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.