Why is my old cat constipated and vomiting? What should I do?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Maine Coon Polydactyl | Female | unspayed | 15 years old | 10 lbs
Iris isn't pooping often. Also vomits a couple times a week. The vomiting has been going on for years. She had a good visit at the vet last year. She is old and thin but doesn't act like anything is wrong. Could she be pooping in a secret place? I gave her Miralax which worked. But still not regular poop showing in the litter box.
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on January 11th, 2020
Cats should have a bowel movement roughly twice a day. When they don't, that generally means there is a problem. Sometimes this can be a sign of an inappropriate diet, not enough water intake, a neurological issue or a tumor blocking the intestines. Since she is older and it sounds like it's been a year, I recommend to start with a veterinary visit. Bring in a fresh sample of stool so the vet can check it. Make sure to speak with the veterinarian about food options as well. Increasing the amount of fiber in the diet can often help as can feeding a canned food with additional water added. There is also a special prescription diet made by Royal Canin called Fiber Response that many cats respond well to. Older cats often need more care (just like older humans) so have her examined within the next day or so. I hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on October 4th, 2017
If you want to increase the fiber in his diet then you could add a tablespoon of canned pumpkin to his food and see if that helps. If he is always hungry and is drinking a lot then he should also be examined by a vet to determine the cause. Hyperthyroidism is common in older cats and caused increased appetite and water consumption. Your vet could check his thyroid level to make sure it isn't elevated.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on November 16th, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If you are unable to afford medications or supplements you could try adding 1 teaspoon of canned pumpkin to her meals which may help with constipation and also to regulate her stools. Good luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on April 25th, 2019
Hello. You do need to try & get more liquids into your cat the best you can. This includes switching to a wet or canned diet, or one of the fiber responsive diets made by Royal Canin. Offering additional liquids such as beef/chicken broths or stocks & tuna water will also help. I would also add 1/8 teaspoon Miralax to her food twice a day. You can slowly, over a week or so, increase this to 1/4 teaspoon per meal. If this does not work to help soften her stool, then medical management with stool softeners like lactulose, & possibly using intestinal motility modifiers like cisapride may be necessary. But you will need to work with a vet to go this route. Try my suggestions for a few weeks & hopefully you can make things more comfortable for Baby. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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