How frequently should a cat deficate?

Question

My cat had constipation from a hairball and was given an enema one week ago. She emptied out and since then has been back to "normal" in terms of attitude and appetite. She is not vomiting, but she has not had a bowel movement in 7 days. She exhibits no signs of pain and has not been in the litter box straining, either. Basically, she is one happy kitty -- eating well, playing, and urinating normally. She just hasn't deficated. My vet said to wait a few days but I think she should have had a bowel movement by now?

Answer 1

Yes, seven days is a bit too long. Most cats defecate within 3 days after an major enema, as long as they are eating.

Call your vet and have him/her feel kitty's belly- you can feel if stool has formed and how big/hard it is.

If your cat suffers from chronic constipation, talk to your vet about adding canned pumpkin to your cat's food for fiber- it works great, and most cats like it.

Also, if this is a reoccurring problem, talk to your vet about 'mega colon'-

Most cats defecate daily, sometimes twice a day. Anything less than every other day is unusual and needs to be followed up on.

Answer 2

It sounds like she's backed up again. 7 days is quite a while to go without pooping. She may not be exhibiting any signs of pain because it may not be bad enough to be painful yet. But I would definitely talk to the vet about it.

It might be a good idea to start giving your cat some canned pumpkin (not pie filling, which is too high in sugar) in her food. Put about 1/2 tsp. in her food a few times a week. This will help keep her intestines properly lubricated.

And if you have her on a mostly dry-food diet, start giving her more wet food. The majority of cats on dry food diets are dehydrated....and we all know dehydration leads to constipation.
Read some of the info here:
http://www.catinfo.org

Answer 3

Oh, my! Seven days is entirely too long. If she's eating normally, that's seven days' worth of food in her digestive system!!! Think about how much food that is. Her best bet -- if she's not already impacted -- is a stool softener. Call your vet NOW! Even if she's acting happy, the constipation is getting worse each day. Good luck!

BTW, kudos to your vet for being willing to give your cat an enema. That can't be easy! ;-)

Agree with the canned pumpkin mentioned above. Vet gave me that suggestion at one time. Also plain yogurt.

Answer 4

Basically, what goes in must come out. If she is eating throughout the day, then the stomach and intestines should be filling up. It sounds like the vet is trying to save you a little money by suggesting that you be patient as nature "generally" resolves itself.

Once cleared of the obstruction, consider looking at the diet and surroundings for possible causes (hairball, furniture fabric, toys chewed, etc) and take appropriate steps to prevent the problem from recurring.

Answer 5

I agree with you. Most of my four cats have a bowel movement once a day. My 22 yr old cat does get constipated and may only defecate every other day. I am trying to get her to move things along better with a mineral whey supplement.

I would definitely use some laxatone with your cat. Give some from your finger to her a couple of times a day for about three days and see if that helps. Moisture and fat are necessary to keep bowels in good shape. If your cat eats only dry food I think you must consider adding some canned to her diet to increase moisture content in her intestinal system.

Answer 6

She may be going somewhere else. Or she might be backed up again. I'd call the vet and ask just to make sure.

Answer 7

i'd talk to the vet again. 7 days is a long time! could you imagine?
i'm sure they go at least once maybe even twice a day.
hope she's ok!

Answer 8

add a small amt. of veggie oil to her food.