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My cat is straining, vomiting, and constipated. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 8 years old | 13 lbs

My cat is constpated. Stool right there but straining without results. Vomited twice from straining. Had good BM yesterday. Gave oil goo from pet store.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on February 22nd, 2018

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!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 10th, 2017
It seems that Jinx is having bladder inflammation and is continually getting blocked. I'm very sorry to see that this is happening again, but it's recommended that he go back to the vet office again for treatment. Blocked cats can become very ill and have life-threatening complications, so it's important to make sure that he gets unblocked as soon as possible. Considering that this keeps occurring, he may need further treatment and monitoring. I would ask about this when you see the vet.

I hope that helps and Jinx gets better soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 20th, 2020
Hello, sorry to hear about Bruno. Given that he is a male and that he was seen trying to go to the bathroom without any success, instead of being constipated, I would be more concerned that he has a urinary obstruction. Male cats in particular can become obstructed from inflammation in their lower urinary tract that has been associated with stress, UTI, bladder stones, and even crystals. If he does have a urinary obstruction this is a medical emergency and I would recommend having him evaluated immediately.

There is a chance he could be constipated instead which would be less worrisome, but these are difficult to differentiate without a physical examination. Please have Bruno seen immediately. Hope this helps and best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Christie Long, DVM
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on April 17th, 2017
I suspect very strongly that your cat is not actually constipated, but is instead experiencing a urethral blockage. This is a fairly common condition in male cats, but it is an emergency and he needs to be seen immediately, as being unable to urinate is a serious and life-threatening situation. The veterinarian will have to anesthetize him and then pass a urinary catheter to relieve the blockage, which is most likely due to severe inflammation in the urethra. Please take him in immediately for care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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