Why isn't my older cat pooping after being stressed and not eating?

This is a medical emergency, and Daisy has to see a vet now. It's very serious when a cat won't eat, and if they don't eat going on 72 hours, they will develop a fatty liver which is fatal without treatment. She's probably not pooping because she isn't eating. She has to see a vet immediately, please take her into one right away. Best of luck.

Cats should have a bowel movement roughly twice a day. When they don't, that generally means there is a problem. Sometimes this can be a sign of an inappropriate diet, not enough water intake, a neurological issue or a tumor blocking the intestines. Since she is older and it sounds like it's been a year, I recommend to start with a veterinary visit. Bring in a fresh sample of stool so the vet can check it. Make sure to speak with the veterinarian about food options as well. Increasing the amount of fiber in the diet can often help as can feeding a canned food with additional water added. There is also a special prescription diet made by Royal Canin called Fiber Response that many cats respond well to. Older cats often need more care (just like older humans) so have her examined within the next day or so. I hope this helps.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Precious! I think you should take Precious to the Vet today before the weekend. Three days is a long time to be sick and not be better. We don't like cats going more than 3 days with out eating. I would collect a stool sample to bring with you so the Vet can check for intestinal parasites. Causes of vomiting, diarrhea and not eating in an older cat are: kidney and liver failure, diabetes, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), intestinal parasites, pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease and cancer. Your Vet, after their exam, will likely do blood work, check her stool for parasites and possibly take an X-ray of her belly. I hope this helps and I wish Precious a speedy recovery!

Straining but failing to pass anything can indicate severe inflammation, swelling or obstruction and should be checked by your vet, a rectal exam and possibly xrays of the pelvis would be required to investigate fully. It is a good sign her appetite is returning but I recommend a check up to be sure

Poor girl. It sounds very likely Lola has an internal problem causing her to have an accident outside the box as well as a decrease in her appetite. This could very well be constipation, since constipated cats will strain and can often-times get nausea causing them to eat less or even vomit sometimes. I would highly recommend getting her seen by your vet soon to have her fully evaluated via physical exam to see if constipation is the underlying cause for her illness. If it is, then the vet will likely get her on a stool softener and recommend fluids to hydrate her. I hope that Lola's condition improves soon! Best of luck and take care.

Cats often are not constipated but are having diarrhea. With her age I would be concerned about a disease causing a decreased appetite. I would recommend taking her to a veterinarian for blood work and possible x-rays. At this age kidney disease, cancer and hyperthyroidism are very common. Also bad dental disease can cause a change in appetite. She most likely has an underlying disease that is causing her these secondary issues. I do not think changing her diet will be enough to make her feel better. A veterinarian visit is best. Hope she feels better soon

I hate to hear Minks is having this issue and it sounds like you have tried many things. Sometimes if the kitty will not have a BM in the box, it can indicate pain in the bowels. Try changing to food to a diet with a higher fiber content and adding in a higher fiber content canned food as well. You need both the fiber and the water content. There are also prescription diets available for this purpose. The one I like the best is made by Royal Canin and is called Fiber Reaponse. If this doesn’t help, it may be behavioral. Your veterinarian may be able to provide medication that may help. Stress relief is important as you know. Just in case, here are a few things you may not know or haven’t tried. Cats tend to like a large, uncovered litter box that is in a private location where they cannot be trapped by other pets. They also like a clay based clumping litter that is cleaned daily. Cats who have access to climbing areas or can get up high have less stress. If this is determined to be behaviors. There is a prescription diet called Calm which affects the serotonin levels in the brain and may be helpful. Try to set aside at least 30 minutes a day for vigorous play. This can help to decrease anxiety or stress. Lastly, some cats respond well the Feliway, a pheromone diffuser. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.