Just like humans, cats need to relieve themselves too. However, this process can be hindered by internal and external factors. It’s a good thing that cats can hold their poop for 24 to 48 hours.
As earlier mentioned, cats need to relieve themselves just like humans do. However, processes that may be going on within the cat’s body or around the cat’s environment would cause it to hold in its poop. A cat only has 24 to 48 hours to hold its poop before it gets uncomfortable. This article elaborates on some of the reasons a cat may hold its poop.
Factors that would cause cats to hold their poop
Age
Kittens hold their poop for less time than older cats. This is because they have a faster metabolism, faster bowel movements, and less control. Kittens can hold their poop for 12 to 48 hours on average and cats can hold their poop for 24 to 48 hours on average.
Activity level
When a cat is more active, its bowel movements will be more active as well. Digestion and metabolism will be faster and therefore the cat will poop more frequently. The more active a cat is, the more frequently it will poop.
Injury
At the onset of an injury, a cat is likely to be less active, therefore will poop less frequently. The discomfort of the injury and the restriction in movement it causes would make the cat poop less frequently, especially if the injury is related to the gut.
Surgery
If a cat has gone through surgery, they are prone to poop less. This may be caused by the discomfort and pain experienced from the surgery, or the medication the cat has been given. This is more likely to happen, especially if the cat had intestinal or gut-related surgery.
Surgery could also reduce a cat’s appetites, therefore they will eat less, hence poop less frequently.
Stress
Cats experience feelings much deeper than humans. They can suffer from post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This will affect them wholly, including their frequency of pooping. They will tend to poop less due to this stress.
Diet
A cat’s diet would be a major determinant of how frequently a cat will poop. A diet with more fiber and water will increase the cat’s metabolism, therefore, the cat will poop more. Foods that have laxative properties would also cause diarrhea and soft stool. Foods with less water or fiber would cause hardened stool, therefore the cat would poop less frequently.
A cat that eats more food will also poop more frequently than one that eats less because its gut fills up faster.
Change in environment or routine
Cats prefer to stick to the same environment and routine. Whenever there is a change in environment or routine, this greatly affects the cat and causes great stress. They are likely to be restless or isolate themselves. Due to these high levels of stress, the cat will poop less frequently. An example of an environment or routine change would be when traveling, which is highly stressful for a cat.
Constipation
Another reason that would cause a cat to hold their poop longer is constipation. Just like humans, constipation is when poop gets very hard and can be caused by eating too much food, drinking little water, taking certain medication, and other health-related issues. Cats can suffer from this too and would hold in their poop longer, as expelling it is painful and uncomfortable.
What can you do when your cat holds their poop for too long?
Clean their litter box
Cats are hygienic and self-cleaning animals. They are not only keen on keeping themselves clean, but also their environment. One of the places they appreciate being clean is their litter boxes, especially if they’re indoor cats. If their litter box is dirty, they’re most likely to hold in both their poop and pee longer. To ensure this doesn’t happen, keep their litter box clean by cleaning it at least every two days.
Reduce the amount of stress
As earlier mentioned, cats get deeply affected by stress such that it affects their entire mood, including how frequently they poop. Situations such as drastic changes in routine and environment can cause stress. For example, a stressful situation for cats is when traveling. To make this process easier for them, place their blankets and toys in their cages to create a familiar environment that helps them feel safe. Also making constant stops and allowing them to roam about can help them feel less stressed, therefore they may feel comfortable enough to relieve themselves.
Incorporate more water and fiber in their diet
Another way to help a cat poop more frequently is to incorporate more water and fiber into their diet. Always place a bowl of water next to the cat’s food bowl so that they can drink. Also, when purchasing cat food, source for foods with high fiber, which will increase the cat’s metabolism and bowel movements, hence they will poop more frequently.
Use Olive oil or Castor oil to ease constipation
Olive oil is recommended by veterinarians as a natural laxative. To use this for the cat, add one to one and a half tablespoons or five to ten drops into their food. Olive oil can help to soften stool and relieve constipation. Caution should be observed when using olive oil, as excess amounts can cause diarrhea.
Another type of oil that’s a powerful natural laxative is castor oil. Even humans use it to ease constipation. Castor oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that help to relieve tightness in the digestive tract hence relieving constipation. Just like olive oil, it should be incorporated with the cat’s food.
Increase the cat’s activity level
Just as mentioned earlier, the level of activity can affect how many times a cat will poop. To reduce the time the cat holds its poop, increase its activity level by playing more frequently with it and with greater vigor.
Take the cat to the vet
If all else fails and your cat is still pooping less frequently than normal, consult the vet as there may be a more serious underlying condition.
Summary of factors that would cause cats to hold their poop and possible solutions
Factors that would cause cats to hold their poop |
Possible Solutions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Conclusion
Cats can hold in their poop for quite a long time. However, we can help to create an environment for them to feel comfortable enough to relieve themselves more frequently.
FAQs
How long can a cat hold their poop after eating?
24 to 48 hours.
Does my cat need a litter box to poop comfortably?
Preferably, yes. Indoor cats would be comfortable with a litter box to poop.
How do I know my cat needs to poop?
The cat may sniff and scratch the floor, meow or walk around restlessly.
How can I train my cat to poop in the right place?
The secret is persistence and patience. For example, after meals or naps, place the cat in the litter box. Reward it by giving it a treat every time it uses it correctly and don’t punish it when it messes up. Also, ensure the litter box is clean.