My 6-week-old kitten has a hard belly and isn't pooping. Is it urgent?

Question

Just got a 6 week old kitten from a friend who found her as a stray. She ate about half a cup of moist kitten kibble last night, and now her belly feels very round and hard. I tried to stimulate her to poop several times in the last 24 hours but she won't. She seems a bit lethargic, and hasn't really played or anything yet, she just sleeps a lot. I'm afraid she has a birth defect that prevents her from defecating. Is this urgent? I have had her for almost 36 hours now. Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | unspayed | 1lb

Jenny, DVM · Accepted Answer

At that age they should not need to be stimulated to go to the bathroom. Have you tried placing her in a litter box to see what she does by herself? If there is nothing then I would have her checked, sometimes passing a fecal loop or a thermometer can remove some and help stimulate them more. if the stool is dry then thenvrt may want to add a stool softener. I would get her seen sooner since she is not eating well and not playing.

My 6-week-old kitten has a hard belly and isn't pooping. Is it urgent?

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