The Culprits Behind Cat Constipation

Constipation is a common yet distressing issue for many cats. This condition occurs when a cat is unable to pass stools regularly, leading to discomfort and possible health complications. Understanding the root causes of constipation in cats, recognizing the symptoms, and knowing how to treat and prevent it are crucial to ensuring your cat's health and well-being. This article will explore the common causes of constipation in cats and provide helpful insights on managing and preventing it.

What is Constipation in Cats?

Constipation in cats refers to a condition where a cat has difficulty or inability to pass stools. This results in infrequent, hard, or painful bowel movements. Over time, if not treated, constipation can become more severe, leading to complications like impaction or megacolon.

Symptoms of Constipation in Cats

I. Bowel-related symptoms

• Decreased frequency of defecation

Healthy cats usually have regular bowel movements every day. If the cat starts to have no bowel movement for several days, it is likely to be constipated. For example, a cat that normally defecates 1 - 2 times a day suddenly shows no sign of defecation for 2 - 3 days in a row.

• Difficulty in defecation

When a cat tries to defecate, it may show signs of straining, such as squatting in the litter box and straining for a long period of time, and tense contraction of the abdominal muscles, but it can only pass a small amount of hard, dry fecal pellets, or even fail to pass any feces.

• Change in fecal character

When constipation occurs, the cat's feces will become dry and hard, clumped into small pieces, and the color may be darker than normal feces, and the smell may be stronger.

II. Behavioral symptoms

• Loss of appetite

As the feces accumulating in the intestinal tract will make the cat feel uncomfortable and affect the normal function of the digestive system, which will lead to a decrease in the cat's appetite. Cats that were originally passionate about food may show no interest in food or eat only a small amount.

• Mental depression

The physical discomfort brought on by constipation can cause the cat's overall mental state to deteriorate, becoming more lethargic and inactive than usual, and lacking interest in its surroundings and toys.

• Abdominal discomfort

Cats may lick their abdomen frequently, or show postures such as abdominal tension and arching of the back, as dry, clumped feces in the intestines may cause abdominal pain or discomfort.

• Frequent visits to the litter box

Cats may frequently visit the litter box in an attempt to defecate, even though they have the intention of defecating, because they are constipated and unable to pass stools without difficulty.

What Causes Constipation in Cats?

Several factors can contribute to constipation in cats, ranging from dietary issues to underlying health conditions. Understanding these causes can help you identify and treat the problem effectively.

Dehydration

One of the primary causes of constipation in cats is dehydration. When cats don't drink enough water, their body absorbs excess water from the colon, resulting in dry, hard stools. Cats may be more prone to dehydration if they eat dry food, don't have access to fresh water, or are ill.

Diet and Low Fiber Intake

A low-fiber diet is another common cause of constipation in cats. Cats who don't receive enough fiber in their food may experience difficulty in passing stool. Fiber helps promote healthy bowel movements by adding bulk to the stool and aiding its passage through the intestines.

Obesity

Obesity can significantly affect a cat's digestive system. Overweight cats are more likely to experience constipation because excess weight can place pressure on the colon, making it harder for stools to pass through. Moreover, obese cats are often less active, which can further contribute to sluggish digestion.

Related: My Cat is As Fat As my Dog: What Should I Do?

Lack of Exercise

A lack of exercise and physical activity can lead to constipation in cats. Cats that don't get enough movement or playtime may experience reduced bowel motility. Regular exercise helps stimulate the digestive system and promotes regular bowel movements.

Medical Conditions and Health Issues

Several underlying health conditions can cause constipation in cats, including:

• Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid can slow down metabolism and digestive processes.
• Megacolon: A condition where the colon becomes enlarged and less effective at moving stool.
• Intestinal Obstructions: Foreign objects or tumors that block the intestines can lead to constipation.
• Neurological Conditions: Conditions that affect the nerves responsible for bowel function can also cause constipation.

Stress and Anxiety

Stress or sudden changes in a cat's environment can contribute to constipation. Cats under stress may exhibit digestive issues, including constipation. This could be due to emotional or psychological factors, such as moving to a new home, the arrival of a new pet, or changes in their routine.

Aging

As cats age, their digestive system can become less efficient. Older cats are more likely to develop constipation due to a decline in metabolism, reduced physical activity, and the potential onset of other medical conditions.

Medications and Treatments

Certain medications, particularly painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and some antibiotics, can cause constipation in cats. These medications can slow down bowel movements, leading to a build-up of stool in the intestines.

Risk Factors for Constipation in Cats

Certain factors can increase the likelihood of constipation in cats, including:

• Dietary problems

Constipation may occur if the cat eats a low-fiber diet or does not drink enough water, or ingests foreign objects such as bones and hair (especially in long-haired cats).

• Breed Predisposition

Some cat breeds are more prone to digestive issues and constipation. For example, Persian cats and other flat-faced breeds may have anatomical or genetic factors that contribute to constipation.

• Disease problems

Arthritis, chronic kidney disease, metabolic disorders, neurological problems, colonic obstruction, megacolon, genetic causes, and side effects of medications may cause constipation in cats. 

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• Environmental influence

If the cat has just entered a new environment and has not yet adapted to it, it may be reluctant to go to the toilet, thus causing constipation. In addition, if there is no litter box or the litter box is not clean, it may also cause the cat to be reluctant to go to the toilet. 

• Anal blockage

when the cat's anus is blocked, it will cause pain in the anus and lead to difficulty in defecation, and feces will accumulate in the intestines over time, causing constipation. 

• Hairball disease

cats usually clean their bodies by licking hair, which can easily lick the hair into their bodies, and over time this will lead to intestinal blockage and constipation. 

Also Read: Cat Hairball Vomit: Causes, Prevention, and Care

How to Treat Constipation in Cats?

Treatment for constipation in cats depends on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, simple changes to diet and hydration may be enough. However, more severe cases may require veterinary intervention.

• Increase Fiber in Their Diet

Adding fiber-rich foods, such as canned pumpkin or specially formulated high-fiber cat food, can help alleviate constipation by adding bulk to your cat's stool.

• Ensure Proper Hydration

Encouraging your cat to drink more water can help prevent dehydration. Consider switching to wet food, which contains higher moisture levels, or using a cat water fountain to encourage drinking.

• Increase Physical Activity

Engaging your cat in more physical activity, such as interactive play, can help stimulate the digestive system and improve bowel motility.

• Enema

If corkscrews and lubricants are not effective, an enema may be needed in the hospital to flush out the stool. 

• Surgery

In severe cases, such as megacolon, surgery may be required to remove the dry, hard stool from the abdominal cavity. 

• Laxatives and Stool Softeners

In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend laxatives or stool softeners to help your cat pass stool more easily. Always consult with your vet before administering any over-the-counter treatments.

• Veterinary Consultation and Diagnosis

If your cat's constipation persists or worsens, it's crucial to consult a veterinarian. Your vet can diagnose the underlying cause of the constipation and recommend an appropriate treatment plan, which may include enemas, medications, or even surgery in severe cases.

When treating cat constipation, it is recommended to do so under the guidance of your veterinarian to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment. Meanwhile, prevention of constipation is also important, such as providing sufficient water, proper exercise, and regular feeding of chemo cream or cat grass. 

FAQs

Should I be worried if my cat is constipated?

If the cat only occasionally has slightly longer intervals between bowel movements, for example, 1 - 2 days longer than the usual normal time for bowel movements, but still shows signs of defecation, such as frequent visits to the litter box to make a bowel movement posture, and is in good spirits, has a normal appetite, and does not have other abnormalities such as vomiting, such mild constipation may be due to temporary factors such as diet, environment, and so on. For example, after the cat has changed to a new cat food, the intestinal tract may take some time to adapt, and there may be a short period of irregular bowel movements.
In this case, there is no need to be overly concerned, you can first try to adjust the cat's diet, increase water intake or give some high-fiber food, such as pumpkin puree, and observe whether the cat's bowel movements improve.

If the cat has not defecated for more than 3 days and shows symptoms such as depressed spirit, decreased appetite, vomiting (especially if there is undigested food or hair in the vomit), bulging abdomen, frequent squatting but inability to pass feces and so on, then it is time to take it seriously.
This severe constipation may be caused by intestinal diseases (e.g. megacolon), blockage of anus, severe trichotillomania, etc., which may pose a serious threat to the cat's health, such as intestinal obstruction and accumulation of toxins. 
The cat should be taken to a veterinarian as soon as possible. The veterinarian may carry out a physical examination, abdominal X-ray or ultrasound and other diagnostic means, and then take appropriate treatment measures according to the specific situation, such as the use of corkscrews, enemas, or even surgical treatment in severe cases.

Conclusion

Constipation in cats is a common yet treatable condition. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help you take better care of your cat's digestive health. By ensuring a balanced diet, adequate hydration, and regular exercise, you can prevent constipation and keep your cat comfortable and healthy.