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My cat isn't pooping after stomach bug & bland diet. Is he constipated?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Male | unneutered | 3 months and 17 days old

My cat hasn't pooped in the past two days. He's been on a bland diet of boiled chicken (transitioning back now) and a medicine called Scourban to treat a stomach bug which caused him to vomit and have diarrhoea. He doesn't seem dehydrated, pees and acts normally. He hasn't shown abdominal pain, he has flatuated and hasn't strained to defecate - just doesn't go to poo altogether. Could he be constipated or is there not enough in there for him to go?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 25th, 2017

It could be either one - he may not have much in his colon that needs to come out or he may be constipated. Sounds more like he doesn't have enough to go because usually when they are constipated they spend a lot of time in the litter box straining. I suggest you get him back on some cat food as soon as you can. I know you are transitioning back and we usually tell clients to do that over a week's time but I would try to shorten that to 5 days. One of the best ways to help constipation is to increase water intake. Ways to do this: apply chicken broth over the food or feeding canned food only (not dry). You can also try feeding more fiber in the way of canned pumpkin. Most cats will readily eat this: 1/4 teaspoon up to twice a day. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 24th, 2017

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It looks like Scourban is an anti-diarrheal product. If Theodore had diarrhea and was given this product, it is likely the medication is doing its job. This entails absorbing more water and slowing down the GI tract. In turn this causes the pet not to have a bowel movement. If Theodore is eating and drinking well, I would be concerned if there was no bowel movement after 48 hours. Good luck and kisses to Theodore!

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