My cat had colitis and hasn't pooped. Is she constipated? What to do?

It is very common for a cat to not have any bowel movement for a couple of days after having diarrhea because it takes time for stool to build up again in the colon after an episode of diarrhea. I would be concerned if she is straining to defecate without producing any stool, vomiting or not eating. If everything seems normal other than the lack of stool production, then I would just give it a little more time. My guess is that she will pass some stool tonight or tomorrow. If she has not passed stool by tomorrow night, I would have her examined on Friday before going into the weekend. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi there. After an episode of diarrhea, it's common for a cat to not poop for a day or two, since it takes time for the intestine to fill up again with solid stool. So if she's acting normal otherwise (eating and drinking, not vomiting, active, etc.), I wouldn't be concerned - she'll poop when she's ready :)

I would not be overly worried about her not producing stools just yet. The metronidazole and the buprenorphine can both cause a decrease in gastric motility but moreso the buprenorphine. If she is still on the buprenorphine I would discontinue it unless you feel like she is still in a lot of pain. If she will eat it, you can offer her some canned pumpkin as that may help stimulate her GI tract. Pure canned pumpkin, not pie filling. About one teaspoon 2-3 times per day. I would also recommend you start her on a probiotic - one made for cats, not humans. I like this one but any one made for cats is fine. ( https://www.amazon.com/Purina-Veterinary-Fortiflora-Nutritional-Supplement/dp/B001650OE0 ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.

It could be either one - he may not have much in his colon that needs to come out or he may be constipated. Sounds more like he doesn't have enough to go because usually when they are constipated they spend a lot of time in the litter box straining. I suggest you get him back on some cat food as soon as you can. I know you are transitioning back and we usually tell clients to do that over a week's time but I would try to shorten that to 5 days. One of the best ways to help constipation is to increase water intake. Ways to do this: apply chicken broth over the food or feeding canned food only (not dry). You can also try feeding more fiber in the way of canned pumpkin. Most cats will readily eat this: 1/4 teaspoon up to twice a day. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Hello, sorry to hear about CJ. If she is straining to defecate then she may just be constipated and thats unlikely make you lose her over night. Continue to offer her water and pedialyte if you have any. You don't need to give her any pumpkin still, but you can give her 1/4 teaspoon if miralax once if she is straining to defecate. If she is not straining to defecate, then she could have something else going on with her and she should wait to see her veterinarian tomorrow or sooner if you're able to find a ride. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Mieko. Anesthesia will slow digestion down so it is common for a cat not to have a bowel movement for a period of time. Once her appetite is back to normal, she should have a bowel movement within a day or two. Encourage her to drink plenty of water as this will soften the stool. If she is straining in the box to defecate, then she will need to see her veterinarian. Otherwise, she should be back to normal soon. I hope this information helps!

Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Episodes of constipation are not uncommon in cats. Be sure you are feeding Rey a diet that is high in fiber. 3-5% fiber is recommended. You can also supplement with plain canned pumpkin (not the pie filling) in her food daily. A little extra fiber goes a long way and will help pass her stool more easily. I would also recommend a fecal test be done at your veterinarian on Rey to rule out parasites as a potential cause of the constipation. I hope this helps and best wishes to you and Rey!