Feline Constipation Symptoms

A constipated cat will often display outward signs of his discomfort. Observant owners may notice changes in their cat's eating and grooming habits in addition to infrequent bowel movements. The cause may not always be apparent, but it is usually fairly easy to see when a cat is suffering from constipation.

  1. Infrequent Bowel Movements

    • Infrequent bowel movements are the easiest way to tell if a cat is constipated. A dead giveaway is when your cat's bowel movements stop altogether. There are a number of reasons your cat might choose or be caused to avoid bowel movements, from bad weather to improper movement of fur through its system.

    Litter Box Use

    • Monitor your cat when it does go to the litter box. Constipated cats often won't visit the litter box often and they usually display certain behaviors when they do. If your cat is visibly straining with no results when he makes his visit, he's probably constipated. Other behaviors to watch for are abnormally frequent litter box visits and crying or loud mewing in the litter box. Vomiting or bloody diarrhea can also be symptoms of constipation.

    Unusual Behavior

    • Other behaviors may be clues that your cat is suffering. A constipated cat sometimes won't eat as much as he previously had. He may be unusually lethargic and neglect his personal grooming, resulting in an unkempt appearance. He may also display his abdominal discomfort by scrunching into a ball or hunching his shoulders.