Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 3: Recognize when an enema is needed
• Part 2 of 3: Preparing the Enema
• Part 3 of 3: Prescribing an enema
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

Constipation in a cat upsets both the animal and the owner, as it causes the cat pain and discomfort, and the owner - the worries and stress of the pet's suffering. Setting up an enema at home to treat constipation is difficult and requires a lot of patience, as it can take minutes to an hour to soften the hardened excrement and release it. If your veterinarian trusts you and allows you to administer enemas to your cat at home, go to step 1.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Recognize when an enema is needed

1. 1 Know the signs of constipation. The most common signs of this condition are straining or meowing when trying to have a bowel movement, frequent unproductive visits to the litter box, weight loss, abdominal pain, and lethargy. Sometimes, you may even feel something big and hard if you press lightly on your cat's belly.
   • Signs of constipation can mimic those of urolithiasis, which can be life-threatening for your cat. If you suspect your cat is having difficulty urinating, or if you cannot see urine in the litter box for more than 12 hours, take your cat to your veterinarian immediately to rule out kidney stones.
2. 2 Try to determine the cause of your constipation. There are many possible causes of constipation, to name a few: low-fiber food intake, dehydration, excessive licking that causes large hairballs to enter the gastrointestinal tract, ingestion of foreign bodies, obesity, an irregular colon or bowel motility ... If your cat has frequent constipation, you can add canned food to her food for extra moisture, or add psyllium to her diet.
   • Metabolic or endocrine disorders such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or obesity can also cause constipation. Neurological problems in the spinal cord, pelvic injury, or dysfunction of the primary nervous system can cause constipation in some cats.
3. 3 It is necessary to understand when an enema is acceptable. It can be placed at home only in case of mild constipation (less than 2-3 days), or if the constipation is not chronic. In other cases, you need to contact your veterinarian.
   • Your cat may have complications if you notice changes in water intake, very low energy levels, severe vomiting, or loss of appetite. Sometimes, the cat may feel less hungry due to discomfort or a feeling of fullness, but will not refuse food.
4. 4 You need to know all the features of your cat. An enema should only be used at home if the cat is docile and meek and does not have underlying medical conditions such as fractures, arthritis, or kidney problems. If necessary, contact the previous owner of the cat.
   • Ask someone to help you hold the cat. Your cat may be unhappy and will scratch. Do not pinch or grip the cat too tightly.

Part 2 of 3: Preparing the Enema

1. 1 The best type of enema must be selected. Choose from the entire range of enemas that are specifically designed for cats - an enema containing sodium dioctyl sulfocinate with glycerin, such as Feline Pet-Ema ®. Dioctyl sodium sulfocinate draws water into hardened feces, softening them, and glycerin is needed to lubricate the rectum. It can be easily found on the Internet.
   • Remember, you can use warm water or mineral oil. Warm clean water is cheaper and safer, since the likelihood of dehydration during its use is minimal; however, it will take longer for the expected result, since plain water is not drawn into the hardened excrement as with sodium enemas and has no lubricating properties. Be aware that it may take several infusions as the faeces soften and pass out gradually (a few minutes to two hours).
   • Enemas intended for humans should not be used as they contain phosphates, which can be toxic to the cat. The feline body can absorb the sodium and phosphorus molecules found in such enemas into the blood and tissues, and this can lead to electrolyte imbalances and dehydration.
2. 2 Use the correct, lubricated tip. If you buy a dedicated cat enema kit, a lubricated tip will already be included. If you are using water or mineral oil for an enema, use a 20 cube syringe with rubber tube / urethral catheter as the applicator. The edges of the tube are rounded and soft, so they won't hurt or damage tissue when inserted.
   • Always lubricate the handpiece or tube. Vaseline or any other lubricant will do. Enema is unpleasant, despite all your tricks. Lubricants will help your cat get through this procedure.If you don't use a lubricant, you risk causing your pet a lot of pain.
3. 3 Prepare the site and tools. The bathroom is an ideal place, as the cat is familiar with it, it closes, and then it will be easier to wash everything. Clean all surfaces and gather required materials.
   • Giving a cat an enema is a messy business. Cover the room with newspapers and bring up the cat litter box. You'd better wear clean rubber gloves. It is important that this process is hygienic for you as well.

Part 3 of 3: Prescribing an enema

1. 1 Wrap the cat in a towel. Spread out the towel and place the cat in the middle. Pull one end around the cat and tuck the end under your feet. Do the same with the other end of the towel. Your cat should be wrapped like pita bread.
   • If you are working alone, hug the cat so that its head is on your left hand if you are right-handed, or on your right hand if you are left-handed. Talk to your cat in a calm voice at all times. Try to do this throughout the procedure to help calm the animal.
2. 2 Give an enema. Raise the tail, carefully insert the tip of the enema or the end of the tube connected to the syringe into the rectum about 5-7.5 cm. Alternatively, insert the tube until you feel the end of the tube against hardened excrement. Do not push too hard on the tube or inject liquid as this can injure the rectum, leading to serious medical complications.
   • If using mineral oil, slowly inject 15-20 ml into the rectum. If using warm water, slowly inject 50-75 ml into the rectum. If you are using the Feline Pet-Ema ® cat enema, first inject 6 ml in approximately 1 ml portions every 3 seconds. Then, one hour later, inject the remaining 6 ml in the same way.
3. 3 Feel your belly. Place your palm on your stomach over your pelvis and feel for the hardened excrement. Massage this part with your fingers with light, squeezing movements.
   • After massaging the abdomen in the rectal area in some cats, the effect may appear quickly, and excrement will be released for the next 5-10 minutes.
   • In other cats with very severe constipation, this may take 1 to 2 hours. You can repeat the enema after 1 to 2 hours if the constipation persists. If nothing happens after the second enema, contact your veterinarian immediately.
4. 4 After setting the enema, take care of your pet. After the excrement comes out, check it for blood. This is to make sure you don't injure your rectum. If you notice a large amount of blood, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Tips

• Remember that your veterinarian knows best what type of enema is best for your cat. Be sure to call or visit your veterinarian if your pet has been constipated for more than 3 days.

Warnings

• If, after the procedure, the cat still cannot empty itself, even after three hours, then it is better to take it to the veterinarian.

What do you need

• Newspapers
• Latex gloves
• Enema liquid (water, mineral oil or Feline Pet-Ema®)
• Towels
• Syringe 20 cubes
• Lubricant (petroleum jelly or similar)