Veterinarian Explains the Causes and Prevention of Constipation in Cats in an Easy-to-Understand Way

Cat feces are always hard and round, but is this normal? Cats are animals that are prone to constipation. What should you do when your cat becomes constipated? We will explain the causes and prevention methods for cat constipation.

How many days of constipation are acceptable for a cat?

An ideal cat stool has a firm shape with cracks on the surface. The entire stool has constrictions but is connected as one piece.

On the other hand, a constipated cat's stool generally lacks moisture and is stone-hard. The stool is divided into several small, hard pieces.

The normal frequency of defecation is 1 to 3 times a day, and if there is no bowel movement for more than 2 days, caution is required. Since defecation frequency varies among cats, owners need to know their cat's normal frequency.

What symptoms appear when a cat is constipated?

Even if your cat seems to defecate daily, a change in its usual behavior might be a symptom of constipation. Let's look at the symptoms of constipation.

• Only small amounts of hard, round stools are passed.
• Spending a long time in the litter box or repeatedly trying to go to the litter box.
• Crying or vomiting during defecation.
• Eliminating outside the litter box.

If these symptoms are present, constipation is suspected.

Causes of cat constipation

The main causes of cat constipation are insufficient water intake, stress, lack of exercise, obesity, pelvic disorders, and underlying diseases. We will explain each of these.

Insufficient water intake

The ancestors of cats lived in deserts. Therefore, it is believed that their bodies adapted to survive even in environments with little water.

Cats often don't drink much water on their own. They can become dehydrated unknowingly, leading to reduced water content in their stools.

Stress

Various types of stress can reduce a cat's water intake and exercise levels. This not only decreases the water content of the stool but also weakens intestinal movement, leading to constipation.

Lack of exercise

A lack of exercise tends to reduce intestinal movement. Decreased activity leads to obesity and lower water intake, increasing the risk of constipation.

Obesity

Cats that have undergone spaying or neutering surgery tend to gain weight. Obesity increases abdominal fat, making it difficult for the cat to push out stool during defecation.

Pelvic disorder

If a cat has sustained a pelvic fracture due to an accident, the large intestine may be compressed. Additionally, cats with pelvic fractures may have nerve damage affecting bowel function, leading to defecation abnormalities.

Furthermore, if there are abnormalities in the spinal bones, the nerves can become paralyzed, making defecation difficult.

Disease

Diseases that can cause constipation in cats include chronic kidney disease, abdominal tumors, and megacolon. These conditions can be life-threatening if not addressed early.

・Chronic Kidney Disease

Most older cats suffer from chronic kidney disease. The kidneys are responsible for filtering body fluids, excreting waste products in urine, and reabsorbing necessary water back into the body. With chronic kidney disease, kidney function is lost, preventing the reabsorption of water, and even essential water is excreted as urine. This reduces the water content of the stool and leads to constipation.

・Abdominal Tumors

When a tumor develops in the abdomen, the intestine is physically compressed by the tumor, leading to constipation.

Common abdominal tumors in cats include malignant lymphoma and adenocarcinoma. The prognosis for these tumors is generally not good.

・Megacolon

Megacolon refers to a condition where the large intestine becomes stretched like a balloon due to repeated constipation. This means the cat has experienced repeated episodes of constipation before developing this condition.

In megacolon, the muscles in the intestinal wall become thin, and the nerves that sense the urge to defecate also become paralyzed. As a result, even if there is a large amount of stool in the large intestine, the cat cannot push it out. In such cases, procedures like manual removal of stool under anesthesia or surgical removal of the damaged large intestine may be performed.

How to prevent cat constipation? Can it be cured at home?

Constipation makes it difficult to pass stool, causing pain for cats. Moreover, constipation can lead to the accumulation of toxic ammonia in the body and the entry of intestinal bacteria into the bloodstream, which can be life-threatening.

It is crucial to prevent cats from becoming constipated.

Make water more accessible

Cats don't drink much, but by finding ways to increase their water intake, you can make it easier for them to drink water.

• Provide multiple water bowls.
• Use an automatic water dispenser to ensure fresh water is always available.
• Change the type of bowl to ceramic.
• Add a small amount of chicken broth to the drinking water to enhance the flavor.
• Use oral rehydration solution for cats.

Some cats are particular about their drinking spots. Observe your cat's usual behavior and provide a place where they can drink water calmly.

Ensure moderate exercise

Ensuring moderate exercise for your cat not only helps prevent obesity but also contributes to adequate water intake.

Cats are animals that engage in vertical movement, so providing an environment with cat towers or other jumping opportunities can help improve a lack of exercise.

Aim for 15 minutes of playtime with your cat, twice a day. Don't just let your cat play alone; engage with them.

Change of diet

Diets rich in dietary fiber are considered effective for cat constipation. Therapeutic diets for constipation contain soluble fiber called psyllium, which helps facilitate bowel movements.

Additionally, adding a small amount of olive oil to the diet is said to improve stool passage.

Dietary therapy for cats requires veterinary instructions. Do not make decisions on your own; always consult your veterinarian.

Consider stress factors

Changes in environment or deteriorating relationships with other cats can lead to stress. To alleviate your cat's stress, provide a quiet place for them to relax and ensure they have escape routes.

In a past case, an existing cat monopolized the litter box, preventing other cats from using it. If you have multiple cats, provide at least one more litter box than the number of cats and place them in various locations.

If your cat becomes constipated

First, review your current lifestyle and try the prevention methods.

If your cat becomes constipated despite taking preventive measures, always consult a vet. Once the stool has hardened, it won't pass without veterinary intervention.

Some people may consider using human enema solutions at home. If human enema solutions are used in the wrong amount, they can cause dehydration in cats.

Constipation that doesn't easily improve is a sign of an underlying illness. Consult your veterinarian early before it worsens.

Summary

If your cat's stool appears hard, it might be constipation. Carefully observe your cat's stool condition, litter box habits, and water intake.

Cat constipation can be a sign of a serious illness. Do not wait to see if it improves at home; consult a veterinarian early. Early detection and early treatment are crucial for all conditions.