TL;DR: Feline constipation occurs when a cat has not had a bowel movement for three days and requires immediate veterinary attention if it is accompanied by straining, vomiting, or lethargy.
What is feline constipation and how does it progress?
When a cat has not had a bowel movement for three days, they are experiencing feline constipation. This occurs when waste remains in the colon for too long, losing moisture and becoming hard and painful to pass. If left untreated, this can progress to obstipation, where the cat is physically unable to empty their bowels, potentially leading to permanent damage to the colon.
How urgent is it if my cat has not had a bowel movement in 72 hours?
- A cat not pooping for 72 hours is considered a high-priority situation that can quickly escalate into a life-threatening blockage or megacolon.
- You must seek emergency veterinary care immediately if your cat is also vomiting, refusing food, or straining excessively in the litter box.
How does providing a photo of my cat assist the veterinary triage process?
- A photo of your cat's posture while in the litter box helps a veterinarian distinguish between a digestive blockage and a life-threatening urinary emergency.
- Providing a photo of any small, hard, or bloody waste allows the clinical team to assess the level of dehydration and irritation in the intestinal tract.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Constipation in cats is characterized by tenesmus and the passage of firm, dry feces; if the passage of feces is hindered by an enlarged prostate or sublumbar lymph nodes, the feces may appear thin or "ribbon-like". Abdominal palpation and rectal examination can confirm the presence of large volumes of retained fecal matter. Affected animals may exhibit lethargy, depression, anorexia, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. Diagnosis is confirmed through history and physical evidence of retained feces. Diagnostic evaluation may include abdominal radiographs to identify inciting factors or fecal content, and a barium enema, ultrasonography, or colonoscopy to identify obstructive lesions. A CBC, biochemical profile (including serum T4), urinalysis, and detailed neurologic examination are indicated in chronic or recurring cases. Mild constipation can be managed with dietary adjustments (avoidance of dietary indiscretion, ready access to water, and high-fiber diets) and suppository laxatives. Phosphate-containing enemas should be avoided in cats. If enemas are unsuccessful, manual extraction of impacted feces under anesthesia may be necessary, with concurrent correction of fluid and electrolyte abnormalities. Continued or long-term use of laxatives should be discouraged unless absolutely necessary.
Chapter: Gastroenterology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 381)