It is necessary to know your cat's habits.
You know how uncomfortable you feel when you are constipated. At least you can do something about it – visit the chemist, eat prunes, talk to your friends about natural remedies, or whatever method you choose to alleviate the problem. If you are a cat and constipated you can’t exactly ask for help.
Cat owners need to be aware of their pet’s habits and act quickly on any changes you notice. If acted on quickly enough, cat constipation should be something that shouldn’t require a visit to your vet. Cats usually void once or twice a day so if you notice that the litter tray is empty, or that your cat is trying to eliminate but having difficulty, mix some high fibre food in with his normal diet. If you have been feeding your cat on dry food, change to tinned ‘wet’ food for a week or two and make sure there is plenty of water available.
Constipation in cats is more common than you might think. However as with humans, it’s not a topic that is discussed often. Feline constipation is more common in cats over 8 years so you need to be aware and watchful. Constipated cats become lethargic and don’t eat as much as they normally would. Loss of appetite could be the first warning sign. My cats are 12 and 10 so I tend to keep a close eye on their voiding habits.
If you have recently changed cat food brands, check the sodium or salt percentage in their new food. Excess salt causes dehydration, as does too much fat in their food. Any foreign matter in the colon such as a tumour or even a hair ball can obstruct the colon and prevent the passing of faeces.
Make sure you have extra water available and if you notice any blood in the stool, get in touch with your vet immediately. It could just be a small tear created in the passing of the dry stool or it could be an indicator of something more serious.
If your cat uses a litterbox, keep an eye out for very dry stools or blood.
As cats are very clean and fastidious creatures, a dirty or smelly litter box could also make your cat unhappy at eliminating in it. Conversely, if your cat usually eliminates outside, a new or noisy neighbourhood dog could be preventing your cat feeling safe enough to stay out there long enough to do what is needed.
Remember that feline constipation is widespread and your cat is no doubt uncomfortable and quite possibly in pain. He will be looking to you to help him so you need to be aware of just what is going on with your pet.
Constipation can be painful and dangerous. There is a section on how to relieve feline constipation plus preventing it from occurring again in *Veterinary Secrets Revealed, which has been written by a vet who has practiced Veterinary Medicine for over a decade. I’m sure it will soon become a valuable resource that could save you a good deal of money.
Tags: cat constipation, cat food, causes of feline constipation, feline constipation, signs of feline constipation, symptons of feline constipation
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i need help am low income senior my 6 monthb old kitten cant make a bowel movement took him to vet used all my money for this trip and he still wont go this is his third day now with lax from vet
Hi Pat,
Did the vet give you any advice apart from the laxatives? You will need to soften the fecal matter as much as possible so he can pass it comfortably. An easy trick to encourage bowel movements is to feed your kitten cows milk. However be prepared for diarrhea. Make sure you are feeding him moist foods. Whiskas singles are excellent. At that age you only need to feed him half a packet morning and half at night. You can also add some tinned or boiled mashed pumpkin to its food – around a tablespoon. Make sure there is plenty of fresh water available at all times. You can also try adding some vegetable or olive oil to his food or rub a small amount of Vaseline to his paws. As he licks it off it will help loosen the fecal matter.
Please let me know how this goes. Your poor kitten must be so uncomfortable.
Kathy