Cat Constipation
Cat Constipation: an Owner's Guide to Constipation in Cats
Constipation in cats is a relatively common occurrence. Like you, your constipated cat will have trouble having a bowel movement. This condition is very common in older cats. However, cats of any age can have a bout of constipation. So, what exactly causes it?
Causes
Cat Constipation can be brought on by a range of factors, even though it can occur naturally for no apparent reason. Dehydration is one of the leading reasons your cat can have trouble having a bowel movement. The lack of water will result in hardened stool which will be more difficult to pass.
Another common cause of constipation in cats is diet. Eating hair, bones, fatty or salty foods can cause problems. Other common causes include diseases, anal infections, and lack of exercise.
Symptoms
If your cat is constipated, you will notice him spend more time in his litter box than usual. He will be having a hard time getting stool to pass. Sometimes, the feces may contain a small amount of blood. Cats with constipation usually have an upset stomach too, so they will be less likely to eat as much. Some cats show decreased activity levels.
Diagnosis
Before determining Cat Constipation to be the cause of problems, your veterinarian will likely perform urine and blood tests. This will tell if other diseases or infections are to blame. Sometimes, a foreign object will be blocking the colon, so an x-ray may prove to be useful. The colon should be checked anyway as a bout of constipation can cause damage to it.
Treatment
The first line of defense against constipation in cats is administration of intravenous fluids. The condition should get better as fluids and electrolytes are returned to balance. The veterinarian may also choose to give your cat laxatives or enemas. If hardened stool can't be passed naturally, it will have to be physically removed from the colon.
Prevention
There are certain things you can do to prevent Cat Constipation. Ingesting dead hair can lead to a blocked colon. So, you should groom your cat regularly to limit the amount of hair he swallows. You should also ensure that your cat's litter box is tidy at all times. Felines hate dirty litter boxes, so they may not use them.
Besides constipation, there are many other conditions that can affect your cat such as feline triad disease. You should be knowledgeable about these various conditions so you can get your cat treated quickly if he's affected. Luckily, cat-illnesses.com provides just what you need. So, stop by today to learn about a wide range of cat illnesses.
Has anyone had trouble with cat constipation after giving "greenie treats"?
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cat constipation?
my cat has not been # 2 in 4 days. took to vet at 2 days and he said he didn't see or feel a hard belly. feed him soft food. he only eats a few bites and coughs it up later. sunday now,no vet. can i give him a glycerin suppositorie ? I feel like i need to do something now!! He seems to be getting around ok and acts ok.
gave can food. eat only a few bites. uped it a few hours later. read web sites. can go to vet again on monday. looking for something i can do now.
no hair balls.
appetite for dry food was good, but would upit later.. i took it up yesterday. he is not drinking much eather.urinates about 8 hours apart. just gave him some tuna in oil. he licked the oil off. maybe that will help?
Been 7 days now. done all the oils and still on soft food. only oils he tried was the fish & olive. but just a few bites. now he won't touch them. still eats the canned food. about 3/4 can a day. still does # 1 -1 time a day.
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Cat constipation?
I got an 8 year old cat about 6 weeks ago. This weekend, she developed loose stool, and vomited once. I took her to the vet, everything checked out fine, and now she's back at home, taking antibiotics, and eating a prescription food that's made to be gentle on the G/I tract. The problem is that since she came home on Monday evening, she hasn't pooped once. I know that a cat eating wet food (she normally eats dry) drinks less, but she shouldn't be dehydrated eating wet food... Her appetite is normal, and she doesn't seem to be straining or making unsuccessful trips to the litterbox. She doesn't seem uncomfortable at all. Is this something I need to counteract? It seems odd that she's gone from loose stool to none, especially with this new food. I'd rather not head back to the vet (and spend another $150) unless needed. Any help/ideas? Her old owner said she gets constipated from time to time, and has some prescription meds that she used for it, should I use that??
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cat constipation?
any suggestions for feline constipation?? 10 yr old
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cat constipation??
my friends cat had not had a poo all day and has been trying too poor wee thing that he is does anyone know of anything that would ease the cats constipation? the cat is 4 years old if that is of any use at all any help would be much appreciated
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