Constipation in cats can be caused, for example, by hairballs, obesity, stress or illness. Home remedies such as vegetable oil, milk, liver or malt paste and a change of diet can help to relieve mild constipation in cats. If the problem persists, the cat needs to see a vet.
Symptoms: How can I tell if my cat is constipated?
If you have an indoor cat, it is relatively easy to detect constipation in your cat. All you need to do is check the litter tray regularly. It is much more difficult to assess outdoor cats that rarely visit the litter tray. You need to take a closer look at them.
The following symptoms may indicate constipation in cats:
- Smaller amount of feces in the litter box
- Frequent visits to the litter tray without success
- Feces are harder than normal
- Feces are not elongated, but rather lumpy
- Feces may have a different color
- Firm, tense abdomen
- Curved up back
- Cat does not like to be touched on the belly
- Restless behavior
- Loss of appetite
- Painful meowing
- Weight loss
Cause: Why do cats get constipated?
Constipation is no joke! If your cat is affected by this, you should find the cause. One reason could be hairballs in their gastrointestinal tract, for example. Long-haired cats in particular can swallow large quantities of hairballs when grooming during the shedding period. Some of these are excreted or the cat regurgitates them. However, if this does not happen in sufficient quantities, constipation can be the result. You can remedy this by combing the cat thoroughly.
A cat's diet can also be a reason for constipation. On the one hand, cats should not be overweight, as this is usually associated with limited activity, which has an influence on intestinal activity. Food can also be the cause of constipation: If cats drink too little and are only givendry food, this can lead to problems. Try using several drinking bowls in the home, but none should be placed directly next to the food bowl. Many don't like that. A drinking fountain can also encourage them to drink. It is also advisable to provide at least some wet food. This automatically provides the cat with more liquid.
Unfortunately, various illnesses can also lead to constipation. It is therefore important to have this checked by a vet. Causes could include a tumor, pelvic fracture, chronic renal insufficiency or diabetes. Mental stress in the home environment, side effects of medication, cat litter in the stomach or a swallowed object are also possible causes of constipation.
Constipated cat: when to see the vet?
It is not unusual for a cat's frequency of defecation and the amount excreted to fluctuate slightly. In general, cats do their business once a day. It is also okay if this happens twice a day or occasionally once. Most cats have a certain regularity. As a cat owner, you know this and usually notice quickly when irregularities occur. If this settles down again after a day or two and the cat shows normal behavior, there is usually no cause for concern. However, if the symptoms persist or recur, a visit to the vet is necessary.
When a vet examines a cat for constipation, he will assess the severity in three stages:
- Mild constipation (constipation)
The cat has difficulty defecating. This happens less frequently and is associated with pain. The food accumulates in the large intestine. - Chronic constipation (constipation)
Persistent, severe problems defecating. While occasional mild constipation may have various causes, constipation is most likely due to a specific cause. At this stage, there is already a loss of function of the gastrointestinal tract. - Severe constipation (coprostasis)
If no more feces are transported from the colon, there is a danger to life. Immediate intervention is necessary to prevent intestinal obstruction. At this stage, irreparable organ damage is to be expected.
What does the vet do in the event of a blockage?
There are various possible causes of constipation. If you have a suspicion, let the vet know. Among other things, the type of diet, psychological stress or a past illness may be important. The vet will examine the cat closely and possibly carry out a blood and fecal examination. A palpation of the abdomen, x-rays or an endoscopic examination can also provide information. The possible treatment depends on the diagnosis. This may include, for example, a change in diet or the intake of certain medications.
Depending on the degree of constipation, it may be sufficient for the vet to simply give a mild laxative. In the case of advanced constipation, it may be necessary to perform a colonic irrigation or an enema. In serious cases, surgery may also be unavoidable, for example if a foreign body or tumor has been detected.
Relieving constipation - what home remedies help?
If your cat occasionally has a tendency to have slightly firmer stools, you can try a home remedy to combat this. However, bear in mind that a visit to the vet is inevitable if the problem persists. If you would like to try a home remedy for minor constipation, you can try the following (in small doses):
- Vegetable oil
- Milk / condensed milk
- Cream
- Soaked psyllium husks
- butter
- Raw liver
- Malt paste
- Lactulose syrup
- High-quality wet food with a high meat content
- Massage of the belly