Can eggs help cats with constipation

Constipation in Cats: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment

As cat parents, it's important to keep a close eye on our feline friends health, and that includes their digestion. Believe it or not, how often our cats go can have a big impact on their well-being.

So let's take a moment to understand constipation in cats - what it is, how to spot it, and what to do about it.

What Is Constipation in Cats?

Constipation in cats means they're having a hard time passing stool. Normally, cats should have a bowel movement daily to every other day, but diet and hydration can affect defecation frequency. If your cat hasn't used the litter box in 3 days or more or appears to be straining, it's a sign of constipation.

This issue could be a one-off or recurring, but either way, it warrants attention and perhaps a doctor's intervention. Constipation causes the stool to become hard and dry in the colon, making it tough to pass. This straining can lead to minor liquid or blood passings, underlining the importance of treating constipation seriously.

Signs & Symptoms of Cat Constipation

Observing your cat's behavior is key to identifying constipation. While some signs are subtle and can be overlooked, others are more noticeable. Here is a list of signs that can accompany constipation:

• Changed Litter Box Habits: Your cat visits the litter box less frequently, or their stools are smaller, harder, or drier than usual.
• Extended Litter Box Time: Your cat spends an unusually long time in the litter box, indicating difficulty in passing stool.
• Discomfort or Distress: Your cat shows discomfort, such as meowing, crying, or unusual behavior in or around the litter box.
• Visible Straining: Your cat appears to be pushing hard but produces little or no stool.
• Loss of Appetite: Your cat starts to eat less than usual
• Lethargy: Your cat seems unusually tired or inactive
• Abdominal Pain: Your cat hunches over or reacts negatively when you touch their belly, indicating severe discomfort.
• Vomiting: In extreme cases, where constipation persists for several days, your cat may start vomiting.

Causes of Constipation in Cats

Various factors, from lifestyle issues to more serious health conditions, can contribute to cat constipation. These include inadequate water intake, obesity, lack of exercise, hairballs, underlying medical conditions like kidney disease and hyperthyroidism, obstructions, and orthopedic issues.

Here's a breakdown of these possible causes of your cat's constipation issues:

Inadequate water intake

If a cat doesn't get enough water, their body can extract water from the stool, making it hard and difficult to pass.

Obesity

Overweight cats have a higher risk of constipation. The added weight can put more pressure on the colon, making it harder for your cat to have regular bowel movements.

Lack of exercise

Cats who don't get enough physical activity can experience a slowdown in the passage of stool through their colon.

Hairballs

When cats groom themselves, they often ingest hair that can accumulate in their digestive tract and form hairballs, which can cause constipation.

Underlying medical conditions

Conditions such as kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and certain neurological disorders can also lead to constipation in cats.

Obstructions

More serious causes of constipation include obstructions in the colon, such as tumors or swallowed foreign objects.

Orthopedic issues or injury

Orthopedic issues or injuries, particularly those involving the pelvis or hind legs, can make it difficult for a cat to position itself to defecate, leading to constipation.

When to See a Vet

If your cat hasn't had a bowel movement in over 3 days, is frequently constipated, or is showing signs of discomfort, it's time to visit your veterinarian.

The same goes for any other unusual symptoms like loss of appetite, lethargy, or vomiting. Sometimes, a bout of constipation may resolve itself, but consistent issues point to a larger problem that needs professional attention.

Ignoring constipation can lead to severe complications like obstipation, where a cat can't empty its colon, or megacolon, a painful condition characterized by an enlarged, dysfunctional colon. Plus, constipation can be a sign of other health issues such as kidney disease or hyperthyroidism.

Treatment for Cats with Constipation

If your cat is constipated, a vet visit will likely include a physical exam and potentially diagnostic tests like blood work or X-rays to identify the cause. Treatment can vary based on the severity of constipation. Hydration is key, as it helps to soften stool. A fiber-rich diet and regular exercise can stimulate bowel movements.

In more serious cases, or if constipation progresses to a condition called megacolon where the colon becomes abnormally enlarged, your veterinarian might recommend laxatives, administer an enema, perform manual removal of feces, or in some instances, surgery might be necessary.

Note: Always follow your doctor's guidance when treating your cat's constipation.

Prevention for Cats with Constipation

Here are some prevention tips to ensure your cat's digestive health:

1. Hydration and diet

To keep your cat's digestive system running smoothly, make sure they always have access to fresh water and incorporate canned or wet food into their diet. Fiber can be sprinkled onto their food, too, and can be very effective at addressing, and preventing, constipation.

2. Playtime and stress management

Playtime promotes activity and enrichment and helps keep things moving in the right direction. Managing your cat's stress levels is important, as stress can contribute to digestive issues.

3. Litter box hygiene

Ensure your cat's litter box is clean and inviting to use. If it's dirty, your cat might hold in their stool longer than they should, which can contribute to constipation.

4. Regular veterinary checkups

Regular veterinary checkups are crucial to keep track of your cat's health and prevent any issues before they become serious.

Conclusion

If you're noticing changes in your cat's litter box habits, don't ignore it - it could be constipation. Consult your veterinarian, who can suggest treatments from diet changes to medications. Remember, keeping your cat hydrated, well-fed, active, and up-to-date with vet visits is the best way to prevent issues. Let's keep our furry friends feeling their best!

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a cat act when constipated?

A constipated cat might visit the litter box more often but produce little to no stool, and they could show signs of discomfort like straining, crying, or acting unusual around the litter box.

How long does cat constipation last?

Cat constipation can vary in duration, but if your cat hasn't had a bowel movement in more than 3 days, it's time to consult a veterinarian.

How long can a cat go without pooping?

While it can vary, a healthy cat typically has a bowel movement once a day to once every other day. If your cat hasn't 'gone' for more than 3 days, it's time to seek veterinary advice.

Is there a laxative for cats?

Yes, there are cat-friendly laxatives available, both over-the-counter and prescription types. However, any medication should only be given under the guidance of a veterinarian.

Help! New to Raw - Cat Recovering from Recent Constipation Issues

Thank you both for the advice! Right now I've found a few things he likes enough to eat enough food to where I'm comfortable with it - I have to do a bit of hand feeding because I think he's not too fond of his bowl setup (need to figure that out - maybe get a raised set up for him). He likes Lotus, Tiki Cat, and I'm only feeding the Royal Canin High Energy Gastrointestinal until he gets some decent weight back on. He's eaten a tiny bit of the Primal, but I'm not super focused on getting him on it until he's back to 100%. My other cat has been transitioning quite nicely though. Also, Answers Raw Goat Milk was a hit this morning. I tried to give him a bit yesterday and he only licked at it. Today I tried again and he went for it - he even tried to smack the other cat away when she got too close!

I find that heating his food up a bit to around body temperature helps - one, it triggers his smell, and two I think he just likes to eat it warmer.

No laxative prescribed by the vet - she said as long as he is on the Royal Canin it'll create enough bulk to push through - and since he has pooped twice now his poop is already looking much better. Before it was light colored and hard as a rock, coming out in small pellets. Now it is darker, has more moisture to it (but is definitely solid), and comes out in one piece.

I also got Answers Fermented Fish Stock, but neither of them have gone for that yet. I think I'm going to syringe feed that just because of the great health properties it has for them.

And looks like there is a place two miles from me with Rad Cat! So excited, thanks for the tip - I'm going to try that after the Primal is out. Around that time I'm hoping my 9 year old will be back to normal weight and in a better state to transition.

Question on the egg yolks. Do I serve them raw? Should they be room temp? And have your cats usually gone for them right away? And is it ok to go ahead and give a full yolk if my cat has never had one before?

Thank you ladies so much!

Do Eggs Cause Constipation? Facts and Myths.

Eggs are low in fiber. However, eating eggs in moderation is constipation. You dont have to cut eggs if you have constipation. Just mix eggs with foods rich in fiber. However, eating too many eggs with a low-fiber diet can aggravate constipation.

1- Fact: Eggs are very low in fiber.

According to the USD. A (to the United States Department of Agriculture) food data Central, Eggs have less than 0.75% fiber content.

Foods that are low in fiber are known to cause constipation. However, This happens when you exclusively eat eggs.

A minimum amount of 25 grams of fiber per day for females and 38 g for males is required for healthy bowel movements.

You can obtain the amount of fiber in your diet while you eat eggs.

2- Myth: eggs cause constipation.

Although eggs are a low-fiber diet, eating eggs in moderation doesnt cause constipation. According to a large study (involving 2776 patients with constipation), eating eggs wasnt related to the development of constipation.

Eating eggs in moderation (1-4 per day) is not associated with an increased risk of constipation. However, you should obtain your dietary fiber needs through a balanced diet containing fibers such as:

• Whole grains.
• Apples and pears.
• Kiwi fruits.
• Figs.
• Citrus fruits.
• Prunes and prune juice.
• Spinach and other greens.
• Beans, peas, and lentils.
• Vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and sweetcorn.
• Nuts and seeds.

3- Fact: Unbalanced diet can cause constipation (with or without eggs).

Constipation is usually caused by the interplay of multiple factors, such as:

• Poor lifestyles such as lack of activity and sedentary life.
• Some people are predisposed (chronic idiopathic constipation and IBS with constipation).
• Dietary factors such as a low-fiber diet and a lack of good hydration.
• Medications.
• Stress and anxiety.
• Some neurological diseases.

The point is to look at the whole scene. Dont overestimate the role of diet in constipation.

However, constipation can occur if eating eggs is part of an unbalanced diet with a low daily amount of fiber.

4- Myth: hard-boiled and scrambled eggs have different effects on constipation.

Hard-boiled, scrambled, and egg omelets share the same fundamental constituents. So, their effect on constipation is the same. Both hard-boiled, scrambled eggs and omelets dont cause constipation if consumed in moderation with a high-fiber diet.

No scientific evidence supports that raw eggs, fried eggs, quail eggs, nor pickled eggs cause constipation. You can eat them safely if you have your daily fiber requirements.

But note that adding too much-saturated fats to eggs or eating eggs with lots of sausage or dairy products can induce constipation. This is because consuming large amounts of multiple low-fiber foods can end in constipation.

5- A special concern about eggs in babies and pets.

Eating eggs in babies (especially babies younger than two years) can lead to constipation. This is because a single egg can form an entire meal. Dont feed your baby too many eggs at the expense of fibers.

The same issues go with small-sized pets; too many eggs at the expense of fiber can lead to constipation.

Eggs dont cause constipation in pets and babies. Too many eggs can easily cause constipation due to their smaller size and needs.

6- Why shouldnt you stop Eggs with constipation and IBS constipation?

As long as you mix your eggs with a source of fiber, No need to cut them out. Also, eggs may carry too many health benefits (ref):

• They are low in FODMAP. So, They are Ok to eat with people with IBS, including those with IBS-C.
• Rich in high-quality protein and nutrients.
• They raise the levels of good cholesterol, The HDL cholesterol.
• One boiled egg contains:
• 40% of your daily vitamin D requirements
• 25% of your daily Folate requirement.
• 20% of your daily selenium requirement.
• Also, eggs contain vitamins B2, B12, B5, A, iron, iodine, and phosphorus.

MORE: Can You Eat Eggs with Hiatal Hernia & acid reflux?