Constipation in Cats: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Guide

Constipation in cats is a common but distressing condition where a cat has difficulty passing faeces, passes stools less frequently, or not at all. This leads to discomfort, pain, and if untreated, serious complications such as obstipation or megacolon, a severe condition where the colon enlarges and loses function[icatcare.org].

Understanding Constipation in Cats

When a cat is constipated, faeces build up in the colon, becoming dry, hard, and compacted. This worsens the condition and causes strain and pain during elimination. If the problem persists, the colon may distend (megacolon) and lose its ability to push stools out naturally, requiring veterinary intervention.

Common Causes of Constipation in Cats

There are many causes of cat constipation, often due to a combination of behavioural and medical factors:

• Dietary issues: Low fibre intake, dry food diets, and poor water consumption can lead to hard stools and dehydration[vcahospitals.com].
• Behavioural reluctance: Cats dislike dirty litter trays or unsafe toileting spaces, causing avoidance of the litter box abroad or indoors.
• Medical and physical problems: Pain from arthritis or injuries, bladder infections, dehydration related to kidney disease, obstruction from foreign bodies (hairballs, bones), anal gland problems, and neurological disorders affecting toileting ability.
• Breed predisposition: Certain breeds like Manx cats are more prone due to anatomical spinal differences[icatcare.org].
• Other causes: Stress, obesity, lack of exercise, matted hair near the anus (common in long-haired cats), and diseases affecting the digestive or endocrine systems.

Recognising the Symptoms

Early recognition is vital. Watch for:

• Straining or crying out during defecation
• Small, hard, dry stools or coated with blood or mucus
• Frequent litter tray visits without success
• Lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, or disinterest in grooming
• Distended abdomen with signs of discomfort

Note that outdoor cats may hide symptoms, making monitoring more challenging.

Diagnosing Constipation

Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination and may recommend diagnostic tests including x-rays or colonoscopy to assess severity and rule out underlying diseases. Identifying root causes is important to prevent recurrence.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on cause and severity. Common approaches include:

• Stool softeners or laxatives prescribed by your vet to ease passing stools
• Intravenous fluids to relieve dehydration and soften stools
• Enemas or manual removal of impacted faeces by the vet
• Special high-fibre veterinary diets and fibre supplements like Metamucil to support digestive health
• Surgery in severe cases to remove obstructions or correct anatomical problems

Behaviour modifications such as ensuring a clean, safe litter area and encouraging regular toileting are also essential.

Which Cats Are Most at Risk?

Older cats, overweight or less active cats, and those on dry food or low-fibre diets are more susceptible. Breeds like the Manx may have increased risk due to spinal anatomy affecting bowel function.

Preventing Constipation in Your Cat

To protect your cat’s digestive health:

• Provide a balanced diet rich in fibre and moisture, including wet food options
• Ensure fresh water is always available to prevent dehydration
• Maintain a clean, accessible litter tray to encourage regular toileting
• Keep your cat active to stimulate normal bowel movement
• Groom long-haired cats regularly to remove matted fur especially near the anus
• Monitor for any health changes or signs of discomfort and seek veterinary advice promptly

When to See the Vet

If your cat has not defecated for more than 48-72 hours, strains excessively, shows signs of pain, or has recurrent constipation episodes, contact your vet immediately. Prompt treatment helps avoid serious complications and improves quality of life[icatcare.org].

Summary

Constipation is a common and uncomfortable condition in cats that can quickly worsen if untreated. Understanding causes, recognising symptoms early, and providing supportive care including dietary management and veterinary treatment are crucial steps to safeguarding your cat's health and wellbeing.

By proactively attending to your cat’s toileting habits and overall health, you can help prevent constipation and maintain their happiness and comfort for years to come.