Buzz
Just like humans, cats can occasionally experience difficulties with bowel movements. If you notice your cat spending an extended period in the litter box, it might be constipated. In such situations, you can try various home remedies to provide relief. A veterinarian can also offer valuable advice and prescribe medications to treat your cat's condition.
Steps
Identify if Your Cat is Constipated
Monitor whether your cat is urinating normally. Healthy cats typically urinate 2-3 times a day. Straining during urination due to bladder infections, bladder stones, or blockages are serious issues and entirely different from constipation. You should check the litter box to determine how much urine your cat produces daily.
Check how often your cat defecates. A cat spending a long time in the litter box might be constipated, but it could also indicate diarrhea. Cats often squat for extended periods if they have diarrhea, and they may pass very little stool, which can be mistaken for constipation.
- A healthy cat typically defecates once a day. The stool should be well-formed and not too soft.
- Sometimes, your cat may appear constipated, but other underlying conditions can present similar symptoms. Monitor your cat closely to rule out other issues.
Recognize the symptoms of constipation. Your cat may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms; if so, contact your veterinarian to discuss your cat's constipation.
- Straining during defecation
- Small, hard, or dry stools
- Stools with mucus or blood
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Signs of abdominal discomfort
Schedule a visit to the veterinarian. If you notice your cat spending excessive time in the litter box or suspect constipation, take your cat to the vet promptly. The vet will determine if your cat needs medication or dietary changes, such as switching to a high-fiber diet.
- Do not delay seeking veterinary care if your cat is constipated for too long—this could indicate a more serious issue. Prolonged constipation can lead to complications like intestinal blockages or megacolon.
Treating Constipation
Ask your veterinarian if medical intervention is necessary. Your cat may require an enema and/or anesthesia to remove impacted stool. The longer the constipation persists, the harder and more difficult it becomes to pass. An enema involves introducing a lubricant into the rectum through the anus to soften the stool and help your cat expel it.
- This procedure can be done using a simple enema kit, similar to taking a temperature reading.
- For more severe cases, sedation or general anesthesia may be needed to perform a colon flush and address the blockage.
- In some cases, a tumor may be the root cause and require surgical removal. If your cat develops megacolon due to chronic constipation, where the colon muscles lose their ability to push stool out, surgery to remove part of the colon may be necessary.
Administer prescribed medication to your cat. If your veterinarian prescribes medication for your cat's constipation, you may need to use a dropper or syringe to give the medication.
- Measure the medication and prepare everything in advance. Keep a treat ready for your cat.
- Reward your cat with a treat before administering the medicine.
- Place your cat on a waist-high surface like a bed or table, allowing its hind legs to rest against you. Comfort your cat by petting and stroking its head.
- Place your hand on the cat's head, positioning your thumb and forefinger on its upper jaw and gently pressing. The cat will open its mouth but may try to paw at you. Having someone assist by holding the cat's shoulders can be helpful.
- Hold the syringe or dropper with your dominant hand. Gently insert it between the back teeth (or the side) and push it deeper into the cat's mouth. Squeeze the medication out.
- Immediately reward your cat with another treat to distract it. If the cat struggles, wrap it snugly in a large towel.
- After administering liquid medication, rinse the dropper or syringe with hot water and use it exclusively for one pet. Dispose of it after completing the treatment course.
Add pureed pumpkin or squash to your cat's food. If your cat isn't fully obstructed and is eating normally, try adding pureed pumpkin or squash to its meals to increase fiber intake. Canned pumpkin can also be used.
- Add 2 teaspoons of pumpkin to your cat's food. Wet food is preferable, as it's easier to mix the pumpkin into it compared to dry food. Some cats enjoy the taste of pumpkin, while others may need it disguised by mixing it thoroughly with a favorite treat.
Preventing Constipation
Feed your cat a balanced diet. Ensure your cat is on a complete, cat-formulated diet. If unsure, consult your veterinarian to create a meal plan for your cat.
- Your cat may require a special high-fiber diet to manage chronic constipation. Your vet can help determine if this is necessary.
Switch to an all-wet food diet. You can help prevent constipation in your cat by feeding it exclusively wet food. This type of food typically contains 75% or more water, promoting a healthy digestive system and easier bowel movements.
Feed your cat fish in moderation. A fish-only diet doesn't provide all the necessary nutrients for cats, but tuna can stimulate their appetite and make meals more appealing. Fatty fish like mackerel and sardines can also help alleviate constipation.
Ensure your cat has access to clean water. Dehydration can contribute to constipation. Additionally, if your cat eats only dry food, it will need to drink more water compared to a wet food diet.
- Place a bowl of fresh water in an easily accessible spot, preferably near the food dish.
- Some cats prefer running water, such as a dripping faucet or an automatic pet water fountain.
Monitor your cat's weight. Constipation is more common in overweight cats than in those with a healthy weight. Use resources like body condition charts to determine if your cat is overweight. These charts assess body conditions such as emaciated, thin, ideal, overweight, and obese.
- If you have any doubts, consult your veterinarian.
Add olive oil to your cat's canned food. Olive oil can act as a natural lubricant for the digestive tract, helping food move through your cat's system. You can mix ¼ to ½ teaspoon of olive oil into your cat's wet food.
Try using psyllium husk powder. Psyllium husk powder, derived from the plantago plant, is commonly used to support intestinal and digestive health (popular human brands include Metamucil and Fiberall). Pet-specific brands are also available at pet stores.
- Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of psyllium husk powder to your cat's wet food to increase dietary fiber and promote smoother digestion.
Trim the fur of long-haired cats. If your cat is a long-haired breed, regularly trim the fur around its tail to prevent matting. This keeps the area clean and helps avoid constipation. Feces stuck in the fur can block the anus and lead to constipation.
Groom long-haired cats regularly. Long-haired cats tend to swallow more fur during self-grooming. You can prevent fur from clumping by brushing your cat frequently.
- For some breeds, shaving their fur once or twice a year can help manage their coat.
Use hairball prevention products for long-haired cats. Certain breeds, especially long-haired cats, benefit from hairball remedies to reduce fur buildup in their digestive tract. These products come in flavors cats love, such as tuna, and provide intestinal lubrication. Using them a few times a week can prevent hair accumulation.
- Popular products include Laxatone and Petromalt, which come in tubes. You can offer them as treats or mix them with food for easier consumption.
Keep the litter box clean. A clean litter box encourages regular use. Scoop waste at least every two days for one cat and daily for multiple cats.
- Some cats dislike strongly scented litter, so opt for unscented varieties.
Tips
- While petroleum-based hairball remedies have long been used to prevent constipation and hairballs, they should not be used indefinitely. These products are petroleum-derived and can interfere with nutrient absorption from food.
Warnings
- If your cat continues to have issues, take it to the veterinarian immediately.
- Many cats with chronic constipation require special diets and lifelong supplements. Weight loss is essential for overweight cats. Some may need lifelong medications to soften stools or stimulate bowel movements.
