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My cat is straining in the litter box, is it constipation?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Bobtail | Male | neutered | 4 years and 11 months old | 16 lbs

My cats is having trouble pooping

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on May 2nd, 2020

I'm sorry to hear that Gizmo is having some trouble! Before worrying about his pooping, first make sure that he is urinating normally. Male cats can develop urethral obstructions (blockages) that can prevent them from peeing. This is a life-threatening emergency that needs immediate treatment. Many cats with these blockages strain in the litter box and it can make it look like they're having trouble pooping. If Gizmo is urinating normally, it's possible that he's constipated. Be sure that he is drinking plenty of water. Adding water to canned food is a great way to get him to drink more. Also adding some canned pumpkin to his diet can increase his fiber intake, which can help him to poop. If he's gone 3 or more days without a bowel movement, Gizmo needs to go to the vet for further evaluation, as medications or an enema may be needed. I hope this helps and that all goes well!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 13th, 2017

    If you are not positive your kitty is urinating then this would be an emergency situation. Often owners think a cat is constipated when it goes to the litterbox and strains, but in some cases a cat actually has a urinary blockage which is considered a medical emergency. If you feel it is possible your cat isn't urinating then seek emergency care now. If you are positive he is urinating, then a vet visit tomorrow to treat the constipation is needed (unless your cat is so painful he cannot sleep tonight). We sometimes will try over the counter hairball laxative ( such as laxatone) for mild constipation, but if your cat is straining this much, it is likely a prescription strength laxative along with an enema and fluids may be needed to treat him.

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on January 12th, 2020

    Aaron should be seen tonight. He may have a partial urinary obstruction which is serious, but if he obstructs completely, it could be deadly. If he is urinating, but is straining to defecate, he could be severely constipated. Either condition should be addressed promptly to avoid discomfort or worse.

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    Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 1st, 2018

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding Charlotte. If she is straining to defecate, she could be constipated like you mentioned. She could also be straining as a result of diarrhea. A few drops of liquid stool come out and the cat still feels to the need to go more resulting in the straining. Check her litterbox thoroughly. With constipation, you may notice small very hard dry feces. With diarrhea you could see liquid piles of stool or just drops. Some cats are unable to make it to the box so there may be evidence elsewhere in the house. While it is not common in females, if she is unable to urinate, this is an emergency and she will be seen tonight. Look for urine in the box. If you see bloody drops of urine around the house, then she is likely straining to urinate. I hope this information helps!

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