Chronic Feline Constipation

Most cats will develop constipation at some point in their lives, but these are usually temporary situations. Chronic constipation can be quite painful for a cat. This is when a cat will produce smaller, harder and drier stools than normal. The cat may also cry out in pain while trying to excrete and may not want to be touched around the abdomen.

Causes

According to the "Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook," constipation causes include hairballs, poor diet, changes in medication or a problem with the spine.

Predisposition

Cats prone to getting chronic constipation include cats older than seven years old, long hair cats and Manx cats, which are prone to spinal problems.

Kittens

Newborn kittens cannot defecate without outside stimulation until they are about a month old. A kitten can die if it has not passed stool in five days.

Treatment

Cures include changes to a high-fiber diet and more frequent combing; extreme cases require laxatives and enemas.

Warning

Chronic constipation can be a symptom of colitis or feline urologic syndrome, which can be lethal. A vet needs to diagnose the cat to determine if the symptoms are just constipation and not something more serious.

References

• "Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" (Delbert G. Carlson, DVM, et al, 1999)
• Constipation in Cats: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments
• Kitten Rescue: Kitten Care Handbook

Resources

• Laxatone for Cats
• Manx Syndrome: The Myths and the Truth
• Find a Veterinarian