While constipation can feel like a small and minor inconvenience, it’s actually so much more than that. Normally, cats pass stool once every 24 to 36 hours. When there’s no defecation over this time, it’s usually a sign of constipation.
Constipation happens when the cat has difficulty passing stools or does so infrequently. This results in dry, hard stools that can accumulate in the colon. It can range from mild, occasional problems to severe blockages that require emergency treatment.
Over time, untreated constipation can stretch the colon, cause pain, and even lead to a condition called megacolon. But before that, let’s talk all about what constipation in cats is.
What Are the Causes of Constipation in Cats?
Constipation can come from different causes. This includes:
Diet
Cats who eat diets low in moisture or fiber are more likely to develop hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. Dehydration from insufficient water intake makes this problem worse, especially in cats who eat mainly dry kibble.
Health Issues
Constipation can also manifest as one of the symptoms present in several health issues. This includes:
Kidney Disease. Chronic kidney disease leads to dehydration, which results in dry and hard stool.
Megacolon. A condition in which the large intestine becomes severely enlarged and weakened, causing difficulty passing stool.
Neurological Disorders. Damage or disease affecting nerves controlling the colon can slow or stop normal bowel movements.
Spinal or Pelvic Injuries. If your cat recently had some injuries in these areas, it may be the reason why they have difficulty passing stool.
Obstructions. Cat constipation can also be caused by foreign objects, tumors, or growths in the colon due to the obstruction they create.
Environmental Factors
Stressful situations may cause cats to delay using the litter box. This can be anywhere from moving to new places to meeting new pets. Also, a dirty litter box might be unappealing to cats. This can discourage them from defecating, leading to harder stools.
Lifestyle Factors
Older cats tend to be prone to constipation because their digestive systems slow down. Plus, they'll be more prone to health conditions, some of which have constipation or difficulty squatting as one of the symptoms.
Overweight cats will also be at risk. Since they have significantly less physical activity, intestinal movement will be slow. This leads to fewer bowel movements.
Cat Constipation Symptoms
When cats experience difficulty or infrequent stool passage, there may be some subtle signs. Here are the symptoms of cat constipation:
Straining in the litter box. A constipated cat will often stay and squat in the litter box for long periods of time, trying to pass stool. This repeated straining will mostly yield no results.
Vocalizing pain. Cats may yowl or cry when trying to defecate without success. They may also produce sounds that indicate pain and discomfort.
Small, hard, or dry stools. In constipated cats, their stools will be few, dry, or hard. In many cases, they will look as small as pebbles.
Gastrointestinal issues. In some cases, cats will feel nauseous and vomit. This also comes with loss of appetite and abdominal pain.
Arched posture. They’ll have an arched or hunched posture that looks tense and stiff.
Lethargy. Cats will look tired and weak, while some will choose to rest in corners where they can hide. This behavior shows that they are uncomfortable and stressed.
No bowel movement. If your cat has not had any bowel movement for more than 48 hours, then it’s an indicator of constipation.
How Do Vets Diagnose Constipation in Cats?
If you think your cat has constipation based on the signs above, then it’s important to have them checked immediately.
We’ll check for signs of dehydration, bloating, abdominal pain, or discomfort when the belly is palpated. Additionally, our vets will ask for your observations at home.
A rectal exam can be done to feel for the presence of hard or dry feces within the rectum or colon. We can also use this to check for any masses, inflammation, or obstruction within the area. This is usually performed while the cat is sedated to provide comfort.
Another method is by using diagnostic imaging tools such as X-rays and ultrasounds. These tools allow us to reveal the extent and identify any potential tumors or pelvic injuries. We can also use these to visualize abnormal organs and assess the colon.
Laboratory tests check for your cat’s overall health. Blood tests check for kidney disease, electrolyte imbalances, diabetes, or thyroid issues that can cause or worsen constipation. A urinalysis can be done to evaluate the hydration status.
Lastly, we can conduct a stool sample to check for any parasites, inflammation, or abnormalities in the stool. If there are any, then a gastrointestinal issue might be the cause.
Home Remedies for Cat Constipation
The best home remedies for your cat start with the most basic ways to care for your cat. This includes:
Help your cat drink water
Make sure that you place water bowls around the places your cat stays or frequents. This allows them to drink whenever they want to. Also, using water fountains designed for them can help cats with constipation.
Provide wet food and fiber
Occasional wet food is a great way to provide moisture to your cat’s food. This allows them to easily pass stool, aside from always eating dry kibble. Also, you can select cat food with good amounts of fiber or opt for natural options such as homemade pumpkin puree.
Encourage gentle exercise
Regular play encourages natural movement of the intestines and helps prevent stool buildup. Interactive toys or scheduled playtime can motivate even sedentary cats to stay active.
Treatment for Cat Constipation
The treatment options for constipated cats will depend on their situation. Home remedies won’t always work for every cat. So, if your cat needs more than home care, our vets will be ready.
Medications
Pet medications are essential for treating cat constipation. We may prescribe stool softeners and laxatives to soften the stool and promote regular bowel movements. Prokinetics can be used for intestinal motility and improving bowel function. To alleviate pain, pain relief meds will be given.
Fecal Disimpaction
Enemas for cats are administered using a lubricated feeding tube. This allows the impacted stool to soften and encourages its passage through the colon. This process is done slowly to avoid any discomfort or vomiting.
In severe cases, we may need to manually extract the impacted feces while the cat is under sedation or anesthesia.
Fluid Therapy
Cat constipation is often treated with IV fluids to help restore natural hydration levels. This treatment can be used in conjunction with other treatments to support recovery. In some cases, cats will be hospitalized.
Surgery
In cases where the condition doesn’t seem to be getting better or when complications such as megacolon are involved, we might do surgery. Here, the affected part of the colon is removed. Improving the cat’s ability to pass stool.
What Happens if Cat Constipation Is Left Untreated?
If constipation persists without any treatment, the condition can worsen. This will potentially lead to a condition known as obstipation, wherein the feces become impacted in the colon. At this point, the cat cannot physically pass the stool anymore.
Because of this, the colon can stretch and lose its ability to contract, otherwise known as megacolon. This usually requires surgery to correct and fix. However, the surgery aims to remove the damaged colon and suture the remaining sections together.
The recovery period can be challenging, but treated cats can live a normal life after a few weeks.
Vet Tips: Ways to Prevent Cat Constipation
Preventing constipation in cats is similar to the home remedies presented. Firstly, cats should always have water near them. This keeps their hydration levels normal and their stool soft. Next, provide a diet with adequate amounts of fiber and offer wet food regularly.
Exercise your cat regularly and make sure they maintain a balanced weight. Also, keep their litter box clean to encourage them to defecate. It’s also good to minimize the stress at home so they can go on with their routines peacefully.
“Keep your cat’s bowels moving and they’ll be running in no time.”
- Dr. Rokas Proscevicius
Final Thoughts
Cat constipation is a common but often overlooked issue that can seriously impact your best friend’s health and happiness. Once you know the early signs, you can start helping your cat stay comfortable and avoid this issue.
Remember, hydration, a proper diet, and regular exercise are the key things you need to combat cat constipation.
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