Should I give milk to a constipated cat

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated November 18, 2024

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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: SometimesVaccine Available: NoTreatment 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.

Constipation in cats

Causes of constipation in cats

There are many different things that can cause constipation in cats, including:

Pain

If it hurts your cat to pass faeces or get into the right position to poo, they may avoid going and become constipated. This could be because of a problem around their bottom, an injury, or arthritis in their legs, spine or hips.

A blockage in the guts

Your cat will struggle to poo if something is stopping poo from moving through their guts, such as:

Something swallowed that wont pass through their intestines, such as a bone, toy, or hairball.
A tumour.
A rectal prolapse (where the inside part of the anus comes outside) - this can also happen as a result of straining.
Matted fur around the anus (bottom).

Megacolon

This is a condition that causes the colon (the last section of the guts) to become big and floppy. As a result, instead of moving through the colon, towards the anus, poo builds-up inside it causing constipation. In most cats, the cause of megacolon is unknown, which vets call idiopathic megacolon.

Dehydration

Dehydration can make poo very solid and difficult to pass. Dehydration can be caused by:

Not drinking enough water most common in cats that only eat dry food and/or dont have constant access to water.

Stress

Stress can cause constipation in cats. Stress can be triggered by a number of things, for example household stress (arguments, noise), not having enough litter trays, a new pet or person in the family, or a new cat in the area. Learn more about stress in cats.

Bad weather

Cats who usually go outside might be put off pooing if the weather is bad.

Litter tray issues

If something is preventing your cat using their litter tray, they may avoid pooing, which can lead to constipation. This could be because their tray is dirty, they dont like the litter, its in a noisy area of the house, or if there simply arent enough litter trays for the number of cats in your house (you should have one per cat, plus one spare).

8 Ways to Help Your Constipated Cat

Constipation is common in cats. Usually, its mild, and you can help your cat with simple home treatments.

But sometimes constipation in cats can indicate more serious health issues, and it can become very severe and uncomfortable. So how do you know when its a serious problem that needs vet attention?

Heres what you need to know about cat constipation symptoms and causes, what you can do to help your constipated cat, and when to be concerned.

Symptoms of Constipation in Cats

Constipation is characterized by infrequent stools or stools that are difficult to pass. Most cats will poop about every 1224 hours. If your cat is pooping less frequently and having some difficulty, she may be constipated.

While there is some normal variation, if its been more than 4872 hours without a bowel movement, you should contact your vet.

Normally, cat poop isa rich brown color and should look well-formed. Ahealthy stoolhas enough moisture that litter will stick to it, says Dr. Liz Bales, VMD.Cats with constipation may have very dry, hard stools. A constipated cat may also cry or strain in the litter box, or avoid it altogether.

Symptoms of constipation may include:

Decreased appetite
Lethargy
Abdominal pain
Straining to defecate (hunched posture trying to poop)
Pain or vocalization when defecating
Production of small, hard, dry feces

If youre seeing any of these symptoms, especially if your pet has not defecated recently, discuss them with your cats vet.

Causes of Cat Constipation

Anything that causesdehydrationin a cat may result in constipation, says Dr. Bales. Some issues are mild and treatable at home with dietary and lifestyle modifications, and some can be serious.

Constipation can happen if the intestines arent moving things along normally, keeping the stool soft and moist. This can be caused by underlying issues like stress and anxiety, inflammatory bowel disease, allergies, nerve problems, and even some kinds of cancer.

Other causes of constipation in cats include:

Vet Treatment for Constipation in Cats

Constipation must be treated as soon as possible to reduce the risk of permanent damage due to prolonged distension of the colon. Effective treatment involves identifying and correcting the underlying disorder (if possible), removing the impacted feces, and preventing recurrences.

For immediate relief of constipation, your veterinarian can give your cat fluids and/or anenema. Administering an enema to a cat is a veterinary job and should not be attempted at home, says Dr. Bales. Some types of enemas designed for people are actually very toxic to cats.

Vets can also prescribe medications or recommend over-the-counter solutions to help you manage the symptoms of your cats constipation.

More importantly, your vet can help identify the underlying issue thats causing the constipation so it can be treated, rather than just trying to manage the symptoms.

Tips and Home Remedies for Constipation in Cats

In addition to the treatments prescribed by your vet, there are some potential lifestyle changes at home that may help your cat combat constipation. But remember: If your cat has not defecated in 4872 hours or if they are acting uncomfortable, contact your vet immediately.

Heres a list of tips to discuss with your vet that may help your cat:

1. Increase Water Consumption

Because dehydration contributes to constipation, drinking more water and staying well-hydrated helps prevent constipation. Cats arent very good at drinking standing water, so the best way to increase their water consumption and keep them well-hydrated is by feeding them wet food. This dramatically increases their water intake and significantly reduces their risk of constipation.

You can also encourage your cat to drink more water by adding setting up more water bowls in different areas of your home, trying pet water fountains orleaving a faucet dripping.

Hydracare is also a product that may help increase your cats total liquid intake and help keep them hydratedplus, its liver-flavored.

2. Try a New Diet

Food allergies can cause intestinal inflammation and constipation in cats. Changing the protein source of your cats food (chicken, lamb, etc.) can reduce inflammation and allow the intestines to move more normally, reducing constipation.

For cats that may be allergic to multiple things, there are also special limited ingredient diets, prescription diets, and hypoallergenic diets available. It does take about eight to 12 weeks for a diet change to work, though, so this is part of long-term management.

Talking to your vet about the best diet for your cat may be a long-term way to help deal with constipation. When changing your cats food, follow the recommended transition period, mixing the old food with the new as stated on the cat food package.

3. Help Your Cat Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity causes intestinal inflammation, which causes things to slow down in the intestines. Too much water is then absorbed from the stool, causing constipation. In severe cases, theres so much fat in the belly that it physically impedes movement of stools.

Your vet can help you figure outif your cat needs to lose weightand work with you to create a diet plan.

4. Increase Exercise and Enrichment

Exercise can help promote normal movement of the intestines, which helps treat and prevent constipation. Encourage your cat to be more active withthings like cat toys, cat trees, window seats,and more playtime with you. Exercise will also help provide enrichment and reduce your cats anxiety, and it will help with weight loss.

5. Minimize Stress and Anxiety

Cats can easily become stressed when their routines are disrupted. There could be a more obvious cause, like having a new pet in the house or moving. Or it could be less obvious, like a change in your schedule, construction noise nearby, or a new dog barking in the neighborhood.

Sometimes it just takes time for a cat to adjust to changes. But you can help reduce stress and anxiety by using items like calming pheromones (Feliway), supplements (Zylkene and Solliquin are commonly used), and/or medications.

6. Add More Litter Boxes

Cats can be quite particular about their litter boxes. If they dont like the location of a litter box or even the type of box or litter, they may not use it as much, which can lead to constipation.

You should have at least one more litter box than you have cats, and there should be at least one litter box on every floor of your home. You may need to experiment with different types of litter and litter boxes to find what your cat likes.

7. Try Fiber or Probiotics

Probiotics are good bacteria that help support healthy intestines. Healthy intestines will move stool along normally and keep stools soft, preventing constipation.

Fiber feeds the good bacteria and helps promote normal movement in the intestines. It can also help keep more water in the intestines, which helps treat and prevent constipation.