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My 5-week-old rescued kitten is constipated. What can I do to help?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 1 month and 4 days old

5 week old orphaned kitten peeing but not pooping. I tried rubbing his butt but he didnt poop. He have good appetite. And also active. Its been 4 days since i rescued him. What should i do?

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on September 2nd, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Roxzy is adorable! What are you feeding him? At 5 weeks I would be sure he is eating canned kitten food (or dry if he can) and that you aren't still giving him kitten formula. Formula can be very constipating. If you are feeding him kitten food then he may need another day or 2 to get comfortable in his new environment to have a bowel movement. Get him on canned kitten food otherwise. If he still hasn't pooped by Monday night he should be seen by a vet Tuesday. Sooner if he becomes lethargic and stops eating. Constipation can be serious in young animals. Good luck!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 8th, 2019

    Constipation can happen with bottle feeding milk replacer. I suggest mixing in 25 percent more water with the formula than what it calls for. If you are already feeding a liquid formula just add extra water to it. You can also use an electrolyte solution made for human babies (like pedialyte) in place of the water. This reference may help you more: ( https://www.maddiesfund.org/assets/documents/Institute/Orphaned%20Kittens%20Common%20Feeding%20Issues%20and%20Solutions.pdf ) A vet visit is always recommended as neonates are very fragile so it's not a good idea to let things go too long without proper treatment. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 25th, 2018

    I would try diluting Gizzy's formula with a bit more water to see if that helps with her constipation. Just add a little bit extra at a time because if you dilute it too much, that can lead to diarrhea. If that doesn't help, then I would make an appointment to have her seen by the vet. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 11th, 2017

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Constipation is common in bottle fed kittens. I recommend trying a different milk replacer. Use 1/2 the old and 1/2 new. Some milk replacer cause diarrhea while others cause constipation. Add more water to the old milk replacer until you can get out to buy the new one. If you are still struggling the kitten may need an enema by a Vet. I recommend weaning bottle fed kittens as early as 3-4 weeks of age due to this issue. I hope this helps and good luck!

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