Causes of constipation in cats

Any problem that causes dehydration in cats can lead to constipation. Some problems are mild and can be treated at home with diet and lifestyle changes, while others are serious.

Constipation occurs if the intestines cannot move their contents properly and if the stool is not soft and moist. This can be caused by underlying issues such as stress and anxiety, inflammatory bowel disease, allergies, neurological problems, and even some cancers.

Chronic conditions that can cause constipation in cats include kidney disease, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism. Ruptured or affected anal sacs can also make defecation painful and may result in constipation.

Cats that eat dry food are also prone to dehydration and constipation.

Constipation can also occur if cat feces remains in the body for too long. Because when stool sits in the stool for too long, the intestines absorb too much water. Causes here include obesity, stress and anxiety, pain from arthritis or anal gland problems, intestinal blockage and even some cancers.

When you don’t see your cat defecate for two consecutive days, or you find that your cat has difficulty defecating, you can basically be sure that your cat is constipated.

The consequences of cat constipation are very serious, with a high fatality rate. I have talked about it in detail in other articles, so I won’t go into details here.

Cat constipation, care you can give your cat at home

　①Increase the amount of water you drink★

Because the root cause of most constipation is dehydration, drinking more water and maintaining a good water ratio in the body can help prevent constipation and relieve existing constipation symptoms.

Most cats don’t like to drink water, so you can consider providing them with more wet food, such as fresh homemade cat rice. You can encourage your cat to drink more water by placing water bowls in different areas of your home so they can develop a reflexive urge to drink. Another thing is to try to use pet drinking fountains, dripping faucets and other living water. They prefer it because they prefer dynamic things under the premise of ensuring safety. You can also add salt-free beef broth or the like to your cat's food.

　②Try a new diet★

Food allergies can also cause intestinal inflammation and constipation in cats. Changing the protein source in your cat's food (chicken, lamb, beef, etc.) can reduce inflammation and allow the intestines to move more normally, thereby reducing constipation.

Strictly follow the ten-day food exchange method and transition to new food diets little by little.

　③Maintain a healthy weight★

Cat obesity is not good, it can cause intestinal inflammation, boneBone diseases, etc. A large amount of fat accumulation will cause the intestines to move more slowly and the stool to absorb too much water, leading to constipation.

　④Increase exercise★

Exercise can help promote normal bowel movements, which can help treat and prevent constipation. Encourage cats to play more in toys, cat trees, sealed bay windows, etc. Not only does it provide physical exercise, but it also helps reduce your cat’s anxiety.

　⑤Reduce stress and anxiety★

Cats’ personalities determine that they can easily become stressed when their daily activities are disrupted. When your cat feels stressed, you can help reduce its stress and anxiety by playing with it, soothing it, and taking sedative herbs or medicines. ​​​​​​

　⑥Add multiple litter boxes★

Some cats may not like the litter box or cat litter you bought, and they may not use the litter box very much. A basic principle when choosing a cat litter box is that the number of cat litter boxes > the number of cats, and there should be at least one cat litter box on each floor of the home. Therefore, place several litter boxes at home to find the litter box and cat litter your cat likes most.

　⑦Try fiber or probiotics★

Keeping a dog is inseparable from probiotics. In fact, raising a cat also requires this kind of "good bacteria" that helps maintain a healthy intestinal tract. A healthy intestine moves its contents properly and remains soft and well-formed, preventing constipation.

Fiber feeds these good bacteria and helps promote normal bowel movement. It can also help retain more water in the intestines, which can help treat and prevent constipation. It can also help cats stay full for a longer period of time and reduce the frequency of eating, thereby helping to maintain a healthy body shape.

The types of fiber are different, so the best effects on cats are also different. Please feed fiber and probiotics that are beneficial to cats.

⑧Ask your veterinarian about over-the-counter laxatives for cats★

There are several types of laxatives that work in different ways.

The following over-the-counter laxatives may treat constipation symptoms.

Most over-the-counter medications work by causing the body to draw more water into the intestines, which helps soften stool and make it easier to pass.

Since laxatives draw water into the intestines, they can worsen other symptoms in cats with underlying chronic conditions, leading to dehydration.

Miralax (PEG 3350) is usually used for cats suffering from constipation. You can also choose Colace (colace capsules). Of course, you can also choose more natural herbs, such as rhubarb.

Oil- or fat-based laxatives should only be used if recommended by your veterinarian, and should not be used long-term as they can affect your cat's ability to absorb nutrients from their food.

　⑨Monitor cats for constipation★

Monitor your cat's bowel movements and stool consistency at least twice a week initially, then weekly or biweekly.

If you find that the feces is very dry, very dry, or you find that the cat is having difficulty defecating, please adjust the cat's diet in time. Watch for any other signs of constipation and seek immediate medical attention if your cat has diarrhea. Because this can quickly lead to dehydration. The most important thing is that diarrhea in cats often represents inflammation in the cat’s body, and inflammation in the cat’s body is difficult for cats to heal on their own.