Constipation in Cats Constipation in Cats By Dr. Margaret Muns, DVM Constipation is a sign of disease, and is relatively common in cats. It is characterized by infrequent or absent defecation, and the passage of hard, dry feces. There is also increased straining to defecate and decreased fecal volume.
Constipation is different from obstipation, which is complete fecal obstruction.
When cats have obstipation, it impossible for them to defecate. The colon becomes filled with rock-hard feces. Constipation generally has a good prognosis, but cats with obstipation usually develop irreversible changes in the muscle of their colon. Constipation is also different from megacolon, which refers to the condition of extreme colonic dilation, and is a disorder of the structure and function of the colon. Cats with megacolon are always constipated, however constipated cats don't necessarily have megacolon.