Kittens go through many changes in their first weeks of life. One common concern for new kitten owners is when their kitten is not pooping regularly. Kittens are born blind, deaf, and helpless. Their eyes appear closed due to their ears being folded against their head, and their lips are sealed tightly. They can sleep for up to 18 hours a day. On average, a litter of kittens consists of 1-9 kittens. Kittens have whiskers as long as their bodies are wide, and they are born with blue eyes and 26 teeth. Just like humans, kittens can be left-pawed or right-pawed.
Why is my kitten not pooping?
It is essential to understand that kittens younger than one month old may not be able to poop without help. They require stimulation from their mother’s tongue, or if orphaned, gentle encouragement from a caretaker before every meal. If your kitten isn’t pooping, it should be taken seriously, as untreated constipation may lead to megacolon, an untreatable form of constipation. Monitoring their litter timing and feces is a simple way to check for constipation.
Is it okay if my kitten is not pooping?
Kittens use litter at varying rates. They should urinate every few hours, but depending on age, care, and gastrointestinal health, they may use the litter anywhere from once to six times a day. A kitten can go 24 hours without using the bathroom. If this occurs, don’t panic, but keep an eye on them and try to help them go. If they haven’t gone to the bathroom in more than 48 hours or show signs of pain, such as straining, bloating, crying in the litter box, lethargy, or distension, consult a veterinarian.
Symptoms of Constipation
- Producing little or no feces
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Decreased energy
- Abdominal pain
- Hard or dry feces
Causes of Constipation
- Dehydration
- Parasitic worms
- Congenital disabilities
- Hairball blocking the digestive tract
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
Constipation is one of the main reasons kittens don’t poop. Cats should go to the bathroom once or twice a day. If it has been 48-72 hours since your cat last defecated, it may be constipated. Constipation can affect any cat at any age, but middle-aged and older male cats are more susceptible. Obese cats are also at higher risk. If left untreated, constipation can lead to more severe issues.
Treatment for Constipation
- Ensure the kitten is treated for all types of worms, especially roundworms.
- Prevent dehydration by adding an electrolyte solution to a bottle-fed kitten’s formula or adding extra water to a meat-eating kitten’s food.
- Administer fluids under the skin if the kitten is constipated and on laxative medicine.
- Provide a probiotic supplement to promote healthy gut bacteria.
- Keep the kitten active and encourage movement to stimulate bowel movements. Gently massage their abdomen and encourage walking.
- Soaking the kitten in warm water may help. Submerge their abdomen and rear in warm water, and gently stimulate their anus to encourage pushing.
