A healthy cat will defecate about once a day. The cat’s stool should be firm and hold its shape. [1] X Research source Many times, it may appear that your cat is constipated, but there are other conditions that look similar at first. You will need to watch your cat closely to make sure there is not a different problem present.
Straining when trying to defecate Small, hard, or dry stool Stool covered in mucous or blood Loss of appetite Weight loss Lethargy Vomiting Signs of abdominal discomfort
Do not leave a constipated cat too long before seeing the vet - it could be a sign of something far more serious than just a passing bout of constipation. The cat can develop many problems from retaining and staining to eliminate stool, including blocked colon and megacolon (an enlarged colon).
The enema may be a a simple micro enema, which is instilled in a similar method to taking a cat’s temperature. For more serious constipation, sedation or a general anesthetic may be necessary in order to wash the bowel out to remove the blockage. Occasionally, a tumor may be at the root of the problem and require surgical removal. If the cat develops a megacolon from prolonged constipation, where the muscles of the colon can no longer push feces out of the body, the colon will need to be surgically removed.
Be sure to have the medication measured and ready before hand. Also have treats on hand for your cat. Give the cat a treat just before giving the medication. Put the cat on a waist high surface like a bed or counter with its hindquarters up against you. Give him lots of reassuring strokes and face rubs. Reach over his head and, with your thumb and second finger, hold his upper jaw just in front of the jaw hinge and press in. Your cat’s mouth will open; there might be some paws wanting to interact with your attempts. It is helpful to have an assistant hold your cat’s shoulders at the same time. Hold the syringe or dropper in your dominant hand. Gently push the dropper between your cat’s back (or side) teeth, getting it to the back of the mouth. Squeeze the medication out. Immediately give the cat more treats to take his mind off of what just happened. If the cat is fighting and difficult to control, wrap him tightly in a big bath towel. When giving liquid medication to your cat, make sure you rinse the dropper or syringe in hot water and dedicate its use to one animal. Discard the instrument after medication is completed.
Add a couple teaspoons of pumpkin into your cat’s food. Canned food is recommended because it is easier to hide the pumpkin in canned food than dry food. Some cats may love the taste of pumpkin, other cats will need something like canned food in which to hide the pumpkin by mixing it thoroughly with something yummy.
Your cat may require a special high-fiber diet in order to manage chronic constipation. Your veterinarian can help you determine if this is necessary.
Have a bowl of fresh water in an accessible location for your cat, preferably next to the food dish. [7] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Some cats prefer to drink running water like that from a dripping sink or a kitty water fountain.
If you have any questions, consult your veterinarian.
Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of psyllium husks to canned food to add dietary fiber to the diet to help keep digestion moving along.
Some cats may benefit from being shaved down once or twice a year to manage their hair coat.
Some common products include Laxatone and Petromalt, which are available in tubes. They can be offered to your cat as a treat or mixed into his food for easy consumption.
Some cats dislike strongly perfumed litters, so use litter without an added fragrance.
