A cat’s bowel movements can tell you a lot about their overall health. Regular poops are a sign that their digestive system is working as it should. If your cat’s pooping habits change — either in frequency or consistency — it could mean there’s an underlying health problem.
This article is designed to help cat owners understand what’s normal when it comes to their cat’s bowel movements, what problems might arise, and when it’s time to call the vet.
We’ll cover everything from how often cats should poop to the causes of constipation and some home remedies you can try (but be careful!). We’ll also discuss how long a cat can go without pooping before it becomes a medical emergency.
How often should a cat poop?
So, what’s normal when it comes to feline bowel movements? Here’s a general guide, but remember, every cat is an individual.
Normal frequency in adult cats
Most healthy adult cats will poop once or twice a day, with a normal range of 12 to 36 hours between trips to the litter box. Consistency is more important than frequency; if your cat has a regular schedule, that’s a good sign.
A cat’s diet and activity level can affect how often they poop. Some cats simply go a little more or a little less often than others.
Vets say that a healthy adult cat can sometimes go as long as 48 hours (two days) without pooping and still be okay, as long as they’re eating, drinking, and acting normally. However, if your cat hasn’t pooped in more than 72 hours (three days), it’s time to call the vet.
Pooping frequency in kittens
Kittens usually poop more than adult cats, often two to four times a day. Because their digestive systems are still developing, they tend to process food more quickly.
If a kitten doesn’t have a bowel movement for more than a day, it’s a cause for concern. Keep a close eye on kittens’ bowel habits, especially when they’re switching to solid food.
How do I know if my cat is constipated?
Here are some signs that your cat may be constipated:
- Straining when trying to poop
- Infrequent pooping (less than once a day or every other day in an adult cat)
- Small, hard, and dry stools
- Changes in litter box habits, like avoiding the litter box, or vocalizing (crying) when trying to poop
It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your cat’s litter box habits. If you notice any changes in stool consistency or frequency, or if your cat seems to be in pain or discomfort when using the litter box, contact your veterinarian.
What causes constipation in cats?
Many things can cause a cat to have trouble passing stools, some more serious than others. Here are some common causes of constipation in cats:
Common causes
- Dehydration: If a cat doesn’t drink enough water, their stools can become hard and dry, making them difficult to pass. Make sure your cat always has access to fresh water, and think about getting a pet water fountain, which some cats prefer. Canned food has more moisture than dry kibble and can help increase hydration.
- Low-fiber diet: Fiber adds bulk to the stool and promotes regular bowel movements.
- Hairballs: When cats groom themselves, they ingest fur. Sometimes, that fur can accumulate in the digestive tract and cause blockages. Regular grooming can help reduce the amount of fur a cat ingests.
- Dirty litter box: Cats can be finicky. They may avoid using a dirty litter box, which can lead to constipation. Scoop the litter box daily and change the litter regularly.
- Stress and anxiety: Just like in people, stress can disrupt a cat’s digestive system and contribute to constipation. Try to identify and resolve anything that’s causing your cat stress.
More serious medical causes
- Colon blockages or growths
- Megacolon, in which the colon becomes enlarged and loses its ability to contract
- Spinal or pelvic injuries that affect the nerves that control bowel function
- Underlying medical conditions, such as kidney disease, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism
Constipation vs. Obstipation: What’s the difference?
Okay, so what is constipation? It basically means your cat isn’t pooping as often as they should, or they’re having a hard time when they do. The poop is usually hard and dry.
Obstipation is a whole other level. It’s like super-constipation. With obstipation, your cat can’t poop at all. There’s a complete blockage in their colon.
It’s super important to know the difference because obstipation is a medical emergency. You need to get your cat to a vet immediately if you suspect obstipation. If you don’t, it can lead to some really serious, life-threatening problems.
What to do if your cat isn’t pooping
Constipation in cats can be uncomfortable and even dangerous, so it’s important to take action if you notice your cat hasn’t pooped in a while. Here’s a breakdown of what to do.
When to seek veterinary care
If your cat hasn’t had a bowel movement in more than 72 hours (three days), contact your veterinarian. Kittens should be seen even sooner, as constipation can become serious quickly for them. If your kitten hasn’t pooped in 24 hours, it’s time to call the vet.
Seek immediate veterinary care if your cat is showing signs of obstipation, a severe form of constipation. Symptoms of obstipation include:
- Severe straining
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
Home remedies (use with caution and vet approval)
With your vet’s okay, you can try these home remedies:
- Encourage hydration: Make sure your cat has access to fresh water at all times. A pet water fountain can encourage drinking, and wet food can also increase water intake.
- Add fiber: A teaspoon or two of canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling!) can add fiber to your cat’s diet and help get things moving.
- Keep the litter box clean: Scoop the litter box daily and change the litter regularly. It’s a good idea to provide multiple litter boxes — one per cat plus one extra.
Veterinary interventions
If home remedies aren’t enough, your veterinarian may recommend:
- Diagnostic tests: X-rays and other tests can determine the cause of the constipation.
- Enemas: Enemas can help soften and remove impacted stool.
- Prescription laxatives: These can help promote bowel movements.
- Manual extraction: In severe cases, a veterinarian may need to manually remove the impacted stool.
Putting It All Together
Regular bowel movements are essential for a cat’s health and well-being. As a loving cat owner, it’s important to monitor your cat’s litter box habits and be alert for any signs of constipation.
If you’re worried about how often your cat is pooping, the best thing to do is talk with your veterinarian.
You can also support your cat’s digestive health by making sure they have access to plenty of fresh water, feeding them a high-quality diet, and keeping their litter box clean and accessible. Regular grooming can also help prevent hairballs, which can contribute to constipation. Finally, try to keep your cat’s environment as stress-free as possible.
If you notice your cat is constipated, contact your vet right away. Early intervention can help prevent more serious health problems.