My cat has constipation. When is it an emergency vet visit?

Poor Eddie! Before doing anything else, make sure that Eddie is urinating normal volumes in the litter box without straining. Urinary obstructions in male cats can easily be mistaken for constipation because these cats will strain in the litter box, go in and out of the litter box, vomit, and sometimes vocalize. It is extremely important to assure that he is urinating normally without straining because urinary obstructions are a life-threatening situation that require emergency veterinary attention. If Eddie is urinating appropriately and does not have a bowel movement at home tonight, you should take him to the vet in the morning. The vet will be able to examine him and may need to take abdominal x-rays to determine the degree of constipation or stool impaction. Based upon those results, the vet may need to perform an enema or provide Eddie with prescription-based stool softeners. I hope this helps and that all goes well!

A cat can go up to 48 hours without pooping, meaning anything past 48 hrs is a cause for concern, especially if you see your pet straining to defecate and nothing coming out. Ideally every pet should have a bowel movement daily, however there can be some slight variations here depending on the GI transit time and diet. I would monitor for signs of straining and also vomiting, lethargy or lack of appetite which means that kitty should be seen for constipation/obstipation. There are also medications and supplements available through your vet (i.e. Laxatone or Lactulose) that can help keep the GI track moving along if this becomes a chronic issue. Also fiber supplementation can be discussed with your vet.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Bucky! If Bucky hasn't defecated in 2 days and is vomiting and/pr straining he needs to see Vet for an exam, belly X-ray and likely an enema. Constipation is a symptom of something else. In older cats constipation tends to be secondary to kidney disease or intestinal disease. Your Vet may also want to do blood work. he likely will have to be on Miralax, or a stool softener long term. I hope this helps and I wish Bucky a speedy recovery!

I'm sorry to hear that Gizmo is having some trouble! Before worrying about his pooping, first make sure that he is urinating normally. Male cats can develop urethral obstructions (blockages) that can prevent them from peeing. This is a life-threatening emergency that needs immediate treatment. Many cats with these blockages strain in the litter box and it can make it look like they're having trouble pooping. If Gizmo is urinating normally, it's possible that he's constipated. Be sure that he is drinking plenty of water. Adding water to canned food is a great way to get him to drink more. Also adding some canned pumpkin to his diet can increase his fiber intake, which can help him to poop. If he's gone 3 or more days without a bowel movement, Gizmo needs to go to the vet for further evaluation, as medications or an enema may be needed. I hope this helps and that all goes well!

Hi there. If snowball is having stool that firm and is having a hard time going to the bathroom, it's time for a trip to the vet for further diagnostics and likely an iv with fluids so that she can get rehydrated. They can also give her a sanitary shave to remove the excess hair back there that's getting matted. My best to you both!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Butter. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian now. The longer she goes without defecating, the more serious it can become. She may need fluids under her skin to provide her with more hydration. If the problem is severe enough, then an enema will be necessary. I hope this information helps!

That's a good question. If she continues to eat and drink with no signs of vomiting, acting lethargic or very tired, then you can likely wait until Monday. If you see signs of blood in the stool or she starts straining defecate without passing any stool, then I would take her to an emergency veterinarian.