What are the signs of constipation in cats
First, it’s important to figure out if your cat is pooping or urinating. Unfortunately, the two behaviors can be very similar, so it’s hard to tell what’s going on.
If your cat is constipated, there may be fluid or mucus in the anus and redness or swelling around the anus.
If your pet is struggling to urinate, you may see small amounts of urine or blood around the vulva or penis, and your cat may lick this area.
Symptoms of constipation in cats
Symptoms of constipation in cats include:
● Stool Hard, dry, with possible blood or mucus on the surface
● Frequent bowel movements with little or no stool production
● Discomfort, pain
If constipation is severe or Prolonged, lethargy, loss of appetite, or vomiting may occur
Causes of constipation in cats
The most common causes of constipation in cats are dehydration, megacolon, colon distention, and difficulty defecation.
Other reasons include:
Frequent litter box changes (some cats don’t like litter boxes) , so stool is not passed very often, which means the stool becomes dry and hard)
● Old pelvic injuries, where stool must pass through the pelvic canal, however, old pelvic injuries may result in narrowing of the pelvic canal.
● Hair blocking foreign bodies in the anus and intestines
How to treat constipation in cats
If your cat does not pass stool in 48 hours, contact your veterinarian immediately. The veterinarian will discuss your cat’s symptoms with you and perform a physical examination. Further tests such as x-rays, ultrasound, blood and urine tests may be required.
If dietary adjustments (i.e. more fiber and water) don’t work, the veterinarian may give your cat an enema. Do not use over-the-counter enemas designed for humans. Some of these contain enough potassium to kill a cat.
Your cat may also need fluids, and in some severe cases, your cat may need to be sedated to remove feces manually.
In many cases, constipation can be prevented by providing enough fiber and water to keep your cat regular.
