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My new 5-month-old kitten isn't pooping. Could he be constipated?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | unneutered | 1 month and 19 days old

How often should a 5 month old kitten poop? We just got him from the local shelter yesterday around 5pm, and he used the restroom around 2 times. He keeps moving his litter and squatting, turning around and doing it again. Most of the time, nothing happens though. Today, he hasn't pooped or peed at all, (that I've seen), I haven't noticed anything in the box, and he's eaten out of his dish 3 times today.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Veterinarian

Published on June 29th, 2018

Young kittens will normally toilet frequently, often up to 6 times a day but I would be very concerned by repeated trips to the tray without producing anything as this may indicate an obstruction or severe spasm and inflammation which is quite common in cats and can be triggered by stressful events such as moving house. I recommend an urgent vet check to determine if he is constipated or bladder pain and to prescribe the most appropriate treatment and ongoing management to prevent recurrence. In the meantime I would try to encourage fluids with flavoured water (freshly boiled chicken broth or a little cod liver oil on the water bowl) and provide wet food to maximise fluid intake which can help soften stool and flush the bladder

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 19th, 2017

    Change of food could be the cause, any change should be made very gradually. If your kitten is very distressed struggling to pass I would see the vet asap. If it seems comfortable you could wait and its gut may settle but if there's no poo by tomorrow see the vet.

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