What Are the Causes of Constipation in Cats?
A cat straining at the litter box is usually not serious if it happens once. However, if it continues to happen over the course of the day, and the stool is very dry, the cat may be constipated. There are many things that can cause this, but sometimes the cause is a mystery, even to the veterinarian.
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Constipated cats will strain in the litter box. They may or may not pass much stool when they attempt it. When they do it will be hard and dry. Sometimes small amounts of blood are on the feces. In constipated cats, this usually is due to irritation around the rectum from straining, rather than bleeding inside the intestines (however, take the cat to the veterinarian to be sure).
Diet
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Cats that get little fiber in their diet sometimes become constipated, just as humans do.
Constipation may also happen if the cat is not drinking enough water and becomes dehydrated. -
Illness and Disease
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According to Roger Ross DVM, in "Constipation in Pets," from animalpetdoctor.homestead.com, fever from illness can cause constipation in pets. This is because the fever slows the digestive process down, or even stops it completely for a while.
In addition to illnesses, disease is a potential cause of constipation, including diseases of the colon or other diseases such as thyroid disorders.
Obstruction
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Sometimes foreign matter such as hair, yarn and other indigestible material or impacted feces may cause obstruction. Tumors and masses of parasites, especially roundworm, are also potential causes of obstruction.
Injury
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Injuries affecting the tail (especially the part of the tail close to the body), the pelvis, the spine or the brain may cause constipation. This is due either to the colon actually being crushed or to nerve damage, which also can stop the colon from functioning.
Treatment
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Treatment depends on the severity of constipation. If the cat is only mildly constipated, he may only need suppositories, a mild laxative (those intended for veterinary use) or dietary changes, according to "Megacolon and Constipation in Cats," at peteducation.com. Other times, he may need an enema, given by a trained veterinarian only, or even surgery.
Warning
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A condition called megacolon can occur in cats with frequent constipation. In this, the cat's colon enlarges and is unable to function properly. Sometimes, but not always, this condition requires surgery. Cats that are frequently constipated should be checked out by a veterinarian.
Do not attempt to relieve cats by giving them an enema intended for humans. According to peteducation.com, some may contain ingredients dangerous to cats; use enemas and other medications only under the advice of your veterinarian.
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