Cat Constipation- What Can Cause This?

Cats suffer from constipation far more often than we may realize. Although particularly common in the older cat, this condition can occur in younger cats as well. Here are some of the most common causes of constipation in cats;

Just like us, cats can become constipated for no real reason, although one of the most common causes is dehydration. If your cat is not maintaining a sufficient fluid intake, the stools will become hard and dry and she will struggle to pass them.

You may also need to look at your cat’s diet, as certain foods are harder to digest and so may cause constipation by impacting the colon. Salty or fatty foods in particular may cause problems, but eating fur, hair or bones can also have an adverse effect. Be aware of this if your cat is a scavenger.

Certain diseases or anal infections can also cause cat constipation, as can too little exercise if your cat is very sedentary.

The symptoms of cat constipation are easy to spot; she will be struggling to pass stools so may be visiting the litter box more frequently, or frequenting it for longer. You may also notice blood in the stools. There may be other signs such as decreasing appetite and lethargic behavior.

As soon as you suspect that there is a problem, the best course of action is to take your cat to the vet, who will perform blood and urine tests to rule out infection or disease. An x-ray may then be taken in case there is a blockage to the intestine or colon.

Your vet may decide to treat your cat by administering fluids intravenously to restore the balance of electrolytes and fluids in the body. She may also require the administration of an enema or laxative medication. If the stools are too hard to be passed naturally, she may require an operation to remove them.

In order to prevent cat constipation, make sure you groom your cat regularly as she may ingest hair which can block the colon. Ensure that the litter box is cleaned regularly to encourage her to use it- cats may not use a dirty litter box, and may try to hold on to stools for too long.

What does your vet know about your cat’s health that you don’t? Click here to learn.