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My 4-week-old kitten hasn't pooped in days. Should I be concerned?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed

hello, i have a 4 week old kitten and she hasnt pooped yet. should i be worried?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 15th, 2019

I am not sure how many days she has gone without having a bowel movement. But if she is attempting to poop and straining, then she should see a vet immediately for an enema to help her go and then treatment for long term care. However, if she is not straining and it has been less than 3-4 days since she has pooped, give her time to adjust to whatever new things may be going on around her. Offer her food (Canned food is best @ this age or kitten formula if she has not transitioned yet) like normal and monitor her the next few days to see if she finally goes. Cats are notorious for holding their bowels when they are recently adopted, move, or there's a new introduction to the home.

And finally, if you are seeing any other symptoms such as vomiting, decreased appetite, or straining, then Olly should be seen by your vet right away. You can try stimulating her to go as well by using a warm wet cloth.

I hope that your furry friend Olly is able to have a bowel movement soon! Best wishes and take care. : )

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on December 25th, 2016
I would take Teddy into a vet immediately. It's quite serious that she can't poop, and given that the home remedies you have tried aren't working, she needs medical treatment right away. The vet can give her a laxative or an enema to help her pass feces, and can diagnose the cause of the constipation. Please take her into a vet now.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Rebecca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 20th, 2017
Emrys needs to be eating kitten food (canned or dry food soaked with formula) and kitten milk replacer. If she isn't on milk replacer get that immediately and replace the chicken with kitten food. Once on the approriate diet she may become more regular. If she hasn't produced stools in another 24 hours, becomes bloated or not wanting to eat she should see a vet as she may need a gentle enema to get things moving along. Good luck, she's a cutie!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 22nd, 2018
My best recommendation is to have a vet evaluate her first before attempting any more remedies for constipation. This is a long time to go without defecating and could indicate that something is obstructed. The vet will be able to tell where the hold-up is and advise on the best course of action. Sometimes, they just need a quick treatment and will start to defecate normally.

It's a good sign that she is not acting sick and means that this is not an emergency. However, these cases can quickly turn into an emergency, so it's best to have your vet see Calypso within the next 24 hours.

I hope that helps and all is well with Calypso.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on April 17th, 2017
Oh no, poor Oreo! It's quite serious that she has not pooped in two days, and that requires an immediate trip to the vet. She is constipated, and likely needs a warm water enema to pass feces, which only a vet should administer. Being very constipated would cause her to vomit as well. Because young kittens are fragile, any problem with them should be considered an emergency. Please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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