What can I give my cat for hard stools
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...
12 Natural Home Remedies for Cat Constipation (Vet Approved)
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Learn moreConstipation is a very common problem for cats. Often the symptoms are mild, and there are lots of things you can do at home to help your cat and ease their discomfort. Most cats pass feces every 2436 hours, but if your cat is going less frequently than this or they seem uncomfortable when in their litter tray, they may well be constipated.
When your cat is constipated, feces get stuck in the large intestine for longer than usual, so it becomes dry and hard which exacerbates the issue and makes it even more difficult to pass. There are many different causes of constipation, some are mild and others are the results of serious health issues such as megacolonor kidney disease. These are complicated medical problems and home remedies are not appropriate here.
However, if your cat has mild constipation, you have come to the right place! Keep reading this vet-written guide to find out 12 natural home remedies for cat constipation.
Signs of Constipation
Constipation can vary greatly in severity. Some cats may have mild signs, while others can suffer a lot and be extremely uncomfortable.
The usual signs of constipation include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Straining in litter tray
- Difficulty passing feces
- Pain when passing feces
- Passing feces less frequently
- Producing small, hard, dry feces
Constipation is usually easy to spot, and here is a list of some natural home remedies you can try if you see the early signs of constipation:
The 12 Vet-Approved Natural Home Remedies for Cat Constipation
1.Keep Your Cat Well Hydrated
If your cat is dehydrated, this will exacerbate their constipation. Keeping up fluid intake is the first port of call when managing constipated cats. This can be done in a number of different ways. You can leave water bowls around the house in easily accessible places as this will encourage the consumption of more water. Some cats enjoy using water fountains, or a dripping tap. You can also flavor your cats water with something strong smelling such as tuna juice or bone broth.
If you do this, ensure you leave some plain water out too. This is in case they dont like the flavoring and need an alternative source.
2.Feed Canned Wet Food
Changing your cats food from dry to canned wet food can increase water intake, especially if your cat doesnt drink much. Dry food does have some advantages, for example, it can aid in the mechanical debridement of your cats teeth. However, if your cat has issues with constipation, they should be taking in more fluids as there are other ways to keep their teeth clean.
3.Change Your Cats Diet
If your cat has a sensitive stomach or if they have allergies, this can cause inflammatory changes in the intestines that can lead to constipation. You can start by either changing the main protein source of your cats diet or feeding them a hypoallergenic diet. If your cat is reacting to something in their diet, feeding them something they dont react to will reduce the inflammation. This facilitates normal peristalsis movements which means there is a reduction in the chances of constipation developing.
Increasing fiber in your cats diet will also aid with the movement of food through your cats digestive tractmore on this below. Speak to your vet about diets and supplements before making any dramatic changes.
4.Keep Your Cat at a Healthy Weight
Obesity is another thing that can cause intestinal inflammation, as it can slow the transit time of the digested food. This allows for too much water to be absorbed and causes constipation. If your cat is severely overweight, another factor is the physical weight of the fat around the stomach. It can slow the movement of food through the intestines just by the sheer mass present. If you need help or advice on weight loss for your cat, consult your vet.
5.Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can affect food transit time through your cats intestines.
Cats can become easily stressed by lots of different things. Changes in their environment, a new human or animal in their home, illness, changes in your routine, or strange noises can all cause unwanted stress and anxiety. To attempt to reduce this, you can make everything as consistent as possible.
If changes cant be avoided, try to introduce them gradually. Some cats respond to products such as calming pheromones or anti-anxiety medication.
6.Provide Multiple Litter Trays
Cats are very sensitive about when and where they use their litter box. If they are not happy with something, this can put them off using it altogether, which can cause constipation and urination issues too.
Cats may be put off by other cats using a litter tray. It may be an incorrect size so they dont fit in, they may feel exposed if there is no cover on it, or there may not be enough litter in it. It may also be in a loud and busy location. It can be a case of trial and error finding a tray and location that your cat is happy with, but it is definitely an important factor in healthy bowel movements for your cat.
7.Ensure Your Cat is Getting Enough Exercise
Much the same as humans, cats benefit hugely from exercise. If they lead a sedentary lifestyle, they are less likely to have healthy peristalsis movements. A reductionor loss of these movements can result in constipation. If they are lying in one position for long periods, it will be more difficult for them to digest their food properly.
You can encourage your cat to be more active by using cat toys and playing with them. Enrichment objects are widely available for your home such as cat trees and scratch posts. It is likely if they are more active and have mental stimulation for the duration of their day, that they will be less stressed and anxious and less likely to be overweight.
8.Increase Dietary Fiber
Feeding your cat a higher proportion of roughage can help food pass more easily through their gut. Fiberalso helps retain water in the intestines. There are a few different types of fiber commonly used in cats, and these include psyllium huskand wheat bran. Not all cats with constipation benefit from a high-fiber diet as it does depend on the underlying cause, so always speak to your vet before adding anything to your cats diet.
9.Over the Counter Laxatives
Some over-the-counter products can be used to help your constipated cats at home, however, never use any medication at home without first consulting your vet. Laxatives usually work by drawing more water into the intestines, helping to soften the feces, which aids in the cat passing them. This can be dangerous for cats with other health issues so use with caution only under vet instruction. Some laxatives can affect your cats ability to absorb nutrients from their food if used long-term, so it is always best to check with your vet first.
10.Probiotic Supplements
Some brands of cat food contain probiotics already. If this is not the case, you can buy probiotic supplements specifically for your cat. Probiotics can aid in the relief of constipation, and they also help maintain good digestive health.
11.Brush Your Cat Regularly
Hairballsare a very common cause of constipation in cats. If you brush your cat regularly you are removing excess hairs or hairs that are ready to shed. This means when your cat grooms itself, it wont be accidentally swallowing lots of hairs that will contribute to hairballs. If you know your cat has problems with hairballs, there are also over-the-counter products you can buy to aid in the passing of hairballs.
12.Keep Your Cats Backend Clean
Regularly check the area around your cats backside to see if it is clean and free of clumped hair or dried feces. It sounds like a simple thing, but if there is matted hair and dried feces stuck to this area, it can be very painful and can certainly put your cat off trying to pass feces. This is especially important if your cat has long hair as it is more likely to get knotted and matted. It is good practice to check and clean this area so that your cat is used to you having a quick look to ensure it stays hygienic.
Often, cats struggle to clean this area if they are overweight so this is another reason to keep your cat in trim condition. Cats with arthritis may also struggle to clean this area, so be aware they may need a little help.
Conclusion
Constipation is a very common issue encountered by our cats. If symptoms are mild, there are some useful home remedies owners can carry out to help their cat. A lot of these are beneficial for other reasons too and help to keep our cats in good general condition. If constipation is a repeated chronic issue or symptoms are severe, it is best to get an appointment with your vet to have your cat examined.
There are some underlying health issues that can cause constipation which need veterinary intervention such as prescription medication or surgery.
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