How Do You Know if a Cat Is Constipated

I take to say it: I am a cat lady! My ii feline friends mean the world to me and are part of my family unit.

When one of my cats, named Lady, came into my life (initially just for fostering but I always desire to continue my foster cats), I noticed that she was straining to go to the toilet, and her carrion were small, hard and dry out. Lady was constipated.

There are many causes of constipation, and for my Lady, it was aridity and easy to treat.

Constipation is a common condition in cats of any age, and in this article, we will share everything you lot demand to know about feline constipation.

What is Constipation in Cats?

Cats usually defecate (bowel move) at least in one case a twenty-four hour period, and the product should be moist, with a malleable consistency and brown.

Constipation happens when the feces are held in the large intestine for also long and absorb an excessive amount of water, becoming hard and dry. If your cat is having problem defecating, he may accept constipation.

As stated by the MSD Veterinary Manual , constipation is: "the exceptional or difficult evacuation of feces, which are typically dry out and hard."

As well, it is of import to know the following terms related to constipation in cats:

• Obstipation: no sign of stool in the litter tray (unable to defecate). This is caused by ongoing constipation, which affects the rectum and colon.
• Idiopathic (unknown crusade) Megacolon: a condition where the colon becomes extremely dilated, limp, weak, and not able to function normally. Megacolon can take place after long-term constipation and obstipation.

What are the causes of Cat Constipation?

Dehydration is the leading crusade of constipation. Lack of intake of h2o can occur when the true cat is presenting kidney failure, or the true cat'due south nutrition is mostly kibble. Let's expect at other possible causes:

• Stress: due to an unclean litter box, furniture replacement, new pets, or change of litter.
• Colon obstruction: linked to tumor growth, fractures after a traffic accident, or a strange body such every bit a hairball (overgrooming).
• Health atmospheric condition: neurological problems, Feline Dysautonomia (nervous system disorder), Hypothyroidism, Megacolon.
• Medications side effects: for instance, diuretics.
• Obesity and an inadequate diet are factors that can trigger constipation.

 What Are the General Symptoms of Constipation in Cats?

One of the mutual indicators that your feline companion is having a difficult fourth dimension evacuating its bowels is the struggle to defecate. Other cat constipation symptoms are:

• Vocalizing in pain when having a bowel movement (tenesmus)
• Small-scale, dry and hard stool
• Subtract in appetite
• Languor
• Vomiting

Diagnosis of constipation in cats

The offset stride is to bring your pet to the vet if you notice any signs of constipation.

Sometimes problems with defecating tin be confused with issues in the urinary tract. Retrieve to answer accurately to every question that your veterinary may have and cheque the litter box before going to the vet. The medical history is crucial to diagnose constipation and the underlying crusade.

Your vet will perform a medical test. Your veterinarian may as well bear:

• Pelvic and abdominal X-rays: to diagnose Megacolon and expect for traumas acquired by injuries.
• Further tests: urine and claret analysis to dominion out underlying weather condition like renal failure.

How to palpate a true cat for constipation?

During the medical examination, your veterinarian volition gently palpate your cat's intestinal area to find and experience any stool accumulation in the colon or a full bladder with urine.

Here is a video that explains how you tin palpate your cat and empathize if information technology is blocked or constipated:

How to help a cat with constipation? Are there any dwelling remedies for constipation in cats?

Your veterinarian may perform unlike procedures depending on the cause and severity.

• Enema: to stimulate evacuation of feces
• Intravenous fluid therapy (IV): to treat dehydration
• Medication: to promote contraction of the large intestine
• Manual removal of stool: this requires the cat to be nether anesthesia
• Colectomy: surgical removal of the infected part or all the colon
• Exploratory surgery: in case of strange objects blockages

There are some cats constipation remedies and measures you can take at habitation to aid your furry-ball. Make certain to consult with your veterinarian first.

• Cleaning your true cat'due south water bowl every day and irresolute the water to promote h2o consumption.
• Add together canned wet food to your feline nutrition and start diet management. Again, speak with your vet to look for options that are suitable for your kitty.
• Laxatives, enquire your vet for different alternatives and the correct dose for your cat'south weight.
• Castor your cat as often every bit you lot can to remove loose hairs.
• Try natural canned pumpkin, which adds cobweb to your cat'south diet.

Cat constipation massage

Take you heard of true cat acupuncture and constipation massages? Yes! It tin can be washed in your kitty every bit extra assistance with cat constipation.

Here is an excerpt from Veterinarian Practice News:

"Intestinal massage encourages peristalsis, decreases colonic transit time, increases the frequency of bowel movements in constipated patients, and reduces the discomfort and hurting of chronic constipation."

Always talk with your vet before booking a session and retrieve if information technology would exist a pleasant feel for your true cat and not a stressful one.

Neonatal kittens cannot defecate or urinate on their own. If you rescue orphan kittens, information technology is essential to stimulate them after each feeding to avoid constipation and urinary problems. Here is a video on how to practice information technology:

Summary

I know how much you dear hearing those purrs when your true cat is around, and I am confident you lot volition exercise anything for the overall wellbeing of your feline friend.

It is CRUCIAL to ever look for any unusual behaviors or signs that there might be something wrong with your cat. Be attentive, and keep doing the best for your purr baby. Small changes like fresh h2o every day and adequate nutrition can make a massive divergence for your cat'due south health.

If you are in the veterinary field, I want to thank you for all your hard work and for making the best decisions for your feline patients (fifty-fifty when it tin get a bit smelly!)

Do yous know that Feb is also a special month for cats? It is National True cat Health Month! You tin can cheque out this commodity and learn what you can practice for your furry friend this month (and always!)

Arais is a writer and virtual banana for pet business owners and veterinarians. She is a graduated beast care assistant and has done work feel in veterinarian clinics. She is going to start a degree in Veterinary Nursing In Ireland this year! When she is not writing, creating content or petting her 3 rescued cats, she's volunteering in an animal sanctuary and fostering kittens!

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Source: https://iloveveterinary.com/blog/how-to-help-a-cat-with-constipation/

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