Feline Care: Cat Constipation

If you have a feline companion, then you will undoubtedly encounter the rather unpleasant reality of cat constipation. Normally, cats will pass stool between two and three times a day. Since you know your pet better than anyone else, it is up to you to recognize any irregularity in your cat's litter box behavior. So let's take a moment to provide some information on what is considered to be constipation, the causes of constipation, natural remedies for constipation, and unique concerns with kittens.

What is Cat Constipation?

Much like the human definition, cat constipation is when a cat passes infrequent, hard, and dry stools. More specifically, constipation occurs when the stool sits in the cat's lower intestine or colon for two or more days, resulting in the stool drying. Aside from the obvious bloating and discomfort that occurs, cats also tend to strain in order to pass the stool, which can result in injuries and minor tearing around the anus.

Warning Signs

Your furry friend will seem more lethargic than usual. Also, he or she may go to the litter box several more times than usual in an attempt to pass the stool. Your cat may also spend extra time chewing around its anus in an attempt to ease the passage of the stool. Also, your cat may drag itself across a carpeted floor, which will leave obvious signs of excrement on the floor. Finally, your cat may meow or groan in pain while it is attempting to pass stool. You must also look after especially old cats, as their digestive tracts are often less fit to process food and eliminate waste. If you are able to identify the warning signs, next you will need to investigate the causes of your friend's constipation.

Causes of Constipation

Surprisingly, many of the same causes of human constipation are shared with felines. A low fiber diet, dehydration, medications are the most common causes of constipation. However, there are several others that are unique to felines such as hairballs and excessive grooming, ingestion of foreign objects such as string or cloth. Also, if there is tangled hair on the cat's buttocks or if your cat is obese, then it is especially prone to constipation. Finally, while it is not indicative of a digestive problem, cats will rarely use a dirty litter box and may hold their stool rather than stand in their own excrement.

Natural Remedies for Constipation

One of the most important aspects of helping your cat overcome constipation is by assuring that you will not exacerbate the problem. Make sure your pet begins eating a diet that is rich in fiber, trim the hair around its backside, and keep a clean litter box to ensure regular usage. One surprisingly easy natural remedy for constipation is to feed your cat some tuna that is packed in oil. The oils will help the cat move its bowels easier, while appealing to the cat's natural cravings for fish. Another natural remedy is to feed your cat some butternut squash or even pumpkin. These vegetables are high in fiber and contain natural oils that help animals completely empty their bowels. Yet another great way to treat kitty constipation is to feed them a teaspoon of petroleum jelly. Much like natural oils, this will help to smooth the lining of the digestive system, ease the passage of stool, and may help ease the pain resulting from strain tears. There is a brand of laxative that is made for cats called "Laxatone", and provides relief to cats suffering from constipation. If all of these remedies fail, then you should take your cat to a veterinarian, as it could be a sign of a more serious health problem.

Kitten Care

Constipation is a relatively common issue for kittens, stemming from the voiding reflex which requires stimulation from its mother. If you have a cat that is already weaned, it is important to make sure that your furry friend does not subsist on dry food. This can dehydrate the delicate digestive system of a kitten and, unless specifically formulated, is devoid of the necessary fiber to support a healthy system. The same treatments that apply to cat constipation also apply to kittens, but if the kitten is frequently constipated, you should consider consulting a veterinarian to outline a treatment.