Those with cats who have had enemas, how long did it take to get back to normal?
Scout, 15, had an enema on Thursday evening. It's been 48 hours now and she hasn't had a bowel movement since the enema (but she also isn't straining/trying). They said that she passed a large amount of "rock hard" stool. What's interesting is she was still having bowel movements around this hard stool, with the most recent being a normal sized one Wednesday night into Thursday. I brought her to the vet because she hadn't been cleaning her plate like usual and was sleeping a bit more. Bloodwork was fine, x-ray only showed the constipation, and she had a normal abdominal ultrasound with her internist in the last 2 months.
I'm a bit concerned because she hasn't had a BM yet, and her vet said it could take up to 2 days but I've read from some people that it can take even longer. She isn't vomiting and her appetite isn't 100%, but it is better today than it was yesterday. She is also getting simethicone and buprenex as needed, and she has IBD so she takes zofran, zyrtec, and prednisolone daily.
I am not a minor; located in USA. Vet is accessible and I am in regular contact with primary and also with her internist.
TLDR: constipated cat had a successful enema, hasn't attempted a BM since then (2 days). She is 15, FS, and I can afford vet care and do as much as needed.
Posted Dec 14, 2025, 1:01 AM UTC