Constipation

Constipation occurs when your cat’s bowel becomes filled with hard dry faeces making it difficult, or even impossible for your cat to pass faeces.

Signs of constipation

Many cats with constipation will pass very small, dry and hard stools. Your cat may show signs of pain and straining when trying to pass faeces. It may be difficult to distinguish between straining to urinate and straining to defecate however both conditions will require veterinary attention.

Some causes of constipation

  • Environmental: lack of exercise, litter tray issues (no litter box, dirty litter box, do not like the litter used, noisy litter tray location, competition with another cat for a litter tray)
  • Pain induced: osteoarthritis may be a problem in older cats, pain around the colon or rectum such as an abscess, pelvic or hind limb fractures
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and Low Grade Alimentary Lymphoma
  • Colon obstruction: pelvic fractures, tumours, matted hair, fur balls
  • Dehydration: can be secondary to chronic kidney disease
  • Metabolic disorders: e.g. hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus
  • Obesity
  • Neurological disorders: tail pull injuries, pelvic fractures, other trauma, spinal disease or back pain
  • Idiopathic megacolon
  • Anal gland disease/infections
  • Some medications: opioids, sulcralfate, vincristine

Diagnosis

Primary investigations include a full physical examination, blood and urine testing, abdominal and pelvic x-rays. Many cases will also require an abdominal ultrasound to assess for underlying disease. Occasionally advanced imaging such as a CT may be recommended to assess for spinal disease.

Treatment

The treatment recommendations for your cat will depend on the severity and duration of their constipation in addition to the presence of any underlying causes.

  • Severely affected cats will often need to be hospitalised for intravenous fluid therapy.
  • Enemas: This is a procedure where a liquid or paste is introduced into the rectum to soften and lubricate the dry faeces. Some enemas can be performed as a short procedure when your cat is awake however, most enemas require your cat to stay with us for a period of time. Some cats may need to have the enema performed under anaesthesia to remove all the faeces. This can be a slow process and some cats may need repeated anaesthetics.
  • Laxatives: There are some medications that we can give to cats orally to help soften their faeces. There are a wide variety available but not all are suitable for cats.  Avoid using paraffin oil as it is easily inhaled by cats and will cause a very serious pneumonia.  If laxatives are determined to be a good treatment choice your veterinarian will decide on the most appropriate medication for each specific situation.
  • Surgery: Occasionally surgery is required to remove blockages or tumours. For severe constipation due to idiopathic megacolon, a specific surgery called a subtotal colectomy may be required. This is only recommended if dietary and medical management is repeatedly unsuccessful.

Prevention

  • Adequate exercise. Encourage regular playing sessions and use food puzzles to increase your cat’s activity level. This is especially important for strictly indoor housed cats. We stock the range of Da Bird toys, which are highly recommended by feline behaviourists around the world and will get even the most sluggish of kitties moving their feet. You can read more about environment enrichment for your cat here.
  • Ensure adequate hydration with multiple watering areas around the home. Remember cats prefer to drink in a separate location to their feeding stations. Increase your cat’s water intake by offering more wet food or adding water to their biscuits.
  • Litter tray management. Ensure you have the correct size, type, number and location of litter trays for your cat. Read more on the recommended litter tray criteria here.
  • Dietary management. Your vet may recommend a prescription diet or fibre supplement for your cat.
  • Medications and laxatives. Use only as prescribed and recommended by your vet.
  • Use of fur ball preventatives in long haired cats and ensure regular grooming to remove dead fur from the coat.
  • Regular veterinary check-ups and regular worming.

 

Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided on this page does not replace the advice of your veterinarian. If you are concerned about your cat’s health in any way, we strongly recommend you seek veterinary advice. 

Follow us:.

FacebooktwitterrssyoutubeinstagrammailFacebooktwitterrssyoutubeinstagrammail