Causes of Constipation Constipation can be caused by any disorder that prevents the normal passage of feces. A cat with signs of constipation should be seen by a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause. If signs have not been observed, but a cat has a history of lethargy, decreased appetite, or intermittent vomiting, the cat should be seen by a veterinarian. Cats with constipation typically have a history of reduced frequency or total failure of defecation for a period of days to weeks. You may observe your cat making frequent attempts to defecate without success.
Some cats pass liquid stool around the obstruction.
The diarrhea may contain blood or mucus. Often, cats can become significantly dehydrated. Abdominal palpation usually reveals a hard, full colon, while a rectal examination shows an empty rectum. Performing x-rays will confirm a full colon and rule out any tumors. Remove or alleviate any underlying causes.