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My cat hasn't pooped in days, vet says she's not constipated. Why?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 4 years and 7 months old | 11 lbs

My cat hasn’t pooped in about 2-3 days, took her to the vet and he did a physical examination and said she wasn’t constipated. Why hasn’t she gone then?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 29th, 2019

She may not be eating enough or she may be pooping around your house instead of the box. Have you monitored her food intake? I suggest you feed her some human baby foods (meat flavors, organic is recommended) or canned pumpkin if she will eat it. That extra fiber may help increase her stool production. Give it a few more days and if still nothing, you should take her back to the vet for a follow-up.

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 26th, 2019

    Hi, and thanks for your question. Mild constipation that lasts no more than two days can usually be resolved at home with increased fiber and hydration. Canned pumpkin (not pie filling, just the straight-up pumpkin) or liquid paraffin can be used, and should work straight away in the following 8 hours from administration. DO NOT TRY to give an enema as it could be dangerous and cause electrolyte imbalances and colon perforation. If constipation lasts more than 24 hours from administration of those or 48 hours in general, a check up at your local vet is required. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 11th, 2019

    Mild constipation that lasts no more than two days (in your case you can try anyway) can usually be resolved at home with increased fiber and hydration. Canned pumpkin (not pie filling, just the straight-up pumpkin) or liquid paraffin can be used, and should work straight away in the following 8 hours from administration. DO NOT TRY to give an enema as it could be dangerous and cause electrolyte imbalances and colon perforation. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 19th, 2017

    Poor Shade! I would try mixing in a teaspoon of canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) in with her food to see if that helps her pass feces. Also add water to her food, as dehydration is the number one cause of constipation in cats. I would start searching for a new vet now because if she hasn't pooped in 24 hours after trying the things I suggested, she will need to see a vet for further treatment to get her to poop. Good luck, I hope this helps!

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