The Laxative Conundrum: Understanding Daily Cat Care

Constipation is a common issue for cats, and it can be distressing to see your pet in discomfort. It's important to know how to spot the signs of constipation and what you can do to help your cat. Constipation occurs when a cat can't pass stools, or they are infrequent and hard to pass. This can be due to a number of factors, including dehydration, dietary issues, lack of exercise, or underlying health conditions.

If your cat is constipated, there are several things you can do to help. Firstly, increasing their water intake can be effective, as this will prevent stools from drying out and lubricate their passage. You can also try to reduce their stress levels and ensure their litter box is clean and accessible. In some cases, over-the-counter laxatives or stool softeners may be necessary, but it's important to consult your veterinarian before giving your cat any medication.

Constipation causes in cats

Constipation in cats is a common condition, usually mild and treatable at home. However, it can indicate more serious health issues, and in some cases, it can become very severe and uncomfortable.

Cats typically defecate every 12 to 36 hours. If your cat is pooping less frequently, it may be a sign of constipation. Constipation is characterised by infrequent stools or stools that are difficult to pass.

The condition is defined as an abnormal accumulation of feces in the colon, resulting in difficult bowel movements. This may result in reduced frequency or the absence of defecation. The retained feces become hard and dry, making them even more challenging to pass.

There are several factors that can lead to constipation in cats:

• Dietary Problems: A lack of fibre in the diet can cause constipation. Cats need a healthy diet with plenty of fibre, similar to humans.
• Dehydration: Dehydration is a common cause of constipation, as it leads to drier stools that are harder to pass.
• Lack of Exercise: Insufficient exercise can contribute to constipation by slowing down intestinal movement.
• Chronic Conditions: Underlying chronic diseases, such as kidney disease, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism, can lead to constipation.
• Ruptured or Impacted Anal Sacs: This condition can cause pain during defecation and contribute to constipation.
• Obstruction: Blockages in the colon, such as bones or string, can obstruct the passage of feces and lead to constipation.
• Excessive Grooming: Ingestion of hair during grooming can lead to hairballs in the digestive tract, causing constipation.
• Pelvic Injuries: Injuries resulting in a narrowed pelvic canal can make it difficult for feces to pass, leading to constipation.
• Megacolon: This condition is characterised by a dilated and weak colon that causes severe constipation. The weakened colon muscles fail to propel fecal matter out, leading to a buildup of hard, dry stool.
• Foreign Bodies: Ingestion of foreign bodies, such as bones or other indigestible materials, can cause obstructions in the gastrointestinal tract and lead to constipation.
• Tumours: Tumours in the colon or gastrointestinal tract can obstruct the passage of feces, leading to constipation.
• Narrowing of the Colon: Conditions such as strictures (narrowings) or other structural abnormalities in the colon can make it difficult for feces to pass, contributing to constipation.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: This condition can cause intestinal inflammation and impact the normal movement of feces, leading to constipation.
• Stress and Anxiety: Stress and anxiety can impact the normal functioning of the intestines, leading to constipation.
• Cancer: Certain types of cancer can affect the normal movement of the intestines and contribute to constipation.
• Neurological Disorders: Conditions affecting the nervous system, such as neuromuscular disease, can impact the normal functioning of the intestines and lead to constipation.
• Medications: Certain medications can have side effects that include constipation.

Signs of constipation in cats

Constipation is a common problem in cats, and it can be caused by various factors, including dietary issues, dehydration, lack of exercise, certain medications, and underlying health conditions. While it is usually mild and can be treated with simple home remedies, constipation can sometimes indicate a more serious health issue. Therefore, it is important to know the signs of constipation in cats and take action if your cat displays any of these symptoms.

Infrequent Bowel Movements

Cats typically defecate every 24 to 36 hours. If your cat is pooping less frequently, such as once in 48 to 72 hours, constipation may be the issue.

Straining or Crying in the Litter Box

If your cat is hunched over and straining to pass a stool or crying out in pain while defecating, this could be a sign of constipation.

Hard, Dry Stools

Normally, cat feces are well-formed, rich brown in color, and moist enough that litter sticks to it. If you notice that your cat's stools are hard, dry, and difficult to pass, constipation may be the culprit. These hard stools may end up either inside or outside the litter box, as your cat may leave the box before they are finished due to discomfort.

Frequent Trips to the Litter Box Without Defecating

Your cat may be constipated if you notice them going in and out of the litter box multiple times without passing any feces.

Other Symptoms

Constipation in cats can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as drinking more or less water, difficulty jumping up, or weight gain. If your cat displays any of these symptoms, it is important to consult a veterinarian, as they may indicate underlying health issues.

If you suspect your cat is constipated, you can try some home remedies such as increasing their water intake, providing more exercise, and making dietary changes. However, if the issue persists or your cat appears to be in distress, it is important to seek veterinary advice.

How to help a constipated cat

Constipation is a common condition in cats, and it can be uncomfortable and even painful for them. It is characterised by infrequent bowel movements or hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. If left untreated, constipation can lead to more severe issues such as obstipation, tenesmus, dyschezia, or megacolon. While mild cases of constipation can be treated with simple home remedies, it is important to monitor your cat's condition and seek veterinary advice if symptoms persist or worsen.

Increase Water Consumption:

Dehydration is a common cause of constipation, so increasing your cat's water intake can help prevent and treat this issue. Cats are not big drinkers of standing water, so try using water fountains, running taps, or multiple water bowls placed in different areas of your home to encourage them to drink more. You can also add water to their food or feed them wet food, which can dramatically increase their water intake and reduce the risk of constipation.

Dietary Changes:

A lack of fibre in your cat's diet can lead to constipation. Consider adding fibre-rich foods to their diet, such as canned, pureed pumpkin, or natural remedies like ginger. You can also try switching up their protein sources (e.g. lamb, chicken) or opting for special limited-ingredient, hypoallergenic, or high-fibre diets to reduce intestinal inflammation and promote normal bowel movements. Remember to introduce any dietary changes gradually and always consult your veterinarian for guidance.

Maintain a Healthy Weight:

Obesity can cause intestinal inflammation and slow down the movement of stools, leading to constipation. Work with your veterinarian to determine if your cat needs to lose weight and create a diet plan to help them reach a healthy weight.

Increase Exercise:

Encourage your cat to be more active by providing cat toys, cat trees, window seats, and dedicating more time to play with them. Exercise promotes normal intestinal movement, treats and prevents constipation, aids in weight loss, and can also help reduce anxiety.

Minimise Stress and Anxiety:

Cats can be sensitive to changes in their environment and routine, which can trigger constipation. Try to minimise disruptions and provide a calm, consistent environment. If your cat is prone to anxiety, consider using calming pheromones (Feliway), supplements (Zylkene, Solliquin), or medications recommended by your veterinarian.

Provide Adequate Litter Boxes:

Cats can be particular about their litter boxes, and if they don't like the location, type of box, or litter, they may avoid using it, leading to constipation. It is recommended to have at least one more litter box than the number of cats in your household and to place at least one on each floor of your home. Experiment with different types of litter and boxes to find what your cat prefers.

Try Fibre or Probiotics:

Probiotics are "good bacteria" that support healthy intestines and promote normal stool movement. Fibre feeds these good bacteria and helps maintain intestinal hydration. Consult your veterinarian before adding fibre or probiotics to your cat's diet.

Monitor Your Cat's Bowel Movements:

Keep track of your cat's defecation frequency and stool consistency at least twice a week, then weekly or biweekly. Contact your veterinarian if you notice hard, dry stools or if your cat is straining to defecate.

Consider Laxatives or Enemas:

If your cat's constipation persists or becomes severe, consult your veterinarian about laxatives or enemas. Over-the-counter options like Katalax, Cat Malt, or Laxapet may be effective for mild cases, while prescription laxatives like Lactulose or Microlax may be necessary for more severe constipation. Never administer human laxatives to your cat, as these can be toxic and even lethal.

Remember, if your cat has not defecated in 48-72 hours, or if they are showing signs of discomfort or distress, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Laxatives for cats

Constipation is a common problem in cats, and it can be distressing to see your furry friend in discomfort. It is usually characterised by infrequent stools or stools that are difficult to pass. While mild cases of constipation can often be treated at home, severe or persistent constipation may be a sign of a more serious health issue, so it's important to monitor your cat's symptoms and consult a veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Causes of Cat Constipation

There are several potential causes of cat constipation, including:

• Dehydration
• Lack of exercise
• Dietary problems (including insufficient or excessive fibre intake)
• Hair ingestion, especially in long-haired cats
• Underlying medical conditions, such as kidney disease, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism
• Side effects of certain medications
• Obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract
• Tumours near the pelvic region
• Stress or anxiety

Treating Cat Constipation

If your cat is constipated, there are some home remedies you can try to provide relief:

• Increase water intake: Ensure your cat has access to fresh water at all times, and consider using water fountains or leaving a faucet dripping to encourage them to drink more.
• Improve fibre intake: Consult your veterinarian about the appropriate amount of fibre for your cat's diet, as too much or too little fibre can worsen constipation.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity can cause intestinal inflammation and slow down digestion, leading to constipation.
• Increase exercise: Encourage your cat to be more active to promote normal movement of the intestines.
• Minimise stress: Use calming pheromones, supplements, or medications to reduce your cat's stress levels.
• Keep litter boxes clean: Ensure your cat has access to a clean litter box, as they may avoid passing stool if their litter box is dirty or if they have to share it with other cats.

In addition to these home remedies, there are also several over-the-counter and prescription laxatives available for cats. However, it is important to consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your cat, as human laxatives can be toxic to cats.

Safe Laxatives for Cats

• Microlax: Contains Sorbitol and is administered as an enema. It is only available by prescription.
• Katalax: Contains soft paraffin, cod liver oil, and malt extract. It is an over-the-counter medication that helps with hairballs and softens stools.
• Cat Malt: A combination of liquid paraffin and malt extract, it is useful for hairballs and acts as a stool softener. It can be purchased without a prescription.
• Laxapet: Contains fish oils, vitamins, and lecithin, and is used for hairballs and constipation. It is available over the counter.

When to See a Veterinarian

If your cat hasn't passed any feces for two days or is straining and in distress, it's important to consult a veterinarian right away. They may prescribe a laxative or recommend an enema to provide relief. Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your cat's health!

When to see a vet about cat constipation

Constipation is a common problem in cats, and while it's usually mild, it can sometimes indicate more serious health issues. If left untreated, constipation can lead to permanent damage due to prolonged distension of the colon. Therefore, it's important to know when to seek veterinary help.

Signs and Symptoms of Cat Constipation

Cats typically defecate every 12-24 hours. If your cat is pooping less frequently and having some difficulty, they may be constipated. Here are some signs to watch out for:

• Infrequent stools or difficulty passing stools
• Dry, hard, and small stools
• Crying or straining in the litter box
• Passing small amounts of liquid feces or blood due to excessive straining
• Lack of appetite
• Abdominal pain and distension
• Vomiting
• Lethargy and reluctance to eat

When to See a Vet

• If your cat hasn't defecated in 48-72 hours or is acting uncomfortable, contact your vet immediately.
• If your cat is straining and in distress, seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.
• If your cat hasn't passed any feces for two days, consult a veterinarian.
• If you suspect your cat may have a blocked bladder, get them checked by a vet as this is a medical emergency.
• If constipation recurs or becomes a long-term problem, your vet may need to prescribe medication or recommend dietary changes to prevent recurrence.
• If constipation is severe and unresponsive to treatment, surgery may be required to remove the affected portion of the colon.

Treatment Options

• Veterinary treatment for cat constipation may include enemas, manual extraction of feces, intravenous fluid therapy, dietary changes, and medication such as laxatives, stool softeners, or probiotics.
• Over-the-counter laxatives and stool softeners can be effective for mild cases of constipation.
• Increasing water intake and reducing stress can also help prevent and treat constipation in cats.

Frequently asked questions