Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Monitor litter box usage
• Method 2 of 2: Notice Your Appetite Change
• Tips

Constipation in cats can develop for a variety of reasons. Potential causes include insufficient exercise, decreased water intake, intestinal obstruction due to hairballs and other foreign objects, and stress. Any of these causes can also be a symptom of more serious health problems. In addition, constipation can develop as a result of certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease or arthritis. Even though you know your pet well, it can be easy to overlook some of the symptoms related to constipation. But with the right attention and patience, you will surely be able to accurately diagnose constipation. If detected early, you can try to relieve the cat's condition with home remedies before the situation becomes urgent and requires veterinary attention.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Monitor litter box usage

1. 1 Make sure your pet is using a litter box. Sometimes, with constipation, cats feel discomfort trying to empty their intestines, they may develop a negative associative connection between the pain experienced and the litter box, which may cause the pet to completely stop visiting the litter box. If this is the case, it is not uncommon to find solid cat feces elsewhere in your home, such as in the bathtub, in the hallway, or even in your closet. Try to make the litter box as attractive as possible for the cat by removing any covers, if any. The following guidelines will help you track your pet's litter box usage and draw your attention to potential problems before they escalate.
   • Try to keep the litter box open and easily accessible to your cat.
   • Don't hide the litter box in a closet or pantry.
   • Be aware that an elderly cat or animal with arthritis may have difficulty visiting a litter box that has previously been used successfully.
2. 2 Pay attention to the pet's pushing when visiting the litter box. In the absence of solid feces, such pushing is usually the first sign of constipation in a cat. Sometimes the animal can meow heart-rendingly, rise on its hind legs in tension and curl up strongly in an attempt to defecate. If you notice such strange behavior of your pet in the litter box, it may indicate problems.
   • It's okay for cats to empty their bowels once a day, but many of them even go to the toilet two or more times.
   • Older cats with arthritis can benefit from joint nutritional supplements and sometimes pain relievers so that the animals in the litter box can comfortably assume the position they need to defecate.
   SPECIALIST'S ADVICE

   

   Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

   
   
   Veterinarian, Royal College of Veterinary Surgery Dr. Elliot, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal care. Graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery. Has been working in the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

   Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
   Veterinarian, Royal College of Veterinary Surgery

   The cat's pushing in the litter box does not necessarily indicate constipation. Similar symptoms can occur with diarrhea or a blockage of the ureter. Be sure to inspect the tray and check for urine or soft stools. This will help your veterinarian choose the most appropriate treatment for your pet.

3. 3 Watch for potential symptoms of a urinary tract infection. If there is little or no urine in the tray (especially if there is solid excrement), then the discomfort experienced by the cat and his attempts may indicate obstruction (blockage) of the urinary tract. This is an emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention.
   • Constipation pain is often confused with symptoms of a more serious problem, a blockage of the urinary tract. A good way to understand this is to regularly check for urine in the litter box after your cat finishes using it.
   • Obstruction of the urinary tract is more common in cats than in cats. But if you have any doubts about the reasons for the strange behavior of your pet, immediately consult your veterinarian. Be vigilant and keep an eye on the litter box to avoid confusing a urinary blockage with constipation.
4. 4 Consider using bowel-lubricating laxatives. There are a couple of gut-lubricating medications you can give your cat to aid in bowel movement when needed. Consult your veterinarian about these products for recommendations on how to use them. They often include ingredients with laxative properties that help relieve constipation, and they taste good to cats. Specialized products are easier to give to cats because they like them better.
   • Gel laxatives can be given in the mouth, palate, under the nose and on the upper lips, or on the front paw. If you are not able to put the remedy in the cat's mouth, be aware that usually the animal tends to lick on its own the areas stained with foreign substances under the nose and on the front paws. Be patient and give your pet a break if necessary if he becomes nervous or upset about your laxative use.
   • It is also safe to use petroleum jelly at home. Try giving your cat ½ teaspoon daily as a separate treat, or add it to canned food.
5. 5 Find out if bowel problems are persistent. If your cat is unable to defecate normally within 24 hours after trying several home treatments, see your veterinarian. For mild cases of constipation, your veterinarian will recommend a laxative or stool softener. In more serious cases, an enema or stool extraction with pain relief may be required. However, in the most severe situations of constipation, surgery may be necessary. This is recommended for prolonged constipation and the development of intestinal obstruction.
   • Intestinal obstruction is characterized by the impossibility of self-emptying of the intestine, leading to a large accumulation of feces inside.When this happens, the cat's intestines swell and lose contractility. In this case, surgery can save the animal's life.

Method 2 of 2: Notice Your Appetite Change

1. 1 Check to see if your pet is consuming his usual portions of food. However, do not rely solely on a change in appetite as an indicator of probable constipation. An appetite disorder can be a symptom of many other health problems for your pet.
   • If you notice a change in eating habits, try feeling the cat's belly with light pressure while the pet is standing. Move your hand back and forth to see if any hard formations are felt in the abdomen. If you notice hard lumps of stool in the intestines, take your pet to the veterinarian for a professional examination and confirmation of your concerns.
2. 2 Prevent the development of constipation with special nutrition. Some cats with chronic constipation benefit from a long-term diet or veterinarian-recommended fiber supplements.
   • Canned pumpkin is safe for cats and contains a lot of fiber and moisture.
   • If your cat prefers to eat exclusively dry food, choose a specialty brand of food that is high in fiber, or add crumbled fiber cat biscuits or a powdered dietary supplement with fiber to the usual food.
3. 3 Increase your cat's water intake. Dehydration is a common cause of many constipation. Cats naturally consume most of their moisture in their food. Feeding canned food will provide him with more water than dry food, which will help maintain the correct water balance.
   • You can also provide your cat with several bowls of water strategically placed throughout the house to encourage him to drink more. Make sure the water in each bowl is clean, fresh, and appealing to your pet. A fountain drinker for cats is also a good way to help them get enough water. These drinkers can be purchased at pet stores.

Tips

• Make sure the problem is not in a dirty tray. Some cats avoid the litter box if it is not emptied in a timely manner.
• If the cat has any of the following symptoms, then there is a likelihood of constipation: irregular or no bowel movements, little hard stools, or little loose stools with mucus or blood. You may also notice decreased appetite, vomiting, depression, or irritability ..