What Is Constipation In Cats?

Though feline constipation is usually a short-term problem, prolonged constipation, if left untreated, can escalate to obstipation, causing your furry considerable pain while pooping. So, as cat parents, it falls on you to help your kitty find relief in these times of need. This article provides a brief overview of constipation in cats and the home remedies and constipation for cats treatment that can offer quick relief.

Symptoms of Constipation in Cats

1. No faecal production while attempting to poop

   Constipation causes a blockage in the intestinal canal, preventing any faecal production while attempting to poop.

2. Frequent visits to the litter box

   Cats might try to forcefully poop and relieve their uneasiness, resulting in frequent visits to the litter box.

3. Vomiting

   Constipation can cause other gastrointestinal difficulties such as nausea, indigestion, and vomiting.

4. Decreased appetite

   The feeling of being plugged up can cause discomfort to furries resulting in a decreased appetite.

5. Abdominal pain

   Abdominal pain is one of the most prominent symptoms of a constipated cat.

6. Decreased energy

   Constipation in cats can lead to uneasiness resulting in decreased energy in your kitty.

7. Decreased interest in interacting with family

   Being constipated can take a toll on your feline, preventing them to be enthusiastic in interacting with their loved ones.

What Causes Constipation in Cats?

1. Hairballs

   An accumulation of hairballs can lead to a blockage in the digestive system of cats, causing your kitty to show the symptoms of a constipated cat.

2. Lack of fibre in the diet

   A lack of fibre in your cat’s diet can result in constipation. Adding more vegetable fibre to the diet can be an easy fix for a constipated cat.

3. Dehydration

   Dehydration lowers the moisture content in the faecal matter, disrupting bowel movements and causing constipation.

4. Obesity and/or lack of exercise

   Rapidly gaining weight results in an accumulation of fat in your feline’s body, which can put significant pressure, partially or completely blocking the intestinal passage and resulting in constipation in cats.

5. Pelvic injury

   Symptoms of a constipated cat can also appear if your furry feline buddy has recently experienced a pelvic injury. A pelvic injury may cause discomfort and pain, forcing your kitty to avoid going to the litter box to poop. A build-up of faecal matter in such situations can also lead to constipation in cats.

Treatment for Cat Constipation

The treatment of feline constipation is dependent on the severity. In case the home remedies do not yield the desirable results, consulting professional healthcare can be extremely helpful, since prolonged constipation, if left untreated can lead to megacolon, which might need surgical treatment. Megacolon is generally treated by surgically removing the obstructing faeces from the intestinal cavity. So, to avoid such cases, it is important to be attentive to what might be causing constipation in your kitty, and changing diet to low or high-fibre food if necessary.

It must be kept in mind that feline constipation is one of the most common health ailments faced by cats that do not always warrant professional intervention. In fact, most cats face constipation from time to time, but are fine within a couple of days with home remedies. So, unless you suspect severe case of feline constipation, there is no need for over-the-counter medication.

At-Home Measures to Treat Constipation in Cats

1. Increase hydration

   For a constipated cat you can try out several home remedy for cat constipation for a quick solution. Increasing the water intake is an excellent way that helps clear out faecal blockages.

2. More physical exercise

   Physical exercise has been proven an effective way of inducing bowel movements in a constipated cat. Being physically active also reduces the chances of constipation in cats.

3. Improve fibre intake

   Fibre is an effective constipation for cats treatment as it acts as roughage that can help clear out constipation. So, increased fibre intake is a remedy for constipated cats.

4. Minimise stress

   Since stress is a major causative factor for constipation in cat, minimising stress for your feline furball can reduce constipation and positively benefit a constipated cat.

5. Maintain healthy weight

   Obesity is also a leading cause of constipation in felines, so maintaining healthy body weight is crucial in avoiding the risks of constipation in cats.

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