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My cat hasn't pooped 3 days after spay surgery. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Female | spayed | 2 years and 11 months old | 8.7 lbs

My female cat had recently gotten spayed 3 days ago. She’s currently on Onsior pain meds & she hasn’t pooped since before surgery. She’s urinated and has been eating and drinking fine. Should I keep waiting?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 5th, 2020

It can take 2-5 days for a cat to poop post surgery. It’s because their gut goes through a bout of ileus (slow moving intestines). As long as she is eating well and everything else is ok, she will likely go within the next few days. You can offer her canned food instead of dry to help here as well as 1 tsp of canned pumpkin (if tolerated). I would recommend making sure she is hydrated and if she seems dehydrated at all, it’s best to have your vet give her some fluids to help stimulate her gut. Symptoms of dehydration are dry/tacky gums or slow skin tenting recoil. Visit YouTube.com for tips on how to check hydration if you still have questions. I hope that your pet Koda goes #2 soon! Best wishes and take care.

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2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding Koda. Anesthesia will slow down gastrointestinal transit times. So it is common for her not to have a bowel movement several days after surgery. If she is straining to defecate or does not go soon though, I recommend contacting her veterinarian. If she is eating, she should need to go. I hope this information helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 23rd, 2018

    As long as she is eating well and the wound does not look red, painful or infected I would not be overly concerned. A probiotic/fiber supplement such as fortiflora or canned pumpkin can help to rebalance the bowel and promote normal functions

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 20th, 2019

    It can be depending on the drugs she was given, plus Lulu would have been fasted before surgery. Give it another 24 hours, and if she hasn't pooped by then, I would have her seen by a vet. Best of luck.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 12th, 2018

    This would not be uncommon, small frequent meals can help to promote bowel movement. Urinations can often take 12-24hours after anaesthesia as the bladder often empties during surgery. Stools can often take 24-48hours, any longer should be checked by your vet

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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