Constipation in Cats: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Constipation is a common issue that many cats experience. It occurs when a cat has infrequent or difficult bowel movements, leading to discomfort and potential health problems. Understanding the signs, causes, and treatments of constipation in cats can help you ensure your feline friend stays healthy and comfortable.

Constipation in Cats

Most cats will have a bowel movement every 24 to 36 hours. If your cat poops less frequently, strains during bowel movements, or doesn't produce any feces, they could be constipated. This is a common issue in cats and can often be managed at home with remedies.

If your cat rarely experiences constipation, there's likely no cause for concern, but if it's a frequent problem or has been more than 48 to 72 hours since your kitty's last bowel movement, you should consult your veterinarian.

Constipation could indicate a serious underlying health issue and may be causing your cat discomfort or even severe pain.

How can I tell if my cat is constipated?

Typically, healthy cat feces are well-formed, rich brown in color, and moist enough for litter to stick to them.

Signs of constipation in cats may include hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass, leading to them being deposited either inside or outside the litter box. The discomfort of trying to pass these stools may cause your cat to leave the litter box before finishing.

Other symptoms of constipation may include:

• Avoiding litter box
• Straining or crying in the litter box
• Entering and exiting the litter box multiple times when needing to go
• Not being able to poop at all

If you notice your cat showing discomfort when using the litter box, it's important to call your vet, as this could indicate a serious urinary tract problem. Additionally, constipation may be a sign of an underlying health issue, and your cat might also display one or more of these symptoms:

If your cat is showing any of the symptoms listed above with or without constipation, you must call your vet as quickly as possible, as this would be considered a veterinary emergency.

Is my cat's constipation an emergency?

In some cases, a cat's constipation can become an emergency. If your cat is straining excessively, vomiting, or seems in severe pain, seek veterinary help immediately. Chronic constipation can lead to a condition called megacolon, where the colon becomes severely enlarged and loses its ability to contract. This level of constipation in a cat often requires more intensive treatment, such as enemas or surgery.

What causes constipation in cats?

Cats may experience constipation if their digestive system cannot normally move things through their intestines. Certain factors that may contribute to your cat’s constipation include:

Though elderly cats are more prone to constipation than kittens, the condition can develop in cats of any breed or age who consume a low-fiber diet or don’t drink enough water.

What do you give a cat for constipation?

Treating constipation in cats often involves dietary and lifestyle changes. Here are some effective methods:

• Ensure your cat has access to fresh water. Wet cat food can also help increase fluid intake.
• Fiber supplements or high-fiber cat food can help improve bowel movements. Canned pumpkin (plain, unsweetened) is a popular natural remedy.
• Over-the-counter or prescription laxatives, such as lactulose or Miralax, can be effective. Always consult your vet before giving your cat any laxatives.
• Probiotics can help maintain healthy gut flora and improve digestion.

What is a natural laxative for cats?

Natural laxatives for cats include:

• Canned Pumpkin: Rich in fiber, it can help regulate bowel movements.
• Olive Oil or Coconut Oil: A small amount can lubricate the digestive tract and ease stool passage.
• Aloe Vera Juice: Only in small, vet-approved amounts, this type of juice can help soothe the digestive system.

How to Treat Constipation in Cats

Constipation problems in cats can range from mild to severe. Mild cases can be treated with changes to the cat's lifestyle, diet, and at-home remedies. However, severe cases may require veterinary attention and can be considered a veterinary emergency.

Treating a cat's constipation as quickly as possible is important to lower the risks of permanent damage due to prolonged colon distension. Any underlying disorders or conditions will also need to be diagnosed and treated.

Impacted feces should be removed, and measures should be taken to prevent recurrence. In cases where a cat cannot pass urine or feces or experiences pain when doing so, emergency veterinary care is necessary. The veterinarian may conduct diagnostic tests, provide fluids or an enema for immediate relief, prescribe medications, or recommend over-the-counter remedies.

It is important to note that a qualified veterinary professional should perform an enema for the cat, as attempting to do this yourself can be dangerous. Some types of enemas designed for humans are toxic to cats.

Suppose a cat experiences long-term constipation or obstipation (the inability to empty its colon independently). In that case, it may have a megacolon, an enlarged intestine due to a defect in the colon’s muscle strength. Cats with chronic constipation or megacolons that do not respond to medical treatment may need to have the affected section of the large intestine removed.

Treating Your Cat's Constipation at Home

These at-home remedies could help to alleviate your cat’s constipation:

• Help your cat maintain a healthy weight.
• Provide probiotics.
• Minimize stress and anxiety.
• Over-the-counter laxatives (consult your vet, as these may worsen symptoms in cats with underlying or chronic diseases).
• Try a new diet (lamb, chicken, special limited-ingredient diets, or hypoallergenic diets) to reduce inflammation and allow the intestines to move normally.
• Try fiber-rich foods, such as a teaspoon of canned, pureed pumpkin once or twice a day, or ginger as natural remedies.
• Increased exercise helps with weight loss, reduces anxiety, and promotes normal movement of the intestines.

Monitoring Your Cat's Constipation

Monitor your cat's litter box visits and stool quality. Start by tracking this at least twice a week, then change to once a week or once every two weeks. If you notice hard, dry feces or if your cat seems to be having difficulty while defecating or shows signs of constipation, it's important to get in touch with your veterinarian – especially if diarrhea is involved, as dehydration can become a serious issue quickly.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. Please make an appointment with your vet to accurately diagnose your pet's condition.

Do you suspect your cat is constipated? Contact our New Hope vets to arrange emergency care.