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My 8-week-old kitten isn't pooping. Is this normal for a new kitten?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

How often should an 8 week old kitten be pooping, urinating and eating. I got the kitten yesterday and it eats, plays and urinates in the litter box but it wont poop. I feed it wet food and mix some water to hep get some water into its system because it doesnt drink water when i put it in a bowl but i still put the bowl nest to the food bowl. This morning i saw some poop on its bottom but i checked the litter box and saw nothin and checked everywhere else. What do i do and is the kitten alright?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By David Darvishian

Veterinarian

Published on August 6th, 2017

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You should offer a small amount of food about 3-4 times daily and in really small kittens, every few hours might be needed. Eliminations and the frequency thereof, are dependent on many things depending on food intake, type of food, water intake etc. As long as she is not straining and trying to poop, it could be up to another 24-36 hours. She is getting accustomed to her new and that is probably slowing up the fecal elimination process. Again, no straining to have a bowel movement usually means that everything is ok, especially if the kitten is eating and drinking normally. Just keep monitoring for a bowel movement and monitor behavior, appetite, etc. If things change and you are unsure have your veterinarian evaluate the kitten. I hope everything works out ok.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Oneal Bogan, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 30th, 2019

    Hi there. No, kittens should defecate 1-2 times/day. Is your kitten acting normally otherwise? I would monitor closely for any appetite change, vomiting, lethargy. If you note any of that, combine with lack of defecation, I would recommend having a vet check. I hope that helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 7th, 2017

    As long as he is acting ok, eating normally, and not straining to defecate then you can monitor him. Maybe he just didn't need to go or he may have possibly gone outside of the litter box somewhere. Adding an additional litter box is a good idea. You could also add a teaspoon of canned pumpkin to his food to increase the amount of fiber he is getting. If you notice any abnormal signs then have your vet take a look at him to make sure he is not constipated. Also, make sure to feed him a high quality cat food with plenty of fresh water to drink. Good luck with your kitten!

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    Answered By Dr. Davis

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 6th, 2017

    As long as your kitten isn't straining to poop you can wait a day. You can also take a warm cloth to wipe under the tail to stimulate it to go. Having another box with a different litter may help and that may show you which kind the kitten prefers. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you get answers to your veterinary questions.

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