1. 🤱 Constipation in Neonatal Kittens (0–3 Weeks)

Young kittens can't defecate without help—mom stimulates elimination by licking. Orphaned kittens need gentle perianal stimulation with warm, damp cotton in circular motions before and after feeds :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

They typically urinate each feeding and defecate at least once every 12–24 hours :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

2. 🐣 Constipation in Weaned Kittens (3+ Weeks)

Once on solid food or gruel, kittens should pass stool at least daily. Hard, infrequent feces, straining, vocalizing, bloating, lethargy, or appetite loss are key signs :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

Causes include dehydration, dietary switches, GI parasites, ingested foreign material, congenital defects, or trauma :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

3. 🩹 Home Care & Gentle Remedies

• Stimulate elimination in neonates using damp cotton until stool passes :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Boost hydration: dilute formula, add water to gruel, offer electrolytes or canned food :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• MiraLAX® solution: dilute and administer 0.1 mL/feeding, increasing to 1 mL as needed. Safe per veterinary consensus :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Fiber & probiotics: soluble fiber, pumpkin, and kitten-friendly probiotics support gut motility :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Encourage activity: play stimulates peristalsis :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Parasite control: deworm routinely every 2 weeks starting 2 weeks old :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.

4. 🩺 When to Contact the Vet

Call your vet if:

• No stool within 24–48 hours after home care :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Persistent pain, crying, vomiting, bloated tummy, lethargy or appetite loss :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Passage of blood or mucus :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Damage or tension in the abdomen :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.

This may indicate obstipation, rectal prolapse or GI obstruction. Immediate exam, imaging, fluid therapy, enema, or manual removal is required :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.

5. 🏥 Veterinary Diagnosis & Treatments

Your vet may use:

• Physical exam and abdominal palpation.
• X‑rays and possibly ultrasound :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• Reflex stimulation, enema, lactulose or cisapride prescriptions :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
• Fluids by injection (subcutaneous or IV) :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
• Manual deobstipation under sedation if stool is impacted :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
• In rare severe cases (e.g., megacolon) surgical colectomy may be considered :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.

6. 🔄 Monitoring & Prevention

• Ensure daily stool once kittens are weaned—monitor frequency & appearance :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.
• Maintain hydration with wet food and adequate water sources :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.
• Balanced diet with fiber and healthy gut flora :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.
• Regular deworming for kittens :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}.
• Active play and reduced stress :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}.
• Groom long-haired kittens to reduce hair ingestion :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}.

7. 🐾 Ask A Vet Support

Need help weighing a kitten, adjusting fluids, or spotting red‑flag symptoms? Ask A Vet offers 24/7 video consults to support neonatal and pediatric care—no appointment needed 📱🩺.

Download at AskAVet.com—your lifeline for kitten health and digestive support. Start early, stay vigilant, and give your kittens the best 2025 start! 💬✨

8. ✅ Final Thoughts

Constipation in kittens—from neonates to weaned—requires quick care: stimulation, hydration, safe laxatives, and vet intervention when needed. Most cases resolve with gentle home treatment, but knowing when to escalate can prevent serious outcomes. With proactive monitoring and Ask A Vet support, you’ll help your kitten thrive comfortably. 🐱❤️