Cat Food & Constipation

Cat food can cause constipation.

If your cat suffers from constipation, you may jump to the conclusion that the cat's food is at fault. In some cases this is true, but often constipation is the natural result of age or the limited activity undertaken by indoor cats. No matter the cause, some simple dietary adjustments may resolve the problem.

Constipation Symptoms

While experts do not necessarily agree on how often a cat should have a bowel movement, you should expect to see fecal matter in the cat box anywhere from once or twice a day to once every three or four days. Take notice of how often is normal for your cat, and you can quickly tell when your cat's litter habits are irregular. This is the first sign of constipation, but a cat can be constipated and still maintain a regular bowel movement. If the feline cries or strains when trying to defecate or the droppings are hard pellets, the animals is still suffering from constipation.

Concerns

Not only is constipation uncomfortable to the cat, if left untreated it can lead to serious colon problems, bowel blockage and even neurological medical issues. This means higher vet bills for you and possible permanent damage to your pet.

Dry Cat Food

Low quality, dry cat food may be an attributing factor to your cat's discomfort. Cats are meant to eat fresh meat, which has an enzyme that helps their stomach break down food and comfortably pass it out of their systems. Dry cat food is prepared in a way that kills the enzyme, making it necessary for either the cat food company or the the pet owner to supplement the diet with other means of breaking down food. Look for dry cat food that contains fiber.

Moist Cat Food

Moist cat food will often use oil as a substitute for the digestive enzyme found in fresh meat, however not all cats respond well to moist cat food. Feeding moist food may result in diarrhea instead. If you decide to change your pet's diet from dry to wet food, start slowly, mixing a little wet food into the dry and increasing the amount of wet while decreasing the amount of dry until you find a good mix for your pet's diet.

Statistics

While cats of all ages and breeds can suffer from constipation, according to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, "most cases are observed in middle aged (mean = 5.8 years), male cats (70 percent male, 30 percent female) of Domestic Shorthair (46 percent), Domestic Longhair (15 percent), or Siamese (12 percent) breeding."

Home Remedies

Adding a little unsweetened canned pumpkin or green beans to your pet's food can ease the constipation in a day or two.

Medical Caution

If your pet is experiencing multiple symptoms, running a fever, or does not respond in a day or two to adding fiber to the diet, consult a veterinarian. Constipation can be a symptom of a more serious problem.

References

• Alternative Pet Health: Constipation in Cats
• World Small Animal Veterinary Association: Feline Constipation, Obstipation, and Megacolon