Can Cats Die From Constipation?

If your cat is constipated, she should see a veterinarian. In certain cases, constipation can cause a cat to become dehydrated and intravenous fluids will be needed to restore her health. In other situations, the cat may be totally blocked (obstipated) and feces cannot pass or she may develop a condition known as megacolon. These can be life-threatening if medical attention is not sought.

Causes

Causes of cat constipation include diet, ingesting hair, lack of exercise, anal abscesses, feces-matted hair, obesity and some medications. Sometimes, something as simple as switching to a different litter can cause a cat to hold his stool, leading to constipation. Also, not cleaning the litter box frequently enough can create the same problem. Litter boxes should ideally be scooped at least once a day. Constipation in some cases can be caused by tumors or blockages that will not allow the stool to pass through the cat's intestines. Some cats have narrower colons that make it difficult for stool to pass through. This condition cannot be corrected, but the cat can be made more comfortable with a special diet prescribed by your veterinarian.

Symptoms

While a common condition in cats, constipation is most likely to occur in cats older than age 8. Most cats have at least two bowel movements a day. The most obvious sign that your cat is constipated is when you find nothing or very little to scoop in the litter box. Another primary symptom that your cat is constipated will be seeing her strain while in the litter box. You may also notice that her stool is small and very dry.
Frequent trips to the litter box, and crying and licking his bottom are also signs that your cat may be constipated. As the condition progresses, the cat may lose his appetite, become lethargic, stop grooming, crunch because of abdominal pain, and vomit. Occasionally, the cat will pass a small amount of runny, bloody diarrhea.

Constipation/Obstipation

Constipation is when a cat has difficulty passing stool and the condition can often be treated by providing extra fiber in the cat's diet, such as canned pumpkin, bran cereal or Metamucil. Obstipation, which is often very painful, means the cat is blocked and cannot have a bowel movement on her own. When the colon is obstipated it is dilated and packed with large amounts of rock hard stool. There is no way to resolve the situation except to remove the stool by hand while the cat is under general anesthesia.

Megacolon

Chronic constipation and obstipation can lead to megacolon, which results in a distended colon through which it is difficult for stool to move. Feces remain in the colon becoming hard and dry. The colon becomes enlarged and impacted.

Treatment

Constipation is treated using enemas or through manual removal of the feces while the cat is anesthetized. After the constipation is relieved, your cat will likely need a special diet that is higher in fiber. It is also important for your cat to drink lots of water.
Megacolon is sometimes treated using surgery. A colectomy is performed in which most of the colon is removed and the two remaining ends rejoined. The surgery has a high success rate and cats can defecate normally after recovery.

References

• Cat Health
• Pets First
• Pet Place, Bari Spielman DVM