Constipation in Cats
Infrequent Bowel Movements, Litter Box Straining, Signs of Trouble
How to Recognize a Constipated Cat
There are a wide range of symptoms that may be a sign your cat is at some stage of constipation, including:
- Infrequent bowel movements (or NO bowel movements)
- Frequent trips to the litter box
- Straining in the litter box
- Crying in the litter box
- Constant licking of the anal area
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Unkempt appearance (dry, brittle hair, lack of grooming)
- Outward signs of abdominal discomfort, like scrunching into a ball or hunching
- Vomiting
- Runny, blood-tinged diarrhea
Your cat may have one or several of these symptoms, and each of them signify a different type of constipation, each requiring a different type of treatment plan. It is also important for your vet to determine if your cat actually IS constipated, or if there is a possibility they may be suffering from FLUTD, or Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease. Simply straining in the litter box may be a sign of either!
Types of Constipation in Cats
There are three stages of constipation in cats:
- Constipation (one time to an occasional occurrence)
- Obstipation
- Megacolon
A cat may be at any stage of constipation, ranging from a one-time occurrence due to something like medication to a cat that is almost completely blocked (obstipation) to a complete blockage (megacolon). Only your veterinarian can determine HOW constipated your kitty is!
Causes of Constipation in Cats
Your cat may have constipation due to ingesting hair (hairballs), a dirty litter box, lack of exercise, medication, anal abscesses, matted hair, obstructions, tumors, injuries, or even weight. Sometimes a veterinarian will never know what actually caused the constipation. It is simply important to get it treated before it becomes a medical emergency.
Treatment for Constipation in Cats
If your cat is having a one time or infrequent / occasional occurrence of constipation, it may be treated by diet. Simply increasing your cat’s fiber intake using a product like Metamucil, giving them a little bit of canned food or canned pumpkin puree or even a little milk in their diet may solve the problem.
However, your cat’s constipation may require immediate medical treatment, including anything from inducing a bowel movement by enema to manual removal of the impaction while under anesthesia. Constipated cats will also be treated for dehydration and probably put on a management diet to prevent future problems. This might include putting more fiber into the cat’s diet, giving them stool-softening medications, or putting them on special food like Hill's Science Diet, IAMS for digestive systems, or Purina One Natural Blends to promote digestive health.
When to Call the Vet About Your Cat’s Constipation
If you notice any signs or symptoms of your cat being constipated, there is no time to delay treatment. Constipation can quickly become a serious problem. Also, about 90% of the time that a cat owner thinks their cat is constipated, veterinarian tests will reveal Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease, which can kill a cat within three to six days. It is important not to self-diagnose or self-treat signs that your cat is having trouble in the litter box. These issues can often require emergency veterinary care!
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