Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
If your cat is constipated, there are a few things you can try at home.
If you have any type of lubricant hairball remedy, these products also
work as laxatives. Adding one teaspoon a day of psyllium, which is the
ingredient in Metamucil and other fiber remedies, to cat food can also
help the irregular cat. (Make sure the fiber remedy you choose contains
only psyllium.) You may try feeding canned cat food and encouraging
water consumption. Feeding canned pumpkin (pumpkin pie filling or
plain cooked pumpkin) is another home remedy that can resolve con-
stipation.Try one tablespoon, once or twice a day.
Don't let your kitty go more than two days without passing a stool.
If you think an enema is needed, let your veterinarian administer it and
then deal with cleaning up any mess. Never give a phosphate enema
designed for a human to a cat—they are toxic to felines!
There are many reasons why a cat may become constipated, and it is
a good idea to narrow down the possibilities so you can prevent recur-
rences. Causes of constipation include hairballs, dehydration, metabolic
diseases, anatomical deformities, arthritis, megacolon and diet.
Megacolon is a chronic condition that causes constipation. The
colon becomes dilated and stops having normal muscle contractions.
Feces pack up and are not pushed through. Megacolon can be a pro-
gressive condition that needs long-term medical and dietary manage-
ment. Cats who do not respond to treatment need a surgery, called a
subtotal colectomy, to remove the inactive colon and restore the ability
to defecate.
If your cat has more than one episode of constipation, work with
your veterinarian to determine a diagnostic and treatment plan.
Treatment can involve fluids, stool softeners, motility-enhancing drugs
that promote intestinal contractions and even shaving a cat to reduce
hair in the stool.
STRAINING FOR WHAT?
Cats have different postures for urinating and defecating, but if you
are not sure and the animal is straining, you should take him to a
veterinarian as soon as possible. Instead of being constipated, the
cat may be unable to urinate. Urinary blockages can become life-
threatening situations within a very short period of time—as little
as 12 hours.
