My cat is constipated with hard stool. Why isn't the laxative working?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 2 years and 11 months old | 9.2 lbs
Hello. My cat has recently not been pooping (last 48 hr) and prior to this pooped small amounts with straining (past 5 days). She also has not been peeing a lot (once a day) and the quantity keeps getting smaller. The only time she goes to the litter box is if I take her there myself and insist on her going. The vet took an xray and said her bladder was ok, but she has large amounts of hardened stool. We got a laxative but so far nothing. Her appetite and behavior is normal. Thanks for the help!
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on July 21st, 2019
I am sorry to hear about your kitty Kiko! Oftentimes if the oral laxative is not helping pass the stool, she may require more aggressive treatment at the vet's office such as a stay for a period of time to get IV fluids to help rehydrate her, an enema and in some cases sedation to manually empty the bowel https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951509 . I would recommend calling your vet to get Kiko back in for a recheck examination.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on September 3rd, 2017
HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If Yakka received an enema yesterday she may have been completely emptied out and not have enough stool to have a bowel movement yet. If she is eating and acting normally I would want to see a bowl movement by tomorrow. The goal of the liquid stool softener is softer than normal but not diarrhea. I would want you to call your Vet Tuesday if she still hasn't had a bowel movement. I hope this helps! I wish you and Yakka the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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