Signs Your Cat Is Constipated — and How to Help

If your cat is straining in the litter box or you suddenly don’t need to scoop as often, constipation could be to blame. It’s more common than you might think, and here’s how to spot, resolve, and prevent it.

Jan. 2, 2026

Est. read time: 4 min.

What is Constipation in Cats?

Constipation happens when stool moves too slowly through the intestines, becoming dry, hard, and difficult to pass. Some cats may go a day or two without a bowel movement, but if it stretches beyond that or they strain without producing much, it’s time to take notice.

A silver tabby cat walking away from a white enclosed litter box on a wooden floor next to a potted plant

What Causes Constipation in Cats?

Several factors can slow down your cat’s digestion:

Dehydration: Not enough water makes stool hard and dry.
Low-fiber diet: Fiber is needed to help waste move through the intestines.
Hairballs: Especially common in long-haired cats.
Pain or arthritis: Makes it harder to posture in the litter box.
Obesity or inactivity: Lack of movement slows digestion.
Underlying illness: Kidney disease, neurological issues, or intestinal blockages.

Common Signs Your Cat Might Be Constipated

You know your cat’s habits best, so small changes can tell you a lot. Look out for:

Straining or crying in the litter box
Small, hard, or dry stools, which are often shaped like tiny pellets rather than long, smooth stools
Fewer bowel movements than usual
Litter box avoidance (associating pain with the box)
Loss of appetite or lethargy
Vomiting or signs of nausea
Grooming the belly excessively or appearing uncomfortable

An orange tabby cat lying down on a patterned blanket looking tired or unwell

How to help a Constipated Cat

While there are a few things you can do to prevent constipation, a cat that’s already constipated should be seen by a vet. If your cat hasn’t had a bowel movement for more than 48 hours, it’s best to contact your veterinarian. Severe constipation can lead to megacolon, a serious condition where the colon becomes enlarged and weak.

How to Prevent Constipation in Cats

Keeping your cat’s digestion healthy starts with small, consistent habits. These simple steps can help prevent constipation and keep your cat feeling comfortable, active, and regular.

1. Keep your Cat Hydrated

Cats aren’t naturally big drinkers, so you might need to get a little creative to help them stay hydrated. Here are a few tips.

Replace or complement their dry kibble with wet food
Add some water or a food topper to meals
Get a cat water fountain to make drinking more appealing

For more tips, check out our full article on how to keep your cat hydrated!

2. Add some Pumpkin to Your Cat’s Food

While cat food advice often focuses on proteins, our felines need fiber to help bulk up and soften their stool. A high-quality complete and balanced cat food can go a long way, but you can add a small amount of plain pumpkin purée to your cat’s food to help things move along.

3. Regular Play or Exercise Really Helps

Encourage play and movement by providing your cat with interactive toys, a tall cat tree to climb, brisk play sessions, or even another cat to play with. Physical activity is fun for your cat and naturally stimulates digestion.

4. Keep the Litter Box Comfortable

Arthritic or older cats may struggle with high-sided boxes. Choose an easily accessible box, place it in a quiet area, and scoop it frequently to encourage use. Also, be sure to have one litter box per cat, plus one extra. Cats like to have options and are not big on sharing in case they have feline siblings.

5. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity is a major contributor to sluggish digestion, and a few extra pounds can make your cat feel slow and uncomfortable. Try feeding measured portions, keep treats in check, and check out our article on how to put your cat on a diet.