularly, placed in the wrong spot, or the wrong type altogether, your cat may refuse to use it — which raises the risk of constipation and could lead to accidents around the house.

Cause 5: underlying health conditions

Beyond the causes above, constipation can also result from intestinal disease, megacolon, electrolyte imbalances, neuromuscular disorders, tumors, pelvic joint problems, or declining kidney function. If you suspect an underlying condition, it’s best to visit a vet as soon as possible to find the root cause.

What are the signs of cat constipation? Use the Bristol Stool Scale to find out

Now that you know the common causes, you may already have a better sense of what’s going on with your cat. To assess more accurately whether your cat is constipated, you can use the Bristol Stool Scale to evaluate your cat’s stool and get a clearer picture of their digestive health.

Bristol Stool Scale
Condition	Type	Stool appearance
Diarrhea	Type 7	Entirely liquid, watery stool with no solid pieces
Possible mild diarrhea	Type 6	Soft, fluffy pieces with ragged edges and no clear shape
Normal	Type 5	Soft, semi-solid blobs with clear-cut edges
Healthy	Type 4	Smooth and soft, shaped like a sausage or snake
Normal	Type 3	Sausage-shaped with cracks on the surface
Possible mild constipation	Type 2	Sausage-shaped but lumpy and hard
Constipation	Type 1	Separate hard lumps, like small nuts or pellets

In addition to using the stool chart above, here are 5 symptoms you can watch for to help determine whether your cat is suffering from constipation.

1. Less frequent bowel movements

A healthy cat typically defecates 1–2 times per day, so if your cat hasn’t gone to the litter box in over 48 hours, there’s a good chance they’re constipated.

2. Small or hard, dry stools

If the amount your cat is passing doesn’t match what they’re eating, their stool output is likely low. You can also refer to the Bristol Stool Scale above — if the stools are coming out as small, hard, separate pellets, constipation is a likely culprit.

3. Straining, crying out, or a swollen anus

Cats are usually quiet when using the litter box, so any vocalizing during defecation could signal difficulty passing stool, overly hard stools, or gastrointestinal or anal discomfort. Keep a close eye on how your cat is straining and what the stool looks like. If you notice swelling or redness around the anus, this may point to constipation, anal gland inflammation, or other issues — consult a vet to make sure your cat is okay.

4. Blood in the stool

Cats have relatively sensitive digestive systems, and when the gut is inflamed, ulcerated, or constipation makes passing stool difficult, intestinal bleeding can occur. If you notice bright red blood in the stool (which typically comes from the colon or rectum), take your cat to the vet as soon as possible.

5. Low mood, lethargy, or loss of appetite

Beyond watching the litter box, your cat’s overall demeanor is an important indicator too. If they seem listless, have left their favorite food untouched, or appear disinterested in eating, constipation — or another underlying illness — may be affecting how they feel.

What to do if your cat is constipated? 5 solutions to try

If your cat is constipated, here are 5 things you can try at home first. That said, if things don’t improve, don’t wait too long before seeing a vet — prolonged constipation can lead to more serious gastrointestinal complications.

1. Make sure your cat is drinking enough water

Aside from underlying health issues, insufficient water intake is the most common cause of constipation. To address this at its root, make sure your cat is getting enough fluids each day. Consider switching from dry kibble to wet food, or adding some fresh food to their bowl. To encourage your cat to drink more, try placing multiple water bowls around the home, using a cat water fountain with flowing water, and refreshing the water daily.

2. Add more dietary fiber

Just as eating more vegetables helps with constipation in people, adding a moderate amount of dietary fiber can help your cat too. Good options include pumpkin, sweet potato, broccoli, or peas. You can also choose a kibble or wet food that’s higher in fiber. Just be careful not to overdo it — a little goes a long way.

3. Try lactulose or probiotics

Lactulose and polyethylene glycol (PEG) are relatively safe stool softeners that can help relieve constipation in cats, but since side effects are possible, it’s best to consult your vet before use. Probiotics are a gentler option that many cat owners turn to — they help balance the gut microbiome and support healthy digestion. When choosing a probiotic, look for products with recognized international certifications such as EFSA or FDA GRAS to ensure quality and safety.

4. Encourage movement and try belly massages

One of the most effective ways to prevent constipation is keeping your cat active, so daily playtime really does matter. Beyond exercise, you can also gently massage your cat’s belly using light circular movements to stimulate gut motility and encourage bowel movements. Keep in mind that some cats are sensitive about having their belly touched, so pay attention to their reaction and stop if they seem stressed or uncomfortable.

5. Medication, enemas, and surgery

For severe constipation, medical intervention may be necessary — including medication, enemas, or even surgery.

• Medication: To help make stool easier to pass, a vet may prescribe lubricants or laxatives. Laxatives work by increasing moisture in the intestines to soften the stool; lubricants coat the intestinal lining to reduce friction and help stool move through more easily.
• Enema: If your cat is unable to pass stool on their own, a vet may recommend an enema to stimulate bowel movement by adding moisture to the stool and encouraging the intestines to contract. This is a medical procedure that carries risk and must only be performed by a qualified vet — do not attempt it at home.
• Surgery: In severe cases where medication and enemas are not effective — particularly when megacolon has developed — surgery may become necessary as a last resort. Recovery takes time and requires careful dietary management. You’ll need to monitor your cat’s bowel movements closely and attend regular follow-up appointments to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Worried about your cat’s digestion? Follow Fluv for easy-to-follow cat care tips!

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Want to learn more about cat care and become a truly confident cat parent? Download the Fluv app now and stay up to date with the latest cat care knowledge — even first-time owners can raise a happy, healthy cat!

Further reading on cat care:

Does my cat need a microchip? Does it hurt? Pros, cons, costs, and where to get it done

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