CAT LOVEPURR

Cat constipation: a “crappy” conundrum!

Constipation

A constipated pet exhibits infrequent or difficult evacuation of the stool.

The feces are usually hard and dry.

There are many causes of constipation in pets.  Some are not serious while others can be life threatening.  Correct treatment depends on identifying the cause of your pet’s constipation.  Constipation is most often caused by dietary or environmental factors.

Dietary

Fiber in the diet is important for normal defecation. Just as with people.  A pet food with high fat and gravy levels may also be deficient in fiber.  Substances such as hair, bones, or other indigestible foreign matter will mix with the stool and cause constipation.  Hairballs in cats are very common.

Environmental

Changes can affect your cat’s routine, such as removal of the litter box (or changing the type of litter), or a hospital/boarding kennel stay.  A lack of exercise can also cause problems.

Other Causes of Constipation

Aging

Pelvic bone fractures

Rectal lesions, infections, or tumors

Prostate gland disease

Spinal cord problems

Colon disorders

Hormone imbalances

Home Care Management

Diets rich in fiber can be used to aid in the control of constipation, just as with people.

The fiber increases water retention in the stool and softens it.  The increased bulk also increases propulsive movements of the intestines to help with eliminations.

Twice daily, feed your pet a diet containing at least 10% fiber.  Recommended foods for both dogs and cats include Prescription Diet r/d® or w/d®. These diets can significantly reduce mild constipation.

Keep your pet well groomed.  This reduces excess hair that is consumed due to the pet’s normal licking.

Regular exercise, especially about 1 hour after a meal will help stimulate the bowels to empty.

Keep the cat’s litter box clean.

Use mild laxatives or stool softeners as recommended by the veterinarian.  Lactulose is a product available at the clinic that works well for both dogs and cats that tend to have problems with mild constipation.  Occasionally, pumpkin pie filler added gradually for your cat’s canned food will help to prevent recurrence.

About the Author

I am a cat vet and a feline lover.  I am owned by 7 cats, 1 pomeranian and a beautiful wife (and oh yes, 2 daughters).  I have a successful cat’s only veterinarian practice in the Southwest of the US. I have been a practicing vet for over 30 years and have an enormous amount of experience, and intuition and specialize in comprehensive and prompt analysis and diagnosis of cat diseases.