Can too much fiber Constipate cats
Constipation in Cats: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Read on to learn everything you need to know about constipation in cats, what causes it, how to help treat it, and more.
Table of Contents
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How to tell if your cat is constipated
In general, healthy cats dont usually suffer from constipation. The condition is more common in senior cats, obese cats (who cant groom their hind end), and cats with underlying medical issues.
The main symptoms of constipation in cats include:
- Dry and hard stools
- Not being able to produce stools at all
- Straining or crying in the litter box
- Avoiding the litter box altogether
- Hunched posture
- Tense abdomen
Constipation is often due to an underlying health problem, so you might notice symptoms of other digestive issues. Examples include nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, weight loss, increased or decreased water intake, increased urination, muscle loss, walking stiffly, and difficulty jumping.
If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet as soon as possible. Cats that havent produced a stool in more than 48 to 72 hours should be evaluated by a vet, and the longer you wait to diagnose the problem, the more difficult it may be to treat.
What causes constipation in cats?
If you're wondering "why is my cat constipated?", there are several possible reasons. Common causes of constipation in cats include:
Dehydration
When cats become dehydrated or drink insufficient water, their body will try to absorb more fluid from the colon, leading to harder and drier stools. Chronic kidney disease leads to increased urine production, resulting in dehydration, and may cause constipation in cats, as well.
Chronic diseases
Apart from kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are other chronic conditions that can cause constipation in cats. Ruptured anal sacs can also make your cat experience pain when defecating and might result in constipation.
Dietary issues
Too little fiber or having too much fiber can cause constipation, so its crucial to know which foods cats can eat. Cats who eat primarily dry food diets are also prone to constipation.
Discomfort
Pain (caused by osteoarthritis, for instance) can cause reluctance to defecate and make your cat avoid the litter box. In some cases, pain can be caused by abnormalities in the rectum or colon. Or, your feline friend may have swallowed a foreign object that caused trauma to the lining of the colon as it passed through. Skin conditions around the anus, such as abscesses, can also affect your pets bathroom habits.
Obstructions
Obstructions, such as anal gland disorders, narrowed pelvic canal resulting from an injury, prostatic enlargement, and tumors can affect bowel movement. Swallowing a foreign object can also cause an obstruction in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In this case, you may notice preliminary symptoms like a sore abdomen and decreased appetite before you notice constipation.
Idiopathic megacolon
According to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, this is a disease where the colon loses its normal motility and becomes progressively larger. As the disease worsens, cats can lose the ability to defecate altogether.
Litter tray avoidance
Your cat might be reluctant to defecate due to litter tray avoidance. For instance, the litter box may be dirty, located in a noisy place, shared with competing cats, or if they simply dont like the type of cat litter. Other causes of constipation in cats include:
- Anxiety or stress
- Allergies
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Nerve problems
- Excessive grooming (leading to extra hair in the GI tract)
- Tangled hair on the buttocks
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Side effects of some medications
- Obesity
- Perianal disease
What to do if my cat is constipated?
Your vet will diagnose your cat with constipation based on physical exam findings and asking you about their medical history, as well as their feeding habits. Because there are so many possible causes of constipation in cats, the vet might need to run multiple diagnostics tests, such as:
- Blood work to check blood sugar, protein level, liver and kidney function, and salt balance, as well as a complete blood count to check the red and white blood cell count.
- Urine test to see how well the kidneys are working.
- Abdominal ultrasound or x-rays to rule out cancer.
- A thyroid value for constipation in older cats over 8 years old.
- Endoscopy to look at the inside of the cats colon and/or colonoscopy to retrieve biopsies.
How to treat constipation in cats
For mild cases, your vet can provide instruction on how to relieve constipation in cats with simple changes to the pets diet and lifestyle, along with other at-home remedies. However, some cases are more severe and need the attention of a veterinarian.
Before the vet can determine how to treat constipation in cats, he or she will first need to identify the underlying cause for the condition. They will likely provide fluids or an enema for immediate relief. Then, theyll recommend over-the-counter medications or prescription drugs, such as prokinetics or laxatives, for treatment.
In very severe cases that dont respond to treatment, your cat might need to be anesthetized to manually remove the feces from the colon (deobstipation). Cat constipation needs to be treated as soon as possible to reduce the risk of permanent damage resulting from prolonged distension of the colon.
If your pets constipation is long-term or they suffer from obstipation (the inability to empty their colon on their own), it could lead to an abnormal dilation of the colon, known as a megacolon. If medical management has failed to help with megacolon, you may consider a surgical procedure called subtotal colectomy to remove the non-functioning part of the colon.
How to prevent cat constipation
In some cases, prevent constipation in cats with at-home remedies. Here are some suggestions that can help soothe your pets uncomfortable build-up.
Dietary changes
Constipation in cats can often be easily managed and prevented by paying attention to the amount of dietary fiber in their food. You can change to a high fiber diet in canned food (which provides more water) or add fiber to your cats diet with canned pumpkin or bran cereal.
You can also purchase veterinary prescription diets from an authorized retailer. If you arent sure about the appropriate quantity of fiber your cat needs to consume, consult your vet. Feeding too little or too much can worsen constipation.
Food allergies can also cause constipation in cats. Consider changing the protein source of your pets food to reduce inflammation and help restore normal intestinal movement.
Increase water consumption
Constipation symptoms can be relieved and prevented if you ensure that your cat stays well-hydrated during the day. Cats arent very good at drinking standing water, so the best way to increase your kittys water consumption is by feeding them wet food. You can also try leaving the tap dripping, use a water fountain, or place water bowls in different places around the house to remind your feline friend to drink more.
Increase exercise
Physical activity can promote normal intestinal movement, which helps alleviate constipation. Consider providing cat trees or toys and spending more time playing with them. Physical activity can also help prevent obesity and reduce anxiety, both of which can also cause cat constipation.
Try probiotics and fiber supplements
Probiotics are healthy bacteria that help support healthy intestines by dealing with a microflora imbalance that might be causing problems with stool consistency. Fiber supplements such as Psyllium can help increase the bulk of your pets stool, stimulating movement in the intestines to get the stool out. It can also help increase the water content in the stool, making it easier to pass.
However, if youre thinking about giving your cat supplements, be sure to consult with your vet first. Your vet can help you choose the appropriate remedy and administer the correct dose. This is especially important if your pet is already taking other supplements, on medication, or they have been diagnosed with a health condition.
Add more litter boxes
Cats can be very particular about their litter boxes. As a general rule of thumb, you should always have one extra litter box. Also, consider trying different types of trays and litter to figure out what your cat likes best.
Prognosis and recovery
Given proper medical treatment, most cats recover quickly. Milder cases of constipation in cats are often manageable with dietary changes. However, if the blockage is caused by an illness or bowel obstruction, your pet may require regular veterinary care to keep the underlying problem in check. Your vet might want to examine your cat or perform x-rays every couple of months to ensure their bowels are functioning correctly.
What about constipation in kittens?
Kittens dont typically defecate every day, so one day without feces in the litter box doesnt necessarily warrant immediate cause for concern. However, if your kitten hasnt gone for a few days, its a good idea to start monitoring them for constipation.
Besides dehydration and obstruction, heavy intestinal parasite burdens are also a common cause of constipation in kittens. The number of worms in the intestines can be so high that it causes a blockage and prevents the stool from passing.
Kittens who arent yet weaned should be stimulated to defecate. Cat mothers do this by licking the kittens rectum. However, if the mother is not around, youll need to stimulate the kittens rectum to pass stool by wiping it on a regular basis.
Pro Tip: Cats should be dewormed regularly to kill any intestinal parasites that might cause blockage and constipation. Pet insurance makes routine pet care more affordable by reimbursing up to 100% of vet costs.
Cat Constipation
What Is Cat Constipation?
Constipation is defined as infrequent or difficult defecation. This may mean hard stool; large, uncomfortable pellets; or no production of poop at all.
Cat constipation is a short-term problem. If your cat continues to be constipated, it can become obstipation (painful defecation) or even megacolon, which is the advanced stage of chronic cat constipation that is often nonresponsive to medical management.
Always take your cat to the vet if they are straining in the litter box. The underlying cause could possibly be serious or deadly if untreated.
Symptoms of Cat Constipation
Symptoms that your cat is constipated include:
Little to no fecal production while attempting to poop
Frequent visits to the litter box
Vomiting
Decreased appetite
Abdominal pain
Decreased energy
Decreased interest in interacting with family
Causes of Cat Constipation
Cats can become constipated for many reasons, from stressful situations to health issues. You should always see the vet within 24 hours to rule out health-related causes or underlying diseases.
Litter Box Issues
Sometimes cat constipation starts with a litter box issue: maybe the box isnt cleaned frequently enough or isnt easy to access. Or the litter box could be associated with pain while attempting to poop, or with something thats scary to a cat, like the washing machine buzzer going off.
In these cases, your cat not wanting to go can quickly become not being able to go. To help your constipated cat, examine your litter box and its surroundings, and consider:
Moving it to a quiet location with no noises or activity that would be scary to your cat
Moving it away from your cats food, water, and bed
Cleaning it more often to reduce smells
Switching to a low-sided box that is easier to access
Not Drinking Enough
Cat constipation could also be caused by not drinking enough water. Your cats reluctance to drink might be related to an underlying health concern such as mobility issues, mouth pain, or digestive discomfort. Take them to the vet to rule out any of these issues.
Your cat might also be reacting to an issue with their water dish, such as stagnant or dirty water, or even the type of bowl. Always rule out medical issues first, especially when it comes to dehydration. Then you can also think about:
Using a cat water fountain with flowing water that mimics a stream or river
Trying water bowls made out of other materials, like glass, ceramic, plastic, or metal
Cleaning the water bowl more often
Underlying Disease
Many diseases, both acute (short-term) and chronic, can lead to constipation in cats. These include kidney disease, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism. All cases of straining in the litter box should be evaluated by a veterinarian, because each of these illnesses can become very serious or even deadly if left untreated.
Obstruction
A toy or other nonfood item can obstruct the intestines, preventing the passage of poop. This is
The inability to urinate is also an emergency for your cat; take them in to see a vet as quickly as possible to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Not Enough Exercise
Inactivity can also lead to constipation. You should aim for at least 10-15 minutes of activity interactive
Cat trees provide opportunities for climbing and exploration
Scratching posts allow cats to express the instinct to scratch
Toys that mimic prey animals can attract a cats attention
Smart toys that move on their own motivate hunting and chasing
Catnip makes all of these activities more fun for your cat
How Vets Diagnose Cat Constipation
First, your veterinarian will get a history of the problem. Youll describe the symptoms, when they started, and other factors that may be related to your cats constipation.
Providing a full history is very important because straining in the litter box can also be a symptom of lower urinary issues and diarrhea.
After getting your cats history, your veterinarian will perform a physical exam. In constipated cats, a vet can often feel the hard stool, but not always.
Next, your veterinarian will recommend X-rays to evaluate the extent of constipation to determine the best initial treatment for your cat. Bloodwork is often required to assess underlying diseases that may predispose your cat to constipation.
Treatment for Cat Constipation
Treatment for constipated cats depends on the cause and severity. Constipation that is left untreated can lead to megacolon, a form of constipation that is not responsive to medical treatment and can be fatal.
The first step in treatment is to remove the obstructing feces, which sometimes requires administration of fluids or an enema at the clinic. Never give an enema to your cat at home, as human enemas are not safe for cats.
If the constipation is moderate or severe, your cat will need to be sedated for the enema or deobstipation (manual removal of feces).
The next step is to determine the underlying cause of your cats constipation and address it. You may need to make changes in your cats environment, like moving the litter boxes, cleaning the water bowl or litter boxes more often, or trying a cat water fountain or a different type of water bowl.
The vet may also recommend switching your cat to low- or high-fiber food and adding medication specifically for constipation.
But more often, treating any underlying disease, such as kidney disease or arthritis, is the most important treatment to prevent a recurrence.
Recovery and Management of Cat Constipation
Once the hard stool is removed, recovery is usually rapid. Unfortunately, if you dont deal with the original cause, whether its treating a health issue or making lifestyle changes, then your cat is very likely to become constipated again.
Follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian. Often the food changes or medications will need to be continued for life. Just because your cat is feeling better doesnt mean you can stop treatment.
Pro Tip
Hang a calendar on the wall near the litter box to keep track of your cats poop schedule. This will help you be proactive at the first sign of a problem.
Cat Constipation FAQs
How can I help my cat with constipation?
See your vet within 24 hours to determine if there are any underlying health issues so you can treat them right and prevent ongoing constipation.
The best thing you can do is try to prevent constipation from happening in the first place. Litter boxes should always be clean, easy to access, and located in a safe place. Make sure your cat drinks enough water and gets enough daily exercise.
Will fish oil help cat constipation?
No, fish oil will not help cat constipation. Too much fish oil can cause painful cramping and diarrhea, and will not address the cause of constipation.
What do you feed a cat with chronic constipation?
Nutritional management depends on the cause of chronic constipation. This is a discussion you should have with your veterinarian about your cats specific needs.
What is a natural laxative for cats?
Consult your vet before giving your cat a laxative.
You may be tempted to give your cat over-the-counter products like mineral oil and petrolatum. While they can both help with short-term constipation, they may not be safe for all cats.
How long can my cat go without pooping?
A typical healthy cat should defecate at least once per day. Unless they just had surgery or are recovering from diarrhea, a cat should not go longer than 48 hours without pooping.
Can kittens get constipated, too?
Constipation is rare in kittens that are well cared for, which means they are in a home with access to clean water and a commercially formulated cat food diet. However, any cause of abnormal litter box habits should be evaluated by a veterinarian, no matter the age of the cat.
WRITTEN BY
Hanie Elfenbein, DVMVeterinarian
Dr. Elfenbein graduated from the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. She currently practices in...
