How do cats act when constipated
Cat Constipation: Causes, Treatment, & Remedies
Constipation in cats is not something to take lightlyit can be a serious health concern.
Constipation occurs when cats pass hard, dry stool or have difficulty evacuating their stool. Obstipation is a severe form of constipation in which no stool passes for a period of days, resulting in a large buildup of feces in the colon.
Although many cats will occasionally become constipated, prolonged constipation requires veterinary intervention.
Constipation is very common in older cats and senior cats, but cats of any age can experience constipation.
Quick Overview: Cat Constipation
Common Symptoms: Little to no fecal production, straining to defecate, frequent litter box visits, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, lethargy.
Diagnosis: Hard stool can sometimes be found during physical exam. Physical exam is also needed to rule out a urinary bladder obstruction, which is much more serious and can mimic constipation symptoms. X-rays can help support the presence of firm stool present, bloodwork to evaluate underlying diseases that can predispose to constipation.
Requires Ongoing Medication: Sometimes
Vaccine Available: No
Treatment Options: In mild cases of constipation, an oral laxative like lactulose or miralax may be used. Advanced cases of constipation may require enemas to be performed at the vet's office. Obstipation, where a fecal blockage is present often require sedation or anesthesia for manual removal of feces or hospitalization. Other underlying causes of constipation may need to be treated. Prescription diets, fiber supplementation, or oral laxatives may need to be continued.
Home Remedies: Miralax, an over the counter powdered osmotic laxative may be used for mild cases of constipation, starting at 1/8 teaspoon once a day and increased in in 1/8 tsp increments up to twice a day. A vet visit is needed if no stool is seen after 24-48 hours or if other signs of concern develop.Is Your Cat Constipated? A Vet Explains How To Help
What Causes Constipation in Cats?
Cat constipation signs can sometimes be difficult to notice. There are many possible causes of constipation in cats.
Some of the most common causes of constipation in cats are:
- Anal gland infection
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Change in diet or inappropriate diet
- Dehydration
- Diabetes
- Foreign body ingestion
- Hairballs
- Hyperthyroidism
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Intestinal tumors
- Kidney disease
- Medication
- Megacolon
- Metabolic abnormalities
- Neurologic disease
- Obesity
- Prior pelvic fractures
Constipation can also result if a cat begins holding her poop because of behavioral or environmental reasons.
For instance, the cat may be avoiding the litter box because she is being ambushed by another household cat when she enters or exits. Maybe the litter box itself is not cleaned frequently enough and the cat doesnt want to use it.
Megacolon may also play a part in feline constipation.
A condition called megacolon can either be the primary cause of constipation or can develop as a secondary condition because of severe constipation. With megacolon, the muscles of the colon become stretched out and weak and are unable to move fecal matter through the colon and out of the body.
Megacolon is a very serious condition that can result in severe illness and even death if left untreated. Therefore, it is vital to seek veterinary attention if your cat experiences constipation that does not resolve quickly.
Signs & Symptoms of Cat Constipation
Some of the most obvious signs of constipation are less frequent defecation (finding less poop in the litterbox), finding small or dry poops, or in severe cases, finding no poop at all. In general, cats defecate one to three times a day. Constipation should be suspected in any cat that has not pooped in a couple of days.
Other Signs Of Constipation Include:
- Abdominal discomfort
- Blood or mucus in the stool
- Decreased appetite
- Dry, hard stool
- Defecating outside the litterbox
- Hiding
- Small amounts of diarrhea
- Straining when using the litter box
- Vocalizing (crying) when using the litter box
- Vomiting
How To Help a Constipated Cat?
If your cat is severely constipated (passing very little stool, has not pooped in several days), she requires veterinary care.
Colonic obstruction (where the colon becomes impacted with stool) can be mild (termed constipation) or it can be very serious (called obstipation). When feces remains in the cats body for too long, the cat will eventually become extremely sick. Left untreated, cats can even die from constipation.
When You Visit the Clinic, Your Veterinarian Will Perform a Physical Examination
The veterinarian will do a complete physical exam, including palpating the abdomen to feel for hard stool in the colon and checking for signs of dehydration (one of the most common causes of constipation). Some cats will even tolerate a rectal examination, though some cats will not think this is acceptable!
Additional Tests May Be Necessary
Depending on the severity of the constipation and whether it is something that has happened before, the veterinarian might wish to run additional tests, including blood work, urinalysis, and X-rays or ultrasound.
Fluid Therapy Is a Cornerstone of Constipation Treatment
The main treatment for your cats constipation is therapeutic rehydration with fluid therapy. Your veterinarian may choose to rehydrate your cat with subcutaneous fluids (administered under the skin) or intravenous fluids (given via an intravenous catheter).
Enemas and Laxatives May Be Administered
After hydration, laxatives may be prescribed to help the cat begin to pass the stool. Enemas can be used to directly hydrate and lubricate the stool that is stuck in the colon.
Over-the-counter enemas available in pharmacies should not be used in cats, since many contain ingredients that are toxic to cats. Many cats will tolerate enemas with minimal sedation, but a full disimpaction (manual extraction of feces) will require general anesthesia and is pursued only when other methods have failed.
Some cats with severe megacolon may require a surgery called a subtotal colectomy to remove the affected area of the colon to prevent painful recurrences. This is a major procedure that is reserved for only the most severe cases.
Once the constipation is addressed, your veterinarian will discuss measures you can take at home to prevent your cat from becoming constipated again, including encouraging more water intake, dietary changes, supplements, and possibly medications like stool softeners, laxatives or motility drugs (always use such medications under the guidance of a veterinarian).
Constipated Cat Remedies / Natural Remedies
Prolonged constipation may result in severe fecal impaction as shown in this X-ray.
Making some changes to your cats lifestyle can greatly reduce her chances of becoming constipated again. To keep things moving, you will want to keep your cat well-hydrated, make sure shes eating enough fiber, prevent hairballs, keep your cat at a good weight, and encourage exercise.
1. Increase Hydration
Hydration is the biggest component of resolving and preventing constipation in cats. To resolve mild constipation or to prevent constipation from recurring, encourage your cat to drink more water.
Cats are notoriously bad about drinking water, but there are some tricks you can try to get your cat to drink more.
Many cats like drinking from pet fountains because the water is always movingkeeping it interesting, cool, and fresh tasting. Many cats prefer cool water, so you can also try putting a few ice cubes in your cats water dish or purchase a cooling pet bowl designed to keep the water cold.
Another good way to entice your cat to drink more is to flavor her water by pouring a teaspoon of low-sodium chicken broth or juice from a can of tuna into her water dish.
Also Read: Best Cat Water Fountains
If your cat eats primarily dry food, gradually switching your cats food to canned food can increase her daily water consumption. Read more about the best cat food for constipation below.
2. Try Natural Remedies
Certain home remedies, including fiber supplements like psyllium (Metamucil) or canned pumpkin, can help keep things moving in your cats intestinal tract. These natural remedies for cat constipation are safe and easy to give your cat.
Not all cats need fiber, though, and in some cases excess fiber can cause more harm than good. Ask your veterinarian if your cat would benefit from psyllium or pumpkin and for advice on how much to give. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend a gentle laxative like Miralax.
Although some people think its a good idea to give a cat with constipation olive oil, coconut oil or even butter to relieve cat constipation, this is generally not recommended. The high fat content of oils and butter can
3. Prevent Hairballs
If your cat is prone to hairballs, consider using a hairball remedy. Hairball remedies come in a tasty gel formulation that cats find palatable. There are also special hairball treats designed to help move hair through the digestive tract. Brushing your cat more frequently can also cut down on the amount of hair she ingests during self-grooming.
4. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Overweight cats are more prone to constipation. If your cat is overweight, speak to your veterinarian about steps you can take to help her safely lose weight so she is leaner.
5. Increase Exercise
The more your cat moves, the better her bowels will function. Encourage her to get more exercise by adding more play sessions with toys like feather wands and laser lights (careful not to shine them into her eyes).
Cat Food for Constipation
Certain cat foods are designed to help promote colon health to keep things moving. A high-fiber diet or low-residue diet can help cats that experience chronic (recurring) constipation. Ask your veterinarian to recommend a specific brand of cat food for constipation.
Also Read: Best Cat Food For Constipation
Help for Cat Constipation
For some cats, constipation can be a recurring issue. If your cat experiences constipation, stay on top of her hydration and implement any other changes your veterinarian recommends to try to stave off future episodes.
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...
