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My newly adopted cat has diarrhea then no poop. Is this normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 4 years and 10 months old | 8 lbs

5 yo shelter cat just adopted a week ago first had 2.5 days or diarrhea followed by 36 hrs of not passing any stools. i have been trying a few diff foods to see what she liked and only started with 1 consistently in last 3 days. I have been feeding only wet food, high quality grain free. she has refused dry food since i got her. does this sound like normal response to new food/ home? how long w/o passing stool is dangerous? any brand/ food suggestions to help her moving forward? thanks

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Susan England-Foster

Answered By Susan England-Foster

Veterinarian

Published on November 14th, 2017

IT is possible that Myrtle is not passing stool is secondary to the diarrhea. Sometimes after a few days of diarrhea it will take a few days for fecal material to build back up in the colon and produce a normal bowel movement. I would not be concerned if Myrtle does not defecate for a few days as long as she is eating and playing. Typically I would recommend picking 1 food and sticking with it. switching foods can cause diarrhea/soft stool. Some cats are picker than other about the food or dry vs wet. I would recommend feeding whatever you find Myrtle likes to eat. hope that helps
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