How to Stimulate a Kitten to Have a Bowel Movement

Orphaned kittens require help in order to survive.

Kittens may need assistance with having bowel movements for many reasons at different stages during their development. Determine what has caused the bowels to stop working before trying to remedy the problem. In the case of orphaned kittens, between the ages of a day and about three weeks, assistance is needed to help them empty their bowels and bladder. If this assistance is not given, the kitten will not likely survive.

Things You'll Need

• Goat's milk
• Canned food
• Terry cloth
• Warm water
• Cotton balls
• Hemorrhoid cream

Instructions

1. Feed the kitten his or her normal meal of goat's milk or canned soft food. Allow the kitten to relax for a few minutes after the meal.

2. Turn the kitten onto its back or side and massage the stomach area lightly in a circular motion. This will help to encourage the stomach muscles to work and aid with digestion. Once the digestive system develops, it will enable the kitten to defecate on its own.

3. Lightly dampen a piece of terry cloth in warm water. Turn the kitten over so it is standing on its feet. Gently rub the kitten's anus with the damp terry cloth in a circular motion. Be prepared for the kitten to possibly urinate at the same time, and if the kitten does not have a bowel movement each time, do not be alarmed. Often kittens do not have daily bowel movements.

4. Wipe the area with a cotton ball that has been dampened with warm water, and then drab dry the same area with a dry cotton ball. This will clean the anal area and prevent urine scalding.

5. Apply a small amount of hemorrhoid cream if the area appears to become sore or red to prevent infection or the chance of further damage.

Tips & Warnings

• Using a terry cloth to stimulate defecation or urination will work best because the rough texture is close to the same feeling of the mother cat's tongue, when she grooms and stimulates the kitten.

• It is best to feed a kitten wet food for the first four to six months as it is easier for them to digest. If the kitten is younger than four months, dry food may cause constipation if adequate amounts of liquid are not consumed.

• Always clean your hands before and after handling the kitten to help prevent infection.

• If the kitten seems distressed or does not eliminate after three or four days, consult a veterinarian.

References

• American Cat Fanciers Association: Hand Raising Orphaned Kittens
• How to Raise a Baby Kitten: Helping With Elimination
• Colon Cleansing and Constipation Resource Center: Kitten Constipation

Resources

• Cat Vet: Care of Orphaned Kittens