Constipation in cats can be caused by numerous factors. In addition to the inability to defecate normally, constipated cats may have visible difficulty using their litter box or may exhibit other external signs indicating an inability to empty their bowels. If you notice that your cat’s litter box remains unused for several days or if the stools are harder than usual or contain blood, you should consult a veterinarian immediately.
What Is Constipation in Cats?
Constipation in cats is a common condition. Normally, cats defecate one to three times a day. When they cannot empty their bowels normally, they become constipated and may require special care to restore normal bowel function.
Many cases of constipation in cats are minor and treatable. However, other cases may hide serious conditions, such as megacolon, anal gland diseases, or cancer. The veterinarian can perform a detailed examination to identify the cause of constipation.
Symptoms of Constipation in Cats
Constipation in cats can range from mild forms with subtle symptoms to chronic forms with more severe manifestations. Symptoms of acute constipation include:
- Harder stools than usual
- Small, pellet-like stools
- Repeated and unsuccessful visits to the litter box
- Temporary loss of appetite
- Visible straining during defecation
Cats with chronic constipation may exhibit more obvious signs of discomfort, such as:
- Stools with blood or covered in mucus
- Meowing or crying due to pain
- Lethargy
- Weight loss (see: Why Do Cats Lose Weight?)
- Lack of interest in personal hygiene
Additionally, constipated cats may have a hardened abdomen and avoid lying on their stomach. They may refuse food and water, even when offered their favorite food.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is necessary to consult a veterinarian for examination and appropriate treatment.
Causes of Constipation in Cats
A number of factors can contribute to constipation in cats. Common causes include:
- Dehydration
- Low-fiber diets (see: Cat Nutrition: Frequently Asked Questions)
- Hairballs or excessive grooming
- Obesity (see: Obesity in Cats: Why Is My Cat Gaining Weight?)
- Reduced metabolism
- Side effects of medications
However, constipation can also have more serious causes that require specialized veterinary care:
- Ingestion of a foreign object
- Anal gland diseases
- Intestinal or gastric infections
- Neurological disorders
- Enlarged or infected anal sacs
- Intestinal or gastric tumors
Cats with mild constipation can recover quickly by drinking more water or eating a fiber-rich diet. Weight loss and increased activity levels can also help. On the other hand, cats with underlying conditions may require more intensive veterinary treatment to alleviate symptoms.
How Is Constipation in Cats Diagnosed?
The veterinarian can diagnose the cause of constipation in your cat using various tests. In addition to collecting a fecal sample, the vet may palpate the cat’s abdomen to check for the presence of a foreign object in the stomach or intestines. X-rays or ultrasounds may also be used to identify possible blockages caused by tumors or viral or bacterial infections.
Additionally, the veterinarian may take the cat’s temperature to detect a possible fever, a sign of an underlying infection. They will also examine the cat’s mouth and eyes for signs of dehydration. In severe cases of dehydration, the cat may require intravenous hydration, which can also help alleviate constipation.
Treatment of Constipation in Cats
Once the veterinarian identifies the cause of constipation, they will establish the best treatment plan. For minor or acute cases of constipation, the vet may recommend:
- Increased hydration: The cat can drink more water at home or receive intravenous hydration.
- Laxatives: Laxatives can stimulate more frequent bowel movements.
- Increased fiber intake: The vet may suggest switching to a special high-fiber diet or adding foods such as canned pumpkin to the cat’s diet.
- Enemas: In severe cases or those caused by conditions such as cancer, surgical intervention may be necessary to manually evacuate the intestines or remove obstructions.
Recovery After Constipation in Cats
With proper treatment, most cats with minor constipation recover quickly without needing prolonged veterinary care.
To maintain your cat’s intestinal health, ensure it always has fresh water and include fiber in its diet. It is important to ensure your cat maintains a healthy weight and gets enough daily exercise.
If constipation is caused by conditions such as cancer, intestinal blockages, or other diseases, regular veterinary monitoring may be necessary to manage the condition. The vet may recommend periodic X-rays or examinations to check the proper functioning of the intestines.
Additionally, you can prevent intestinal problems by keeping foreign objects, such as strings, bottle caps, or other small items, away from your cat. This measure reduces the risk of your cat ingesting objects that can cause blockages.
