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My senior cat is constipated and not drinking water. What can I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Longhair | Female | spayed | 17 lbs

I have an older cat 15 years old female and drinking less than normal water that I change daily and constipated and have switched to dry food with no grains and one small can of wet per day. Looking for constipation solution when more water not an option.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By David Darvishian

Veterinarian

Published on September 13th, 2017

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Gracie. I would advise that you have Gracie evaluated by your veterinarian due to her age and the fact that she is drinking less and is having problems passing stools. This could be something more serious than just getting her stools back to normal. Your veterinarian can evaluate her after getting a thorough history. They can then advise some tests fecal/blood/urine tests, and possibly some x-rays to assess the degree of constipation. Some cats have to be placed under anesthesia to relieve the impaction/obstipation of their colon. These cats commonly have what is called megacolon but we don't know that in Gracie's case. It could be something else causing it. Remember wet food has a very high water content and that would be better for getting more fluid into her at this point if you can't get her to the vet right away. You can also try Miralax or the generic over the counter to see if you can get her bowels moving again. For a cat I would give about 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon of the Miralax mixed with the wet food. This has become a very good tool to use for pets having temporary or chronic elimination problems. Canned pumpkin also works well but I would try the Miralax first. Again, it's best to have her seen by her veterinarian due to her age and what is going on. Good luck with Gracie.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on February 27th, 2019

    Increase water consumption if possible. This can be accomplished by feeding canned food or by mixing in water or unflavored PediaLyte to the meals. You can also add a teaspoon of plain, canned pumpkin (NOT pie filling) to the meals once or twice daily. Have your cat examined by your vet if she develops lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain or if she continues to strain to defecate.

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