While there are no set number of bowel movements that a cat must pass per day, one or two is normal. When cats have a difficult time passing bowels, the condition is known as constipation. Cat constipation can affect felines of any age; however, it is more common in seniors and those with precipitating health conditions.
Causes, Symptoms and Treatments of Cat Constipation
Causes of Constipation in Cats
There are many different things that can cause your cat to become constipated. However, dehydration is perhaps one of the most common causes of them all. Cats tend to drink much less water than many other species, which can lead to dry and hard stools that are difficult to pass. Other causes of cat constipation are listed below:
- Hairballs or Other Obstructions
- Lack of Fiber in Diet
- Changes in Surroundings
- Dirty Litter Boxes (learn how to litter train a kitten )
- Weakened Abdominal Muscles (Older, Inactive or Overweight Cats )
- Megacolon (Enlarged, Poorly Contracting Colon)
- Developmental Deformities of the Spine
- Trauma and/or Paralysis
- Hypothyroidism
- Incomplete Enervation of the Colon
- Nerve Damage to the Colon
- Trauma to the Pelvic Canal
- Various Medications
- Some Forms of Cancer
Cat Constipation Symptoms
The first symptom that a constipated cat will display is straining to defecate. After a brief period of straining, the cat may pass a small amount of feces that is hard and dry. It may also cry while it tries to pass the stools. However, as the condition progresses, other symptoms may begin to develop as listed below:
- Crouching and/or Straining for Long Periods with No Results
- Depression
- Lethargy
- Loss of Appetite
- Occasional Vomiting
- Hunching Over
- Sensitive or Painful Abdomen
- Weight Loss
- Accidents Outside of the Litter Tray
- Occasional Bloody Stools
- Swollen Anus
Treatments for Constipation in Cats If you suspect that your cat is constipated, it is essential that you have a veterinarian examine it to rule out any underlying medical conditions. In some cases, all that is required to remedy the problem is a special diet combined with mild stool softeners.
Nevertheless, if your cat’s condition is severe, IV therapy may be required to re-hydrate your pet. Additionally, if there is a blockage causing the problem, surgery may be necessary. Medications that may be causing constipation will need to be terminated as well. Other treatments that may be required depending on your cat’s diagnosis are as follows, cat constipation remedy :
- Oral Antibiotics
- Enemas
- Surgical Removal of Feces
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (Thyroxine)
- Intravenous or Oral Potassium Replacement
- Phosphorous Binders
What You Can Do at Home
First of all, you will need to stick to the special diet that your veterinarian recommends for your cat. You must also be sure to provide fresh, clean water for your pet at all times. Other things you can do to help prevent constipation include brushing your cat regularly and cleaning its litter box daily. When you follow this useful advice, you can help your pet stay healthy and avoid constipation in cats. Constipation can occur in dogs as well: dog constipation.
