Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

My cat is constipated, irritable, and won't eat. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Persian | Female

My cat is irritable since 2 days and it has constipation and I fed her vegetables to reduce constipation and she defecated but she is still irritable and today she refuses her favorite food.. can you help me??

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Jeffrey Milner

Veterinarian

Published on April 28th, 2017

Constipation in cats can definitely cause SIGNIFICANT irritability. Depending on the level of constipation it can be extremely uncomfortable and painful. If you seen your cat straining near the litter box or outside, I can assure you that she is in some level of pain. While vegetables and fibrous products can certain ease constipation at times, it also has the potential of making matters worse. She already may have a clogged up intestinal tract and by feeding her, we may just be creating more of a back up. It sounds like you may have gotten some of the feces out, but there could be quite a bit left in there. If you can get to the vet, I would recommend this as a first choice. They will be able to palpate the abdomen as well as shoot an x-ray to determine the magnitude of constipation (if that is in fact the issue). If they feel it is necessary, they can perform warm soap/water/lube rectal enemas in order to loosen the bowel contents. While this is something that can be done at home on the most well-behaved cats, it does not sound like Coca currently falls in that category! If you do not feel going to the vet is an option, certain stool softeners can be used that can be picked up at a local pharmacy such as duralax or miralax.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Sponsored