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My cat strains to poop, but it's runny. What home remedy helps?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 1 year and 4 months old | 8 lbs

My Güero seems to be constipated. He goes to the box and tries, but very little comes out, and what does is runny. He is not in pain, doesn't show signs of abdominal discomfort. He still eats -- a lot (canned food, Friskies shreds), is not vomiting, he isn't lethargic. He does drink water, but likely not enough, at least not as much as what would help him. He hàs an appointment with the vet on the 30th. What can I give him to help until then? I have some soluble fiber. How much can I give him?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on December 19th, 2020

It actually sounds like Guero has diarrhea, not constipation. If he was constipated, then the poop would be hard not runny. When a cat has diarrhea, they strain to poop, and it appears like they are constipation because nothing is coming out. This happens when humans have diarrhea. They feel the urge to go, often straining, but little comes out at times. I do not recommend the the fiber, I can give you a home remedy for his diarrhea. Feed him a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in his normal diet. If the diarrhea continues on the bland diet, he vomits the bland diet, he refuses to eat the bland diet, stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or becomes very lethargic, he will need to see a vet right away. Best of luck.

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2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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