Cat Constipation

Constipation is a condition, characterized by infrequent bowel movements, and difficult or painful defecation, mainly due to passage of hard and dry stool. It is considered as an indicator of some bowel problem. Like humans, cats are also prone to get constipated, especially if their diet is poor and does not contain sufficient amount of dietary fiber.

What Causes Constipation in Cats?

Dehydration as well as lack of enough fiber in the diet, are the two most important causes. When there is not sufficient water in the body, the bowel system reabsorbs more water from the stool, in an attempt to conserve water in the body. The result is dry and hard stool, and painful defecation. Similarly, fiber is very essential for regular bowel movement, and not having enough fiber in the diet often results in constipation. In addition to these, certain medications, pelvic injury and neurological problems like injury or damage to the nerves of the colon, anus and spinal cord, as well as paralysis can also manifest in constipation.

Other important causes include hypothyroidism, kidney failure, obstruction of the colon due to the development of tumors or ingestion of any foreign objects. Cats like to groom themselves a lot and while doing so, they can ingest a lot of fur, which can accumulate in the alimentary canal to form hairball. Hairball can cause obstruction of the colon and hence, constipation. Sometimes, cats can also exhibit a reluctance to defecate, which in turn can cause the stool to stay longer in the colon. The longer the stool stays in the colon, more water is reabsorbed from it.

Constipation Symptoms in Cats

Constipation is a very uncomfortable and sometimes, painful experience. The most common symptoms are:

• Infrequent bowel movement
• Hards and dry stool
• Straining for a prolonged period to defecate
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Depression
• Vomiting
• Not defecating in the litter tray, probably as they associate it with painful defecation

Constipation Treatment in Cats

The most effective initial treatment options are, increasing fluid intake and dietary fiber. These simple measures or home remedies can usually resolve the mild cases of constipation. To increase the amount of dietary fiber, you can add rice bran or psyllium to their diet. Otherwise, you can give them canned pumpkin or vegetable meal. Lactulose and other stool softeners can also be used, as per the guidance of an expert veterinarian. These can help to soften the stool, and hence, ensure its easy passage. If constipation is caused by hairball or accumulation of hair in the alimentary canal, then petroleum jelly can be used. But, be sure to consult the veterinarian, though most of the cats can tolerate petroleum jelly. Sometimes, laxatives and enema may be required, if bowel movement stops altogether for several days. A damage or injury to the nerves or muscles of the colon would, however, require surgery.

For constipation, prevention is always better than cure. So, take care that your cat does not get constipated, by following a proper diet and regular physical activities. A diet that contains lots of fiber often helps in constipation. Similarly, increasing the fluid intake is another easy way to prevent constipation, and its associated problems in cats. Many veterinarians suggest subcutaneous or intravenous fluid administration to maintain water balance in the body. Lastly, cats can get stressed, even due to slight changes in the environment or surrounding, which too can manifest in certain health problems. So, take care of such issues to handle or manage the level of stress to ensure better health of your cat.