Check Out Cats Constipation Signs, Symptoms & Treatment

Check Out Cats Constipation Signs, Symptoms & Remedies

What Is Cat Constipation?
The condition of being unable to easily release solid waste from your body, Cat constipation is a short-term problem. If your cat keeps getting constipated, it can become obstipation (painful defecation).

WHAT CAUSES CAT CONSTIPATION?

Cats constipation can be caused by many reasons, from stressful situations to health issues. it’s easy to see the changes in his bathroom routine, try checking out the cats litter box area, if you observe hard dry stool, You should always see the vet within 24 hours to rule out health-related causes or underlying diseases.

Not Drinking Enough: Inadequate fluid intake (dehydration can slow down blood flow, reducing intestinal peristalsis, contraction, causing the colon to be unable to move feces out of the body properly), your cat’s reluctance to drink water might be related to an underlying health issues such as mobility problem, mouth pain, or digestive discomfort. The cat might as well just reacting to their water dish, such as stagnant or dirty water.

Underlying Disease: There Many diseases, both acute and chronic, that can lead to cats constipation. These include kidney disease, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism. This are medical cases of straining in the litter box should be examined by a veterinarian, because each of these illnesses can be chronic if not treated.

Intestinal Obstruction: A toy or other items can obstruct the intestines, which can prevent the passage of poop. In this case this is considered an emergency, if your cat is constipated and shows any symptoms of obstruction, seek the professional aid of a vet immediately.

Not Enough Exercise: lack of exercise can also lead to constipation. Cat parent should have at least 10-15 minutes of activity interactive play per day, or more if you have a kitten.

How Cat Constipation is Diagnosed by a Vet

Firstly, the veterinarian will try and know the history of the problem. You’ll describe the symptoms, when they started, and relevant factors related to your cat’s constipation. After getting your cat’s history, your vet take a physical exam. In constipated cats, a vet can often feel the hard stool.

Symptoms of Cat Constipation

Healthy cats make use of their litter box once a day, with well-formed, deep brown stools. This regularity and appearance are indicators of normal digestive function in feline health.
Symptoms that your cat is constipated include:

• Little to no fecal production while attempting to poop
• Frequent visits to the litter box
• Vomiting
• Decreased appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Decreased energy
• Decreased interest in interacting with family

Preventing Cat Constipation

Keeping your cat well hydrated is a good way to preventing constipation, and wet food can add more moisture to bowels.

Regular Veterinary exams at least twice a year for an elderly cat.

Treatment for Cat Constipation

Treating Constipation in cats depends on the cause and severity. Constipation that is not treated can lead to megacolon, a form of constipation that doesn’t respond to medical treatment and can be fatal.

Your veterinarian may prescribe medication such as a laxative or stool softener, or may intervene with an enema, which may be done under anesthesia. Never give an enema to your cat at home, as human enemas are not safe for cats.
Try the following to relieve your cat constipation, but only after you’ve gotten the green light from your vet:

• Canned cat food, low-sodium tuna or low-sodium chicken or beef stock to add moisture to your cat’s diet and create softer stools
• An omega-3 fatty acid supplement (fish oil) to add lubrication to his feces
• A hairball remedy (available at most pet stores)
• A higher-fiber diet, to create more stool. Do not try this with a cat who has a muscular inability to void feces, or one who is weak or dehydrated.
• Pumpkin, squash, psyllium husk or ground flax meal to provide more fiber

 

Recovery and Management of Cat Constipation

Once the hard stool is removed or soften, recovery is usually rapid. Unfortunately, if you don’t deal with the original cause, whether it’s treating a health issue or making lifestyle changes, your cat might likely to become constipated again. And also Follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian.