Dehydration & diet
Low water intake, dry-food-only diets, and sudden food changes reduce stool moisture and slow intestinal transit — the most common contributors in otherwise healthy cats.
Cat Condition
Cat Constipation — Expert Online Vet Care
Constipation is uncomfortable and can become dangerous if untreated. Get a same-day video assessment from a licensed vet, prescription stool softeners, and a clear plan to get your cat regular again.
Licensed Vets
$65 Flat Fee
Same-Day Rx
24/7 Access
Understanding cat constipation
Expert online care for cat constipation
Licensed vet assessment of constipation symptoms via secure video
Same-day appointments — most seen within 1–3 hours
Prescription stool softeners and laxatives when clinically appropriate
$65 flat fee — no memberships or hidden charges
Your cat stays comfortable at home during the consultation
Clear guidance on when emergency in-person care is needed
Feline constipation occurs when a cat has infrequent, difficult, or absent bowel movements. Stool becomes hard and dry in the colon, making defecation painful. Chronic constipation can progress to obstipation or megacolon — a serious condition requiring aggressive treatment.
TelaVets connects you with a licensed veterinarian who can evaluate your cat's symptoms via secure video — often the same day. You'll receive a clear assessment, practical at-home care steps, and prescription treatment when appropriate.
Common signs of cat constipation we can help with
- Straining in the litter box without producing stool
- Small, hard, dry fecal pellets
- Decreased appetite or vomiting
- Lethargy or hiding
- Abdominal discomfort when touched
- Occasional diarrhea with mucus (overflow)
- Weight loss in chronic cases
- Frequent trips to the litter box
What causes cat constipation?
Constipation in cats has many underlying causes. Identifying the trigger helps your vet choose the most effective treatment plan.
Pain & mobility issues
Arthritis, pelvic injuries, or anal gland disease can make defecation painful, causing cats to hold stool and develop chronic constipation.
Underlying disease
Kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, nerve disorders, and intestinal obstructions can all disrupt normal bowel function and require targeted treatment.
How our vets diagnose it online
Our vets assess constipation through a detailed video consultation — reviewing your cat's history, diet, litter box habits, and visible symptoms.
- Review of bowel movement frequency, stool consistency, and duration of symptoms
- Assessment of hydration status, appetite, vomiting, and abdominal comfort on video
- Discussion of diet type, water intake, medications, and recent changes at home
- Evaluation of straining behavior to distinguish constipation from urinary issues
- Recommendations for in-person diagnostics (X-rays, bloodwork) when obstruction or megacolon is suspected
Treatments we may prescribe
Based on your cat's assessment, our licensed vets may recommend one or more of the following treatments:
Lactulose or Miralax (stool softeners)
Cisapride (prokinetic agent for chronic cases)
Prescription high-fiber or gastrointestinal diet
Increased water intake strategies (fountains, wet food)
Laxatone or petroleum-based lubricants
Subcutaneous fluids for dehydrated cats
Referral for enemas or hospitalization if severe obstipation
All medications are prescribed only when clinically appropriate by a licensed veterinarian and dispensed through our FDA-compliant pharmacy.
Preventing cat constipation
Feed a moisture-rich diet — wet food or add water to kibble daily
Provide multiple fresh water sources, including a cat fountain
Maintain a consistent, high-quality diet and avoid sudden food switches
Encourage daily activity and play to support healthy gut motility
Schedule regular vet checkups to catch kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and arthritis early
Why pet parents choose TelaVets
Licensed DVMs Only
Every consultation is with a licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine — not a chatbot or technician.
$65 Flat Fee
One transparent price covers your full video consultation and treatment plan. No facility fees or surprise charges.
Same-Day Appointments
Most pet parents are connected with a vet within 1–3 hours of booking, 7 days a week.
Next-Day Prescriptions
When medication is appropriate, prescriptions are issued same-day and delivered to your door next business day.
Stress-Free Home Visits
Your pet is assessed in their calm home environment, which often makes symptoms easier to evaluate on video.
Secure & Private
Encrypted video calls and HIPAA-compliant records keep your pet's health information protected.
How TelaVets works
Book your consultation
Pick a same-day or upcoming slot — appointments available 7 days a week.
Connect with a licensed vet
Your vet assesses your pet via secure video, asks detailed questions, and reviews their history.
Get your treatment plan
Receive a diagnosis, personalised care plan, and same-day prescriptions delivered next-day.
What Our Pet Parents Say
Join thousands of happy pet parents who trust TelaVets for their furry family members care
"Fantastic service! My dog gets extremely anxious at the vet, so having a virtual appointment from home was a game-changer. The vet was kind and helpful, and getting his medication delivered the next day made the whole process stress-free and more affordable than going to the clinic."
DL
David Long
Verified Pet Parent
"The vet I spoke with Dr. Ricksaw was very knowledgeable and nice. He took the time to go through all of my options and ideas with me. Reassured me that all we were doing for my dog's anxiety was good and gave me a couple of new ideas as well."
CH
Courtney Hughes
Verified Pet Parent
"I would definitely use them again. I'm cat sitting for 2 weeks and needed to see a vet. I was so worried about the kitten. I used Televets the cat got his prescription and all is good. Excellent service!"
M
Maria
Verified Pet Parent
"Dr Corey was amazing, helpful, compassionate and well versed. I would highly recommend using this. It is so much easier than trying to get a 3 legged cat into a carrier, take him to a doctor's office and stress him out, love it!!!"
JG
Jackie Gardner
Verified Pet Parent
"I had a TelaVets Zoom appointment and couldn't be more impressed. They spent a lot of time with me, walking through every option to help my cat recover from her skin issues. I've also reached out about getting her medication through Chewy.com, and they've been extremely helpful every step of the way."
LD
Lara Durand
Verified Pet Parent
"Dr. Moppin is a dedicated professional who truly cares about his furry patients and their humans, too! It's such a relief that Dr. Cole took the time to listen and address my concerns thoughtfully. Thank you for taking care of our cats 🐈"
WW
Wanida Walker
Verified Pet Parent
"This service was amazing! My dog ran out of his medication before we were able to get in with a new vet and they were able to help get him a short term supply quickly. I would definitely use them again!"
AT
Amanda Tobias
Verified Pet Parent
"Knowledgeable, professional caring provider! Needed urgent Vet care on a weekend and TeleVet kept me from having to miss a day of work, as well as half the price of local weekend options. Thank you!"
JH
Jana Humble
Verified Pet Parent
"Dr. McGinnis was very knowledgeable and listened to my cat's issues. She addressed the problem and may have come up with an answer after 5 years of trying with local vet practices."
MK
Marilyn Kerr
Verified Pet Parent
"Fantastic service! My dog gets extremely anxious at the vet, so having a virtual appointment from home was a game-changer. The vet was kind and helpful, and getting his medication delivered the next day made the whole process stress-free and more affordable than going to the clinic."
DL
David Long
Verified Pet Parent
"The vet I spoke with Dr. Ricksaw was very knowledgeable and nice. He took the time to go through all of my options and ideas with me. Reassured me that all we were doing for my dog's anxiety was good and gave me a couple of new ideas as well."
CH
Courtney Hughes
Verified Pet Parent
"I would definitely use them again. I'm cat sitting for 2 weeks and needed to see a vet. I was so worried about the kitten. I used Televets the cat got his prescription and all is good. Excellent service!"
M
Maria
Verified Pet Parent
"Dr Corey was amazing, helpful, compassionate and well versed. I would highly recommend using this. It is so much easier than trying to get a 3 legged cat into a carrier, take him to a doctor's office and stress him out, love it!!!"
JG
Jackie Gardner
Verified Pet Parent
"I had a TelaVets Zoom appointment and couldn't be more impressed. They spent a lot of time with me, walking through every option to help my cat recover from her skin issues. I've also reached out about getting her medication through Chewy.com, and they've been extremely helpful every step of the way."
LD
Lara Durand
Verified Pet Parent
"Dr. Moppin is a dedicated professional who truly cares about his furry patients and their humans, too! It's such a relief that Dr. Cole took the time to listen and address my concerns thoughtfully. Thank you for taking care of our cats 🐈"
WW
Wanida Walker
Verified Pet Parent
"This service was amazing! My dog ran out of his medication before we were able to get in with a new vet and they were able to help get him a short term supply quickly. I would definitely use them again!"
AT
Amanda Tobias
Verified Pet Parent
"Knowledgeable, professional caring provider! Needed urgent Vet care on a weekend and TeleVet kept me from having to miss a day of work, as well as half the price of local weekend options. Thank you!"
JH
Jana Humble
Verified Pet Parent
"Dr. McGinnis was very knowledgeable and listened to my cat's issues. She addressed the problem and may have come up with an answer after 5 years of trying with local vet practices."
MK
Marilyn Kerr
Verified Pet Parent
Related resources
Helpful reading and services from the TelaVets team.
Book a Vet Visit
Same-day online vet appointments for $65 — no membership required.
Read moreHow TelaVets Works
Learn how our licensed vets diagnose and treat pets via secure video consultation.
Read moreCat Treatment Hub
Explore cat health conditions our licensed vets treat via video.
Read moreCat Urinary Health
Expert guidance on feline urinary issues and when to seek urgent care.
Read moreExplore related care
Licensed TelaVets vets treat a wide range of conditions online.
Frequently asked questions about cat constipation
Constipated cats strain to pass hard, dry stool and may produce small pellets. Male cats straining without producing urine need emergency care immediately — urinary blockages are life-threatening and can look similar to constipation. If your male cat is straining in the litter box with no urine output, seek emergency in-person care right away.
Treatment depends on severity and cause. Our vets will create a personalised plan which may include prescription medications, dietary changes, or at-home care instructions.
Same-day appointments are usually available. Most pet owners are seen within 1–3 hours of booking.
Yes. If medication is clinically appropriate, our licensed vets can issue prescriptions same-day, with next-day delivery to your door.
If your cat shows severe distress, inability to breathe, uncontrolled bleeding, or sudden collapse, seek emergency in-person care immediately. For other concerning symptoms, an online consultation is an excellent first step.
Get expert help for your cat's constipation today
Same-day appointments — $65 flat fee — licensed vets