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My cat hasn't pooped after dental work. Is this normal recovery?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Female | spayed | 10 years and 3 months old | 6.1 lbs

Hello, my cat just had some dental work done on Wednesday this week, and she's been recovering on a wet food diet and her medication. She's taking 0.7mls of Antirobe (clindamycin) every 12 hours, and Metacam every morning for the last 3, though she's finished those syringes now. She hasn't pooped since she got home, and I'm a bit worries. Typically she'll poop every other day. She does not seem to be in any sort of pain and returned to her regular personality by late in the day on Thursday.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Ana M, DVM

Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 21st, 2018

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!
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