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Why hasn't my 3-week-old kitten pooped in 2 days? Is she constipated?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Female

I haves 3 week old kitten who has not pooped in 2 days. She's drinking milk fine and is very active can she be constipated?

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian

Published on March 24th, 2018

MIracle is REALLY cute! You could check to see if she is dehydrated by pinching up the skin between her shoulder blades. If it is slow to go back to normal then she is dehydrated which could be contributing to the lack of feces. I would have your vet take a look at her if she is dehydrated so they can give her a little fluids if needed. If she is well hydrated then I would continue to feed her every 3 hours and be sure to use a warm wet cloth at every meal to rub around her anus. This will help to stimulate her bowel movements. If she still hasn't pooped within the next 24-36 hours then I would have your vet look at her. With her being so small, I don't want to give her a bunch of stuff over the counter as they can be quite sensitive. I hope this helps!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 23rd, 2020

    Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Moon. She is so cute! It may be she is constipated and that can be caused by her kitten formula being too concentrated. Add a little bit of extra water to her formula to see if that helps. If it does not, then you will need to take her into the vet in the morning to get this treated as she has gone a while without pooping. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Christie Long, DVM

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on June 2nd, 2018

    You'll have to stimulate them to poop as their mother would do if they weren't orphaned. This means getting a soft rag and making it wet with warm water, then gently rubbing the genitals until they poop. Do this after they are fed. You should know that formula notoriously causes constipation, so be diligent and if they are not pooping after 24 hours, take them in for care.

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on August 13th, 2019

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! He is likely going to improve on his own in a bit. He may be a bit constipated. You can add a bit of canned pumpkin to his formula which will add fiber and likely help with constipation. Best of luck!

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