Cat Constipation

Constipation is rare in cats but it can occur. While in some cases it can be a serious condition, it is usually easy to treat.

Diet is the most common cause of constipation in cats. Not getting enough fiber or too much fiber can be a problem as well. Other causes include worm infestation, lack of exercise and fur balls. Bladder infection symptoms (such as straining) can be mistaken for constipation.

Constipation can lead to a build up of toxins, which can cause numerous health problems.

Here are some quick links to this sites resources on cat health constipation remedies and treatment options:

General Information
Home Treatment
List of remedies
Cat Food for Constipation
Treatment Options
Possible Cures
Natural Remedy for Cat Constipation

Cat Constipation Symptoms

Feline constipation symptoms are easy to spot. Cats normally have one to two bowel movements a day. Cats who are constipated may actually have more bowel movements but pass much smaller than normal feces. Other symptoms include straining with bowel movements, blood and/or mucous on feces, and small, hard feces. If these symptoms last more than two or three days, see your veterinarian. Take a stool sample with you to the vet, so he or she can check for parasites or other problems in the stool.

In severe cases, cats may not have bowel movements at all and may stop eating. Vomiting may occur. In this case, you need to see your vet right away. Your cat could have an intestinal blockage, and that can be life-threatening.

Constipation Symptom Checklist

# Straining to have a bowel movement with no result
# Abdominal discomfort
# Loss of Appetite
# Bloating
# Going for long periods between bowel movements
# Hard, impacted stool

Diagnosing Cat Constipation

To diagnose feline constipation, your veterinarian will examine your cat to make sure there are no underlying medical problems contributing to her constipation, including an intestinal blockage. To check for a blockage, an x-ray will be taken. Cats sometimes eat inedible things, and this can clog up the intestines. If all tests come out normal, the vet can advise you on ways to treat and prevent future constipation.

Cat Constipation Treatment

The best cat constipation treatment depends on the cause and severity of the constipation.

If an intestinal blockage is discovered, your cat will need surgery to treat a potential life-threatening condition. Depending on where the blockage is, the vet may be able to reach it through the rectum instead of having to go in through the lower abdomen, creating much less trauma.

In severe cases of constipation, when there is no blockage, your vet can give your cat an enema or prescribe laxatives to relieve the constipation.

For less severe cases your veterinarian may prescribe a mild laxative.

Cat Constipation Remedies

Constipation can be treated and prevented by taking some simple steps. Diet is one of those steps. Your cat needs to eat a diet with sufficient fiber. Most commercial cat foods should provide enough fiber, but talk to your vet about which brand he or she recommends. Some people prefer to feed their pets a homemade diet. If you do, make sure you do the research first and know that you are providing the right amount of fiber.

You can also add a fiber (Psyllium nigrum husk) and other supplements to commercial cat food. A good choice created specifically for this purpose is PetAlive Natural Moves for healthy digestion and treatment of constipation in cats.

Make sure your cat has access to fresh water at all times. Drinking plenty of water is probably the biggest factor in preventing constipation.

Exercise is also important. Indoor cats sometimes do not get sufficient exercise. Provide your indoor cat with toys and spend time encouraging her to play and be active. This will help to get the bowels moving regularly.

Sources

Animal Doctor

IVIS
Diseases of the Anus and Rectum
Willard, Michael

 

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