Why do cats get constipated

Fri Jan 17 11:15:28 EST 2014

Many things can cause a cat to become constipated: an intestinal blockage, stress, not enough exercise, not enough water, arthritis, a tumor, or something else entirely. Symptoms include straining to defecate, tiny or hard feces, and sometimes not defecating for days. A mild case of constipation can be treated by adding fiber to the cat’s diet or by giving him a laxative. Severe cases can require a procedure to remove the impacted feces. And in extreme situations, if the colon’s nerves have been damaged by prolonged impaction, surgery may be recommended to remove the damaged section of colon.

Constipation may sound like an innocuous enough problem, but for some cats constipation can lead to disease processes that can even be life ending.

Constipation is a condition in which cats pass feces less often or in smaller amounts than normal. Feces are often hard and dry, which may cause cats to strain or have difficulty passing feces. While constipation may occur periodically, obstipation is a more persistent and severe form of constipation, in which defecation is impossible or nearly impossible.

The cause of constipation and obstipation (the severe, end-stage form of this disease process) is believed to be multifactorial. Some of the potential causes include:

• Blockages from hairballs or other foreign materials
• Reluctance to use the litterbox because of stress, a change in litter, a full/dirty box, or painful urination
• Lack of exercise
• Decreased water intake
• Dehydration, often caused by kidney disease
• Nerve damage
• Arthritis, making it painful to squat
• Tumors
• Some drugs, including anesthetics
• Trauma

In some cats, a condition called megacolon contributes to constipation and obstipation. Megacolon is characterized by a decreased ability of the colon to move fecal material through in the normal way. Fecal material accumulates in the colon, resulting in constipation. Researchers believe that megacolon is caused by a problem with contraction of the muscles in the colon. It has also been suggested that severe prolonged retention of feces (as with constipation or obstipation) can stretch and damage the muscles of the colon, causing megacolon to develop. However, the cause of megacolon is undetermined in most cases.

Cats with constipation or obstipation may exhibit the following signs:

• Infrequent or no defecation
• Straining to defecate
• Hard, dry feces
• Defecating outside the litterbox
• Small quantities of feces
• Small amount of liquid stool with mucus or blood
• Vomiting
• Lack of appetite
• Depression

Male cats with a blocked urinary tract may also strain in the litterbox. Owners may mistake this for constipation, which is a problem since a blocked urinary tract is a medical emergency. If your cat is straining in the litterbox and there is no evidence of urine or only a small amount of urine, contact your veterinarian immediately!

Veterinarians may be able to palpate (feel) the abdomen to detect firm feces in the intestines. In overweight cats, however, abdominal fat can limit a veterinarian’s ability to feel fecal material in the intestines. In these cases, a radiograph (X-ray) may be necessary to assess the problem. In the case of obstipation or megacolon, the colon will be greatly stretched beyond its normal size.

Occasionally, an endoscopic exam may be necessary. Anesthesia is required for this procedure, which involves inserting a tube containing a small camera into the rectum. This enables the veterinarian to look inside the rectum and colon for abnormalities such as narrowing of the colon or tumors that may prevent feces from passing. A biopsy of the tissue may also help identify other disease processes that are causing/contributing to this process.

Veterinarians will also recommend blood work to look for underlying diseases that may cause dehydration leading to constipation.

All breeds of cats are susceptible to developing constipation.

Treatment varies depending on the degree of constipation and the amount of discomfort a pet is experiencing. If constipation is mild, veterinarians may supplement a cat’s diet with fiber, such as canned pumpkin, bran, or psyllium. Other medications, such as stool softeners, laxatives, and motility modifiers, may help, as well.

If an underlying condition, such as kidney disease, may be causing dehydration and constipation, treating the problem and rehydrating the cat with fluid therapy can help.

For more severe forms of constipation, enemas may be necessary. Anesthesia for manual removal of feces may be recommended in severe cases.

In cases of megacolon, the diameter of the colon can sometimes be stretched so far that the muscles of the digestive tract are permanently damaged. When this happens, surgical removal of the affected portions of the colon may be necessary. Postoperative complications can include chronic diarrhea, but this procedure is often considered a lifesaver.

Because dehydration is frequently involved in constipation, making sure cats have ample access to clean water is essential. Similarly, if a cat has kidney disease or another illness that predisposes to dehydration, additional fluid therapy may be recommended. Cats with arthritis may benefit from joint supplements or pain medication, and cats with a history of constipation may benefit long term from a special diet or supplement that provides additional fiber.

Obstipation and megacolon may be prevented in some cases by very assiduous observation of the cat’s elimination behaviors and medical management of the disease process throughout.

This article has been reviewed by a Veterinarinan.

If your cat is constipated they could be very uncomfortable and restless, it is also a very serious health concern. In this blog, our Stockton vets share the causes and symptoms of cat constipation as well as how you can help your beloved kitty.

Constipation in Cats

The majority of cats usually poop every 24 to 36 hours. If your kitty poops less frequently, has to strain to poop, or doesn’t poop at all, they are probably constipated.  It’s a common condition among cats and is generally usually mild enough to be treated with at-home remedies.

If it doesn't happen to your feline friend often there is probably no reason to be worried however, if it happens frequently or if they haven't had a bowel movement in 48 - 72 hours you will need to schedule an appointment with your vet. Sometimes constipation can be a symptom of a serious health issue, and make your kitty very uncomfortable (and severe in some cases).

The Causes of Cat Constipation

Constipation can develop if things aren’t moving through the intestines normally. Other elements that can contribute to your cat's constipation are: 

• Not enough fiber
• Anxiety or stress
• Pain or other issues in the spine
• Dry food diets (can predispose cats to constipation and dehydration)
• Arthritis pain
• Kidney issues
• An obstruction such as bones or string blocking the colon
• Excessive grooming (leads to extra hair in the digestive tract)
• Feline megacolon (colon gets large enough that the muscles no longer squeeze and hard, dry stool builds up inside)

• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Nerve problems
• Allergies
• Narrow places, tumors, or other problems inside the colon
• Cancer
• Perianal disease
• Chronic diseases such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or kidney disease
• Ruptured or impacted anal sacs (can also cause pain with defecation)

Cats of any age or breed that eat a low fiber diet or don't drink enough water can become constipated but, elderly cats experience constipation more often than kittens.

The Signs & Symptoms of Constipation in Cats

Normally, cat poop is well-formed, rich brown in color, and is moist enough that litter will stick to it.

Signs your cat may be constipated include hard, dry stools that end up either inside or outside of the litter box (the discomfort your cat feels trying to pass these stools may make them leave the litter box before they are actually finished).

Other symptoms of constipation can include:

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

If you notice your cat showing signs of discomfort when they use the litter box, contact your vet as it could indicate serious urinary tract problems.

Because constipation is a symptom of other health issues, you might also see signs of an underlying condition, which could include:

• Drinking more or less water
• Decreased appetite
• Difficulty jumping up
• Muscle loss
• Hiding

• Walking stiffly
• Peeing more
• Weight loss
• Nausea
• Vomiting

If your cat is displaying any of these symptoms with or without constipation, consult a veterinarian.

Available Treatments for Cat Constipation

Even though some constipation cases are mild and can be treated with lifestyle and diet changes, in addition to at-home remedies, some situations can be severe and require veterinary care. These serious issues can also become emergencies if they are not treated.

Constipation has to be treated as fast as possible to lower the risk of permanent damage as a result of prolonged distension of the colon.

The underlying problem has to be identified and fixed (if possible) in order to treat your cat's constipation. Impacted feces should be removed and recurrences prevented. The inability to pass urine or feces, or pain when passing urine or feces, is considered a veterinary emergency. Your veterinarian may first run any applicable diagnostic tests, then provide fluids or an enema for immediate relief, and prescribe medications or recommend over-the-counter meds.

We need to stress that veterinary expertise is mandatory in order to safely and effectively perform the enema - these should not be done at home as some types of enemas designed for humans are toxic to cats.

If your cat’s constipation is long-term or they are suffering from obstipation (the inability to empty their colon on their own), they may have megacolon, an enlarged intestine due to a defect in the colon’s muscle strength.

Cats with chronic constipation or megacolon that doesn't respond to medical treatment might need to have the infected section of their large intestine removed.

At-Home Remedies for Treating Your Constipated Cat

Below are at-home remedies that could help relieve your cat’s constipation:

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

Watching for Your Cat's Constipation

Track the frequency of your cat’s litter box deposits and stool consistency initially for at least twice a week, then weekly or biweekly.

If you see hard, dry feces, or if you notice that your cat is straining while defecating or exhibiting other symptoms of constipation, contact your veterinarian - especially if diarrhea is a factor as dehydration may quickly become a problem.

Do you think your cat is constipated? Contact our Stockton vets immediately to schedule an appointment. We will be able to diagnose the cause of your kitty's constipation and provide them with the best possible treatment plan.