Answer:

It is important to have an understanding of your feline's usual schedule in this regard -- it is normal for some cats to have only one bowel movement a day, while another cat may have three or more movements per day as a normal routine. But if you notice straining, this could be a sign of constipation. Self grooming and ingestion of hair, especially in the long-haired cat, may contribute to stool volume. Brushing your cat daily will help reduce the amount of hair it ingests when grooming. With your veterinarian's approval, a stool softener or other laxative for cats, which you can add to your pet's diet, might help. Your veterinarian can advise you on the best laxative (and the amount) to give, based on your cat's health. But it is important to first determine whether your cat is truly constipated, or if it just has infrequent bowel movements.