Severe Constipation in Cats

Constipation afflicts cats at any age.

Constipation is common in elderly cats, but it can occur during any age. When feces remains in the bowel too long, the bowel absorbs water and leaves stools compact and hard to pass.

Causes

A diet insufficient in fiber and roughage, dehydration, a dirty litter box causing a cat to hold his bowel, fur balls, trauma, previous injury and stress are all factors leading to constipation. Neuromuscular disease can also be a cause of severe constipation in cats.

Symptoms

Detecting constipation in a cat is difficult. Cats will repeatedly attempt to defecate with little to no result. Often the feces will be small and hard. Vomiting can be an associated symptom, as can a hard or distended abdomen and loss of appetite.

Treatment

Severe constipation is a medical emergency. A veterinarian can alleviate severe constipation by administering an enema, which is usually performed under general anesthetic, or a vet also might prescribe mild laxatives. A colonoscopy might be required for diagnosis, and extreme cases might require surgical removal of the colon.

Home remedies include soaking dry cat food in water, which increases fluid in the bowel and softens the stool. Making sure litter boxes are cleaned regularly is also helpful.

References

• Our Happy Cat: Cat Constipation Is a Common Cat Illness
• Pets: Cat Diarrhea - Constipation - Intestinal Disorders