Laxatives And Enemas: Safe For Cats?

Constipation in cats is a common issue, especially in older, obese, or chronically ill cats. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including diet, hairballs, or even neurological issues. While there are many over-the-counter treatments available, such as Feline Pet-Ema, it is important to consult a veterinarian before administering any medication to your cat. This is because some human enemas, such as Fleet, can be deadly to cats.

If your cat is constipated, you may notice them struggling to pass faeces, crying out in pain, or exhibiting low energy and a loss of appetite. In severe cases, veterinary intervention may be required to manually remove the blockage. However, in mild cases, you may be able to administer an enema at home with the guidance of a veterinarian. This process involves lubricating and slowly inserting an enema syringe into your cat's rectum, being careful not to cause any trauma or tears. The entire procedure can be messy and may require two people to securely restrain the cat.

Overall, while constipation in cats is a common issue, it is important to consult a veterinarian before administering any treatments, especially enemas, to ensure the safety and well-being of your feline friend.

When to give your cat an enema

If your cat is constipated, you'll know because they will be in pain and will need to be taken care of. Constipation can lead to serious side effects like the development of megacolon, which is when the cat is no longer able to push faecal matter down into the rectum, and it just builds up in the colon. This results in constipation so severe that it becomes obstipation, or the inability to pass stool.

If your cat is constipated, you may notice them repeatedly entering the litter box, squatting to defecate, but failing to pass any faeces. Your cat may strain and vocalise (meow, cry, yowl) during these attempts. Other symptoms can include low energy, loss of appetite, throwing up foam or undigested food, and abdominal pain.

Signs of constipation can look similar to signs of a urinary blockage, which is an emergency that can quickly become life-threatening. If you suspect your cat is straining to urinate, or if you have not seen any urine in the litter box in more than 12 hours, take your cat to the vet to rule out a urinary obstruction.

If your cat is mildly constipated (less than 2 to 3 days) or the constipation is not chronically observed, you can try an enema at home. If the case is more severe or you think your cat may have a more complicated disorder, seek veterinary care.

Your cat may have a more complicated disorder if you notice changes in water intake, very low energy levels, severe vomiting, or a complete loss of appetite.

If your cat has already developed megacolon, chances are you will need to give another enema in the future.

How to administer a cat enema

Administering an enema to a cat is not a simple task, and it's important to note that it should only be done in mild or occasional cases of constipation. If your cat is severely constipated or has other symptoms, such as vomiting or a loss of appetite, seek veterinary care immediately.

• Prepare your environment and materials: Choose a confined space like your bathroom, as enemas can be messy. Lay out some towels or pads on the floor to catch any spills. Gather your materials, including the enema solution, syringe, feeding tube, lubricant, and gloves.
• Restrain the cat: Wrap the cat in a towel to keep them calm and still. If possible, have another person help you gently restrain the cat.
• Lubricate the syringe: Apply a light coating of lubricant, such as KY Jelly or Vaseline, to the tip of the syringe or feeding tube.
• Insert the syringe: Lift the cat's tail and gently insert the tip of the syringe or feeding tube into the rectum. Insert it 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) or until you feel the hard feces.
• Administer the enema solution: Slowly administer the solution into the rectum. For mineral oil, use 15-20 ml; for warm water, use 50-75 ml; for a Feline Pet-Ema ® Enema, use 6 ml, and wait an hour before administering another 6 ml if needed.
• Massage the abdominal area: Place your palm under the cat's belly and gently squeeze until you feel the hardened feces. Massage this area gently with a pinching action using your thumb and fingers.
• Monitor your cat: Keep an eye on your cat for a few hours after the enema. Complications such as vomiting and diarrhea may occur, and your cat may become dehydrated.

Remember, it is always best to consult with your veterinarian before administering any enema to your cat. They can advise on the type of enema to use and provide guidance on the procedure.

What to use when giving your cat an enema

It is not recommended to give your cat a laxative and an enema together. If your cat is constipated, it is better to give them an enema.

If you are going to give your cat an enema, it is important to use the correct products. Do not use a product you have at home, such as Fleet enemas, as these are not safe for cats. Instead, purchase a premixed enema that is specifically designed for cats. These enemas contain dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate in glycerine, which helps to soften the stool and lubricate the rectum. You can easily find cat enemas for sale online.

If you want to try a homemade enema, you can use 50 ccs of warm water, 5 ccs of mineral oil for lubrication, and 5 ccs of lactulose, which is available at your local pharmacy. Keep in mind that this method may take longer, as the feces will need to soak up the water.

When administering the enema, make sure to use a lubricated syringe with a soft feeding tube attached. You can use a 10-25 mL syringe for warm water or mineral oil, or follow the instructions on the premixed cat enema package. Always lubricate the end of the syringe or feeding tube with a light coating of lubricant, such as KY Jelly or Vaseline.

Prepare your environment by choosing a familiar, enclosed space like your bathroom. Lay out some towels, absorbent pads, or newspaper to catch any messes. Wear clean, plastic gloves to ensure hygiene.

To give the enema, wrap your cat in a towel to keep them calm and controlled. Lift their tail and gently insert the tip of the enema syringe or feeding tube 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) into the rectum. Do not push too hard to avoid causing rectal trauma or tears.

For mineral oil, apply 15-20 mL slowly into the rectum. For warm water, administer 50-75 mL slowly. For a Feline Pet-Ema ® Enema, put in 6 mL at a rate of 1 mL every 3 seconds, and administer another 6 mL after 1 hour if needed.

After administering the enema, place your palm under your cat's belly and gently squeeze to feel for hardened feces. Massage this area gently to help the stool pass. It may take up to 2 hours for the stool to pass, and you can repeat the enema in 1-2 hours if necessary.

Side effects of giving a cat enema

Enemas can be used to treat constipation in cats, but they can also have several side effects. Firstly, it is important to note that only animal-safe solutions provided by a veterinarian should be used for cat enemas, as human enemas are toxic to cats and can even result in death.

Even animal-safe enemas can cause temporary vomiting and lethargy in cats. In addition, cats with underlying health conditions are at a higher risk of experiencing toxicosis from enemas. This can lead to excessive absorption of sodium and phosphorus, resulting in hypernatremia and hyperphosphatemia. Hyperphosphatemia can, in turn, cause hypocalcemia, tetany, muscle stiffness, or weakness. Enemas can also cause fluid and electrolyte shifts, as well as hyperosmolality, dehydration, and hypotension.

Furthermore, there is a risk of more serious and life-threatening side effects, such as hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, hypernatremia, cardiac arrhythmias, and metabolic acidosis. These side effects often require intensive care and diligent monitoring. In some cases, enemas have been shown to have poor prognoses in cats with pre-existing renal or cardiac disease.

Therefore, it is crucial to consult a veterinarian before administering any enema to a cat and to be aware of the potential side effects to ensure the safety of your feline friend.

How to avoid giving your cat an enema

To avoid giving your cat an enema, you can take several preventative measures to ensure your cat's digestive health. Here are some ways to avoid giving your cat an enema:

• Increase water consumption: Ensure your cat has access to clean, fresh water at all times. You can also try using a water fountain to encourage your cat to drink more.
• Increase dietary fibre: Add more fibre to your cat's diet by incorporating foods such as pumpkin, flax, or psyllium. You can also look for cat food with higher moisture content, such as canned food.
• Give propylene glycol 3350 (Miralax): Miralax is a human drug that can help with constipation in cats. It pulls water into the colon to soften stools. However, it may cause dehydration, so use it sparingly.
• Use a prokinetic drug: Consult your veterinarian about prokinetic agents that can help treat motility disorders and improve smooth muscle contraction to aid in passing stools.
• Monitor your cat's diet: Keep an eye on what your cat is eating. Avoid feeding them things like hair, bones, or plant material that can obstruct the passage of faeces.
• Regular veterinary check-ups: Take your cat for regular check-ups to identify any potential health issues that may cause constipation. This can help prevent the problem from becoming severe and requiring an enema.
• Keep an eye on your cat's behaviour: Watch for early signs of constipation, such as repeatedly entering the litter box without passing faeces, low energy, loss of appetite, or abdominal pain. Addressing the issue early on may help prevent the need for an enema.

Remember, if you suspect your cat is constipated, always consult your veterinarian first. They can advise you on the best course of action and help you avoid the need for an enema if possible.

Frequently asked questions