We all know how bad being constipated can be, and it is no exception for poor cats. Whether occasional or a major problem, constipation in cats is something that should be treated as soon as possible by taking your pet to the vet.
In the following article we will talk about the possible causes of this disease as well as the symptoms, different treatments and even ways to prevent constipation in cats. Also, if you are interested in reading more about kitten health, we recommend that you read this other article Conjunctivitis in Cats: Types, Symptoms and Treatment .
constipation in cats
Cat constipation is not very different from that of humans, since, in this way, it is an accumulation of feces in the colon that makes it difficult to expel them when pooping . Furthermore, since the main function of the colon is to absorb water, stool becomes hard and dry over time, making it even more difficult to pass.
How often do cats defecate?
Cats usually go to the bathroom once a day, sometimes twice, to defecate . If your cat goes to the bathroom more or less frequently, it is important that you take it to the vet to determine if it may be sick.
What is the reason for this?
Feline constipation can be caused by many factors , although the most common are related to the intake of certain substances. For example:
- Las hair balls especially in long haired cats
- obesity and lack of exercise
- Fractures in the pelvic region that result in narrowing of the pelvic canal
- age (older cats are more prone to this)
- La ingestion of elements such as bones
- a diet very low in fiber
- dehydration
- secondary effect of a drug
- neurological disorders
- tumors in the pelvic area
symptoms of constipation
The symptoms of constipation are very obvious , and it is highly recommended that you take your pet to the vet as soon as you spot them. Most often we find:
- lack of times the cat goes to the bathroom
- By visiting the litter box, the cat may try hard but cannot defecate
- pain when defecating (your cat may express this by meowing)
- Cacaus very hard and dry, sometimes with blood
- lethargy
- eat little wish
- loss of weight
- Vomit
- currency collapse
- Abdominal Tenso
remedy
As we said, once you detect constipation, you should take your cat to the vet. There they will definitely inform you if so . The vet, during the visit, can determine if your pet has colon congestion by feeling his bowels, although he may need tests and other information such as X-rays to be sure.
The treatments for constipation in cats are quite varied , since they range from medications to enemas or other more drastic solutions, depending on the degree of constipation of the animal. Other times it will be necessary to remove the stool manually, which is done under sedation. In the most severe cases, it may even be necessary to have an operation to remove the diseased colon.
In any case, always follow your vet’s instructions regarding dosage and medications to help the kitten recover as quickly as possible and improve its quality of life.
large colon
We never stop emphasizing that when in doubt, don’t hesitate to take your cat to the vet , as constipation can lead to megacolon, among other dire consequences.
Megacolon, as its name suggests, is the expansion of the colon after too much stool has accumulated over a long period of time. , which will cause your cat to lose the ability to contract it and worse, to retain the poop even more. That’s why it is so important to treat it.
How to stop constipation in cats
It can prevent constipation in a simple and quite effective way if we stick to the following tips:
- Always keep the cat hydrated by leaving water on hand, either in a bowl or as a fountain.
- Brush it to avoid hairballs (something especially important in long-haired cats).
- Jugando and promoting exercise to stimulate intestinal transit.
- Keep your sandbox clean. Sometimes cats refuse to poop in a litter box that’s too dirty, or one that they have to compete with other cats for. So it is important that it is clean and free. It is best to have the same litter box as the cats, plus an extra one if you have multiple cats at home.
- Regarding the sandbox, make sure the sand you use is to his liking . If it isn’t, you might not be going to the bathroom because you don’t feel like it.
- Include fiber in their diet (in this case, talk to your vet first for advice, before touching anything else in their diet.) There are also feed and special wet food available for cats with this problem. In fact, wet food is a good idea if you want to increase the amount of water your cat consumes.
Constipation in cats is not only very uncomfortable for them, but it can also be a problem that affects later , and in a very serious way, your health, which is why it is so important to treat it. . Tell us, has your cat ever been constipated? What has been your experience? Do you think we left something out comment?