Why is my old cat constipated? 9 causes and how to help

You notice your senior cat spending more time in the litter box than usual. She crouches, strains, and sometimes cries out, but nothing comes. Or maybe you have noticed that the litter box, once reliably soiled every day, has been suspiciously clean for the past two or three days. Perhaps when she does finally go, the stool is small, hard, and dry, like little pebbles instead of the normal formed logs you are used to scooping.

Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal problems in senior cats, and it tends to worsen with age. While an occasional bout of constipation might resolve on its own, chronic or recurring constipation in an older cat is not something to brush off. Left untreated, it can progress to obstipation, a severe and potentially life-threatening condition where the colon becomes so impacted with hard, dry stool that the cat cannot pass it at all, even with straining.

This guide will help you understand why your old cat is constipated, what the underlying causes might be, when it becomes an emergency, and what you can do to help your aging cat find relief and stay regular.

What counts as constipation in cats?

Before we explore the causes, it helps to understand what normal looks like. A healthy cat typically has a bowel movement once or twice a day. The stool should be well-formed, moist enough to hold its shape, and a deep brown color. It should not be rock-hard or excessively dry.

Your cat may be constipated if:

• She has not had a bowel movement in more than 48 hours
• She is straining in the litter box with little or no result
• She is producing small, hard, dry stools
• She is crying or vocalizing in the litter box
• She is making frequent trips to the litter box without producing stool
• You notice small amounts of liquid stool or mucus, which can paradoxically seep around a hard impaction
• She seems uncomfortable, restless, or reluctant to sit down
• She has lost her appetite or seems nauseous

It is important to distinguish straining to defecate from straining to urinate. Both involve crouching and straining in the litter box, but urinary obstruction, especially in male cats, is a life-threatening emergency. If you are not sure whether your cat is trying to poop or pee, or if your cat is straining with absolutely no output of any kind, treat it as an emergency and contact your vet immediately.

Warning signs that need immediate veterinary attention

While mild constipation can sometimes be managed at home with your vet's guidance, certain situations require prompt veterinary care. Seek help right away if:

• Your cat has not had a bowel movement in three or more days: By this point, the stool in the colon is becoming increasingly hard and impacted, and the longer it sits, the more water the colon absorbs from it, making it even harder to pass
• Your cat is vomiting alongside constipation: Vomiting combined with inability to defecate can indicate a serious obstruction or that the backed-up stool is causing significant systemic problems
• Your cat has stopped eating: Loss of appetite alongside constipation suggests your cat is in significant discomfort or that an underlying illness is worsening
• Your cat is lethargic or seems weak: Severe constipation or obstipation can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and toxin buildup that makes cats feel systemically unwell
• Your cat is straining with no result and appears distressed: This could indicate obstipation, where manual or medical intervention is needed to remove the impacted stool
• You notice blood in the stool or around the rectum: Excessive straining can cause tears in the rectal tissue, and blood may also indicate colitis or other conditions that need treatment
• Your cat has a distended or tense abdomen: A belly that feels hard or swollen can indicate severe fecal impaction
• Your cat has a history of megacolon: Cats with this condition can deteriorate quickly and may need emergency deobstipation

Do not attempt to give your cat an enema at home unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian. Some over-the-counter enemas designed for humans contain phosphate, which is toxic to cats and can cause fatal electrolyte imbalances. Even seemingly harmless home remedies can be dangerous. Always consult your vet first.

9 common causes of constipation in senior cats

1. Dehydration

Dehydration is the single most common cause of constipation in senior cats, and it is often the starting point that leads to chronic problems. The colon's primary job is to absorb water from digested material before it is eliminated. When a cat is well-hydrated, the stool retains enough moisture to pass easily. When a cat is dehydrated, the colon absorbs more water than it should from the stool, leaving it hard, dry, and difficult to pass.

Senior cats are particularly vulnerable to dehydration for several reasons. Their thirst drive naturally decreases with age, so they may not drink enough even when water is readily available. Many senior cats have chronic kidney disease, which impairs the kidneys' ability to concentrate urine, causing them to lose more water than normal. Hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and other age-related conditions also increase water loss. Cats who eat primarily dry food get very little moisture from their diet, compounding the problem.

Signs that dehydration may be driving the constipation:

• Dry, hard stools when your cat does manage to go
• Decreased skin elasticity, when you gently tent the skin between the shoulder blades, it takes longer to snap back
• Dry or tacky gums
• Sunken eyes
• Decreased urination or more concentrated urine
• Lethargy
• Known kidney disease, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism

Addressing dehydration is the foundation of treating and preventing constipation. Switch to wet food if your cat is on dry food, as canned food is typically 75 to 80 percent water. Add water fountains to encourage drinking, since many cats prefer running water. Flavor water with a small amount of tuna juice or low-sodium chicken broth. Your vet may recommend subcutaneous fluids, which you can learn to give at home, especially if your cat has kidney disease. This simple intervention of getting more water into your cat can make a dramatic difference.

2. Chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects up to 30 percent of cats over the age of 15, and constipation is one of its common secondary effects. When the kidneys lose their ability to properly concentrate urine, the cat loses excess water through urination. Despite drinking more water to compensate, many CKD cats remain in a state of chronic mild dehydration. This chronic dehydration directly leads to harder, drier stools.

Beyond dehydration, CKD can contribute to constipation in other ways. Cats with kidney disease often have reduced appetite and eat less, meaning there is less bulk moving through the digestive system. Some medications commonly prescribed for CKD, particularly phosphate binders, can have a constipating effect. The nausea that often accompanies kidney disease can also reduce food and water intake.

Signs that kidney disease may be contributing:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Weight loss
• Decreased appetite
• Occasional vomiting
• Dull coat or decreased grooming
• Bad breath with a slightly chemical or ammonia-like odor
• Constipation that developed alongside these other symptoms

If your senior cat is constipated and showing any of the signs listed above, ask your vet to check kidney values with a blood test and urinalysis. Early-stage CKD is very manageable with dietary changes, hydration support, and medications. Managing the kidney disease effectively, particularly maintaining hydration with subcutaneous fluids, often resolves the constipation as well. Many cats with CKD live comfortably for years with proper care.

3. Megacolon

Megacolon is the most serious cause of chronic constipation in cats, and it is predominantly a disease of middle-aged and senior cats. In this condition, the muscles of the colon lose their ability to contract and push stool along. The colon becomes permanently dilated, stretched, and floppy, essentially becoming a large, baggy pouch that collects stool but cannot expel it. The result is severe, recurring constipation and obstipation.

Megacolon can develop as an end-stage consequence of long-standing, inadequately treated constipation. When the colon is chronically stretched by retained stool, the smooth muscle fibers in the colon wall eventually become damaged beyond repair. The colon loses its tone and motility, creating a vicious cycle where stool continues to accumulate in a colon that can no longer move it along.

In some cats, megacolon develops without an obvious prior history of constipation. This idiopathic form is thought to involve a primary defect in the smooth muscle of the colon wall. It is estimated that approximately 60 percent of feline megacolon cases are idiopathic.

Signs that megacolon may be the cause:

• Chronic, severe constipation that has been worsening over months
• Episodes of obstipation requiring veterinary intervention to remove impacted stool
• A visibly distended abdomen, you may even be able to feel a large, firm mass of stool through the belly wall
• Increasingly poor response to laxatives and dietary changes that used to help
• Vomiting, especially when severely backed up
• Weight loss and poor appetite
• Straining that produces only small amounts of liquid stool or mucus
• Lethargy and overall decline in wellbeing during episodes

Megacolon is diagnosed through physical examination and X-rays, which show a dramatically enlarged colon filled with stool. In early stages, it may be managed medically with aggressive hydration, stool softeners like lactulose, motility-enhancing drugs like cisapride (which stimulates colonic contractions), dietary changes, and periodic enemas or deobstipation procedures under anesthesia. However, if medical management fails and the cat continues to experience recurring obstipation, surgery may be recommended. The procedure, called a subtotal colectomy, removes the majority of the diseased colon. While it sounds drastic, cats typically do remarkably well after this surgery, with most experiencing a permanent resolution of constipation. The main side effect is soft or loose stools for several weeks to months after surgery, which usually firms up over time.

4. Arthritis and pain

Arthritis affects the majority of cats over the age of 12, and the pain it causes can lead to constipation in ways that are easy to overlook. The connection between joint pain and constipation might not seem obvious, but it is very real. Defecation requires a cat to assume a crouching posture, engage their abdominal muscles, and bear weight on their hind limbs. For a cat with painful hips, knees, or spine, this process can be agonizing.

A cat that experiences pain every time she tries to have a bowel movement may begin to delay or avoid defecation. She might approach the litter box, start to crouch, and then abandon the attempt because the posture hurts too much. Over time, stool builds up in the colon, becomes drier and harder, and is even more painful to pass, creating a cycle where pain leads to avoidance, which leads to worse constipation, which leads to more pain.

Arthritis can also affect litter box access. If the box has high sides, requires climbing stairs, or is in a location that is difficult to reach, an arthritic cat may avoid it. She might choose to hold it longer than she should, or she might defecate outside the box in a location that is easier to access.

Signs that arthritis-related pain may be contributing:

• Reluctance to jump onto furniture or climb stairs
• Stiffness when getting up from rest, especially in the morning or cold weather
• Hesitation before entering the litter box
• Not crouching fully in the litter box
• Defecating outside the litter box, particularly on flat surfaces
• Decreased activity and playfulness
• Irritability when picked up or touched in certain areas
• Reduced grooming, especially of the back and hindquarters

If arthritis is contributing to your cat's constipation, addressing the pain is essential. Your vet can prescribe appropriate pain management, which may include NSAIDs specifically approved for cats (such as meloxicam or robenacoxib), gabapentin, or other analgesics. At home, provide a litter box with low sides or a cut-out entrance so your cat does not have to step over a high wall. Place litter boxes on every floor of your home and in easily accessible locations. Consider ramps or pet stairs to help your cat reach favorite spots. A heated bed can soothe stiff joints. Many owners are amazed at how much better their cat's bowel habits become once their pain is properly managed.

5. Inadequate fiber or poor diet

Diet plays a fundamental role in stool quality and regularity, and the wrong diet can contribute significantly to constipation in senior cats. A diet that is too low in fiber may not provide enough bulk to stimulate normal colonic contractions. Conversely, too much fiber without adequate water can actually worsen constipation by creating bulky, dry stools.

Many senior cats are on specialized diets for kidney disease, diabetes, or other conditions, and some of these therapeutic diets are lower in fiber than standard maintenance foods. Cats who eat primarily dry food are getting significantly less moisture with every meal compared to cats on wet food. A cat eating dry kibble gets only about 10 percent moisture from her food, while a cat eating canned food gets 75 to 80 percent.

Reduced appetite is another dietary factor. Senior cats often eat less due to dental pain, nausea, decreased sense of smell, or simply a reduced appetite that comes with aging. Less food going in means less bulk moving through the digestive tract, which can slow colonic transit and contribute to constipation.

Signs that diet may be a factor:

• Your cat eats primarily or exclusively dry food
• Your cat has been on the same food for years without a recent dietary review
• Your cat is eating less than she used to
• The constipation began after a diet change
• Your cat is on a therapeutic diet that is low in fiber

Talk to your vet about dietary adjustments for constipation. The single most impactful change is usually switching from dry to wet food. Your vet may recommend adding a fiber supplement such as psyllium husk (unflavored, plain Metamucil) or canned pumpkin (plain, not pie filling) to your cat's food. The amount of fiber needs to be tailored to your individual cat, as too much can worsen the problem. Some cats do well on a prescription high-fiber diet. Others benefit from a more digestible diet with moderate fiber and increased moisture. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, so work with your vet to find the right balance for your cat.

6. Medications and their side effects

Several medications commonly prescribed to senior cats can cause constipation as a side effect. Since many older cats are on one or more daily medications for chronic conditions, this is an important factor to consider, especially if constipation developed or worsened after starting a new medication.

Medications that can contribute to constipation in cats include:

• Opioid pain medications: Buprenorphine and other opioids slow gastrointestinal motility, which is why constipation is one of their most common side effects
• Sucralfate: Used to protect the stomach lining, this medication can cause constipation in some cats
• Aluminum-based phosphate binders: Commonly prescribed for cats with kidney disease to reduce phosphorus levels, these can be quite constipating
• Antihistamines: Medications like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and chlorpheniramine can slow GI motility
• Diuretics: By increasing water loss through urination, diuretics can contribute to dehydration and harder stools
• Iron supplements: Known to cause constipation in both cats and humans

If you suspect a medication is contributing to your cat's constipation, do not stop any prescribed medication without consulting your vet. Instead, let your vet know about the constipation so they can weigh the benefits of the medication against its side effects and potentially adjust the dose, switch to an alternative, or add a stool softener to counteract the constipating effect. Never change your cat's medication regimen on your own.

7. Neurological conditions

The colon depends on a well-functioning nerve supply to contract rhythmically and move stool toward the rectum. Neurological conditions that affect the nerves controlling the colon can impair this motility, leading to chronic constipation. In senior cats, several neurological issues can disrupt normal colonic function.

Spinal cord disease, including intervertebral disc disease, tumors of the spine, or degenerative conditions, can compress or damage the nerves that control the colon. The pelvic nerves, which originate from the sacral spinal cord, are responsible for signaling the colon to contract. If these nerves are damaged, the colon may lose some or all of its ability to push stool through.

Previous pelvic injuries, such as a healed pelvic fracture from a fall or car accident earlier in life, can also contribute. Even old injuries that healed years ago may cause narrowing of the pelvic canal that physically restricts stool passage, or scar tissue from the healing process may have damaged the pelvic nerves.

Signs that a neurological issue may be involved:

• Constipation accompanied by hind-limb weakness, wobbliness, or changes in gait
• Decreased awareness of the need to defecate
• Urinary incontinence or difficulty urinating alongside constipation
• Decreased tail tone, the tail hangs limply rather than being held with normal posture
• History of trauma such as being hit by a car or falling from a height
• Difficulty jumping or navigating stairs
• Pain when the lower back or tail base is touched

If neurological disease is suspected, your vet will perform a thorough neurological examination and may recommend X-rays of the pelvis and spine, or advanced imaging like MRI to evaluate the spinal cord. A narrowed pelvic canal from an old fracture can sometimes be seen on plain X-rays. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Some neurological conditions can be addressed with surgery, while others are managed medically. For cats with permanent nerve damage affecting colonic motility, long-term medical management of constipation with stool softeners, prokinetic drugs, and dietary modification is often needed.

8. Hairballs and ingested foreign material

Cats are meticulous groomers, and they inevitably swallow hair during the grooming process. In most cases, swallowed hair passes harmlessly through the digestive tract and is eliminated in the stool. But in some cats, particularly long-haired breeds and senior cats who may have slowed GI motility, hair can accumulate in the colon and contribute to constipation.

When hair mixes with stool in the colon, it can create a denser, more compact mass that is harder to pass. In some cases, trichobezoars, which are large accumulations of matted hair, can form within the GI tract and act as a partial obstruction. While we typically think of hairballs as something cats vomit up, not all swallowed hair goes back up. A significant amount travels all the way through the digestive tract and can contribute to constipation, especially in cats who are already prone to slow colonic transit.

Senior cats may swallow more hair than younger cats if they have skin conditions that cause increased shedding or if they are overgrooming due to stress, pain, or itchiness. Conversely, senior cats who have stopped grooming due to arthritis or illness may develop large mats that they eventually pull at and swallow.

Signs that hair or foreign material may be contributing:

• Visible hair in the stools when your cat does manage to defecate
• Long-haired cat or a cat with excessive shedding
• History of frequent hairball vomiting
• Known overgrooming behavior
• Constipation that seems to improve with hairball remedies

Regular brushing is the best preventive measure, as removing loose hair before your cat swallows it dramatically reduces the amount passing through the GI tract. Hairball remedy gels or pastes, which are mild petroleum-based lubricants, can help swallowed hair pass through more easily. Adding fiber to the diet also helps by keeping stool moving through the colon at a steady pace so hair does not have time to accumulate. For long-haired senior cats prone to constipation, a regular grooming routine is as important as any medication.

9. Behavioral causes and litter box aversion

Sometimes constipation in senior cats has a behavioral component where the cat is actively choosing to avoid defecation. This is not stubbornness or poor litter box training. It is a cat responding rationally to a situation that has made using the litter box unpleasant, painful, or stressful.

If a cat experienced pain during a previous bowel movement, whether from constipation, anal sac problems, or colitis, she may associate the litter box itself with pain and begin avoiding it. The resulting stool retention leads to harder, drier stool, which is more painful to pass, which reinforces the avoidance behavior.

Other behavioral factors include a dirty litter box, since cats are fastidious about hygiene. A box that is not scooped frequently enough, or that has developed persistent odors, may be rejected by a cat who would otherwise use it reliably. Competition with other cats in the household can also be a factor, as some cats feel vulnerable while defecating and will avoid the box if they feel another cat might ambush them. Environmental changes such as a move, a new pet, construction in the home, or changes in the household routine can cause enough stress to disrupt normal bowel habits.

Signs that behavior may be playing a role:

• Your cat approaches the litter box but then walks away without using it
• Your cat defecates outside the box in unusual locations
• The constipation started after a change in litter type, box location, or household dynamics
• There are not enough litter boxes for the number of cats in the home
• The litter box is in a noisy, high-traffic, or difficult-to-reach location
• Your cat seems stressed or anxious in general

The general rule is one litter box per cat plus one extra, placed in different locations throughout the home. Scoop boxes at least once daily and completely change the litter and wash the box weekly. Use unscented, clumping litter, as most cats prefer this type. Place boxes in quiet, accessible locations where your cat can see approaching threats and has an escape route. For senior cats, low-sided boxes are essential. If your cat had a painful defecation experience, addressing the underlying medical cause and then patiently rebuilding positive associations with the litter box is key. In multi-cat households, ensure that no cat is being bullied away from the boxes.

How your vet will diagnose the cause

When you bring your constipated senior cat to the vet, they will take a systematic approach to determine both the severity of the current episode and the underlying cause. Here is what to expect:

History and physical exam: Your vet will ask about your cat's diet, water intake, litter box habits, medication history, and any other symptoms. During the physical exam, they will palpate your cat's abdomen, where they can usually feel the colon and assess how much stool is backed up and how hard it is. They will also check for dehydration, abdominal pain, and any lumps or abnormalities.

Abdominal X-rays: X-rays are one of the most useful tools for evaluating constipation. They clearly show the amount and distribution of stool in the colon, the diameter of the colon (important for diagnosing megacolon), the width of the pelvic canal (to check for old fractures that narrow the passage), and any other abdominal abnormalities. X-rays give your vet an objective picture of how severe the problem is.

Blood work: A complete blood count and chemistry panel check for dehydration, kidney disease, electrolyte imbalances, thyroid disease, diabetes, and other systemic conditions that can cause or contribute to constipation. A thyroid level should be checked in any senior cat, as hyperthyroidism can cause increased appetite and activity that sometimes mask other problems, and its treatment can occasionally unmask constipation.

Urinalysis: Helps evaluate kidney function and hydration status.

Rectal exam: While not the most pleasant test, a gentle rectal exam allows the vet to feel for narrowing of the pelvic canal, rectal masses, and the character of the stool in the rectum.

Additional diagnostics: Depending on the findings, your vet may recommend an abdominal ultrasound to evaluate the colon wall and surrounding structures, a neurological exam if spinal disease is suspected, or a colonoscopy if a mass or other abnormality is detected.

Treatment: what your vet may recommend

Treatment depends on the severity of the current episode and the underlying cause. Here is what typically happens at each stage:

For mild constipation

If your cat is mildly constipated but otherwise eating, drinking, and acting fairly normally, your vet may recommend outpatient treatment:

• Subcutaneous fluids: A bolus of fluids given under the skin helps rehydrate your cat and soften the stool in the colon
• Stool softeners: Lactulose is the most commonly prescribed stool softener for cats. It is a syrupy liquid given by mouth that draws water into the colon to soften the stool. The dose is adjusted based on response
• Dietary changes: Switching to wet food and possibly adding fiber
• Increased water intake: Strategies to get more water into your cat

For moderate to severe constipation

If a significant amount of hard stool has accumulated, your cat may need more intervention:

• Enemas: Warm water enemas given by the vet can help soften and flush out impacted stool. This is done carefully, with the cat under sedation if needed, to avoid injury and reduce stress. Never give enemas at home without veterinary guidance
• Manual deobstipation: In severe cases, the vet may need to manually break up and remove impacted stool under general anesthesia. This involves gentle manipulation and warm water infusion to soften and extract the hardened fecal mass. It is a common procedure but requires anesthesia and monitoring
• IV fluid therapy: Hospitalization for intravenous fluids to correct dehydration and support the body while the constipation is resolved

For chronic or recurring constipation

If your cat is dealing with repeated episodes, long-term management is the goal:

• Daily lactulose: Many cats with chronic constipation need a daily dose of lactulose, adjusted to produce soft but formed stools
• Cisapride: A prokinetic drug that stimulates colonic motility, helping the colon contract and move stool along. This is often used in combination with lactulose for cats with megacolon or chronic slow transit
• MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol 3350): Some vets recommend this over-the-counter powder, mixed into wet food, as an alternative or supplement to lactulose. It works by drawing water into the colon
• Regular subcutaneous fluids: For cats with kidney disease or chronic dehydration, home fluid administration several times a week can be a game changer
• Dietary management: An ongoing plan for optimal fiber, moisture, and nutrition
• Surgery: For cats with megacolon that no longer responds to medical management, subtotal colectomy may be the best option for long-term quality of life

What you can do at home

Alongside veterinary treatment, there are several things you can do at home to help prevent constipation and support your senior cat's digestive health.

Maximize water intake

• Feed wet food as the primary or exclusive diet. This single change can make the biggest difference
• Add warm water to your cat's wet food to create a soup-like consistency. Many cats readily accept this
• Provide multiple water stations around the house
• Use a cat water fountain, as many cats prefer moving water
• Try different bowl types. Some cats dislike narrow bowls that touch their whiskers
• Flavor water occasionally with a small amount of tuna juice, clam juice, or low-sodium chicken broth

Optimize the litter box

• Provide low-sided boxes that are easy for arthritic cats to enter
• Keep boxes scrupulously clean by scooping at least once daily
• Place boxes in quiet, accessible locations on every floor of your home
• Ensure you have enough boxes, at least one per cat plus one extra
• Use unscented, soft-textured litter that is comfortable on aging paws

Support mobility

• Talk to your vet about pain management for arthritis
• Provide ramps or steps to favorite perches
• Keep your home warm, as cold aggravates joint stiffness
• Encourage gentle play and movement to stimulate gut motility

Groom regularly

• Brush your cat daily if they are long-haired or shedding heavily
• This reduces the amount of hair swallowed during self-grooming
• Use a hairball remedy paste if your vet recommends it

Monitor bowel habits

• Check the litter box daily and note the frequency, size, and consistency of stools
• Keep a simple log if your cat has recurring problems, as this information is invaluable for your vet
• Contact your vet if there has been no bowel movement for more than 48 hours

The risk of ignoring constipation

It can be tempting to take a wait-and-see approach when your cat seems a bit backed up, especially if she is otherwise acting normal. But chronic untreated constipation in senior cats can lead to serious consequences:

• Obstipation: Complete inability to defecate, requiring emergency veterinary intervention
• Megacolon: Permanent, irreversible dilation of the colon from chronic stretching
• Toxin buildup: When waste cannot be eliminated, toxins that should be leaving the body are reabsorbed
• Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances: Especially dangerous in cats with kidney disease
• Loss of appetite and weight loss: A cat that feels full and uncomfortable from backed-up stool will eat less
• Rectal prolapse: Severe, prolonged straining can cause the rectal tissue to protrude from the anus

The key takeaway is this: constipation in a senior cat is not a minor inconvenience. It is a symptom that demands investigation and management. The earlier you intervene, the better the outcome and the more options you have for treatment.

When to call the vet: a quick reference

As a general guideline, contact your veterinarian if your senior cat:

• Has not had a bowel movement in more than 48 hours
• Is straining frequently or crying in the litter box
• Is producing only small, hard, dry stools
• Has blood in or around the stool
• Is vomiting alongside constipation
• Has lost her appetite
• Seems lethargic or uncomfortable
• Has a distended or tense abdomen
• Has recurring episodes of constipation

Seek emergency care if:

• Your cat has not defecated in three or more days and is straining
• Your cat is vomiting, lethargic, and unable to pass stool
• Your cat is straining with absolutely no output and you cannot tell if she is trying to pee or poop
• Your cat has a known history of megacolon and is having an episode
• Your cat has collapsed or is in obvious distress

Watching your senior cat strain and struggle in the litter box is difficult for any loving owner. But constipation, while common in aging cats, is not something your cat has to live with. In most cases, the right combination of hydration support, dietary changes, and medical management can restore comfortable, regular bowel movements. Even cats with severe conditions like megacolon have options that can dramatically improve their quality of life. The most important step is to take constipation seriously and work with your vet rather than hoping it will resolve on its own. Your senior cat depends on you to notice when something is not right, and the fact that you are reading this means you are already doing exactly that.