If you presume your cat is constipated, you don’t need to worry much? It is the most common health problem associated with a cat’s digestive tract. Cat’s generally eating 1-2 bowls of their meal daily. If they pass dry or no stools, or take unsuccessful trips to their litter box, you need to see your veterinarian soon, as they might be suffering from constipation. No worries in this our guide “how to make a cat poop when constipated” we covered all details such as causes, symptoms, treatments and home remedies.
Causes of Cat Constipation
Do cats get constipated? Yes, when an abnormal accumulation of faeces or passing out of dry faces causes cat problematic bowel movements. The occurrence of constipation in cats can be due to any factor, including drinking less water or having any severe underlying medical problems. Here are some reasons why is my cat constipated? Let’s get into it.
- Avoiding litterbox
- Low-fiber diet
- Dehydration
- Obesity
- Hairballs
- Absurd grooming
- Intestinal deterrent
- Inflammation of the colon
- Neurological ailments
- Ingestion of unknown harmful objects
- Lethargic lifestyle
- Some medication side effects
- Hernia
- Pelvic injuries
Holding on stool longer than usual by your feline can also cause constipation, as the intestines absorb water more than required when the wastes stay in them for too long.
Cat Constipation Symptoms
Generally, when you notice a break of about 24 hours in your cat’s daily habit of the waste outlet, then it can be that their kitten is suffering from constipation. Here are some of cat constipation signs you should know before taking it to vet.
- Hard, dry, small stools
- Enfeebling or shrieking out in pain when trying to let out
- Weight loss
- Reduced appetite
- Vomiting
- Bloody stools
- Crouched posture
- unsuccessful trips to the litter box
- Lethargy
- Striding stiffly
- Not passing a good amount of stool
On observing these manifestations, you need to discuss them with your vet as early as possible. Cats are often somewhat private about doing their business and usually want privacy and no interrupting in between their leisure time. But to have your cat healthy and safe, you need to observe them every time possible. It can be sometimes troublesome as your cat may shoo you away, but you need to check them regularly for better functioning of your cat. You can also tell if they are suffering from constipation by inspecting their stool colour, liquidity, and is it soft or hard rather than usual stool.
How to Make a Cat Poop When Constipated? – Home Remedies
If your cat is having long-term constipation or obstipation, it may be suffering from a megacolon ailment due to an enlarged intestine, fault in the colon’s muscle strength. Make sure you always talk to your vet before dispensing any prescription to your cat. Learn simple cat constipation home remedies to treat your pet in home itself.
#1 Keep them hydrated
Consuming more water and remaining well-hydrated helps preclude constipation, as dehydration is one of the major causes. Make sure to give them moist and liquidy meals more as cats are not generally drinking excess water. It gradually improves their water intake and significantly lessens their chance of constipation. You can improve its water intake with a pet water fountain, there are many options available on Amazon.
#2 Introduce a New Diet
Sometimes, the usual diet plan of your feline may not suit it and can cause inflammation and constipation. You can try changing your kitten’s regular diet plan by introducing more meat which is a good protein source to their food. This cat food for constipation will help lessen the inflammation and allow your pet to digest food more efficiently. You can add soft, wet food to your cat’s regular diet for more water intake and save them from dehydration.
#3 Maintain a healthy weight
Obesity can cause a slow down of intestinal metabolism resulting in inflammation and constipation in cats. A large belly can hinder the passing down of food in your feline’s body. You need to help your pet reduce weight either with the help of nutritious cat weight loss food as recommended by vet.
#4 Brushing of hairs
Long-hair breeds of cats are predisposed to hairballs. Brushing their hair on regular bases can help to keep excess hair from the digestive tract.
#5 Exercising
Orienting more movement to your cat’s day-to-day routine will get their body moving, including their intestines, which will help in reducing the chances of constipation and obesity. Look for various games you can play together or find some of their favourite toys to keep them engaged in some or other activity.
Treatments for Cat Constipation
Ever wonder how to palpate a cat for constipation? There are various treatments depend upon the causes. A physical inspection will determine the rigour of your cat’s constipation. Some of cat constipation treatment recommended by the veterinarian are:
- Laxative
- Medication to boost the contractile stability of the large intestine
- Manual evacuation of the bowels
- Stool softener
- Enema
Cat constipation can get supervised by proper treatment in most cases. Keep observing your cat’s daily water intake in meal bowls, keep litter trays clean, and give fresh water every day while caretaking your kitty. Doing more workouts and striving for a balanced diet will also help encourage their regular bowel movements.
Conclusion
Watch for any signs of constipation, and contact your veterinarian immediately on finding one. You may want to try to deliver some comfort to your kitten before the vet appointment. But sometimes, it can create a much bigger problem, as introducing any human medications to your cat can be risky and fatal for them. Pet owners should always visit their vet before further inspecting their ailment without knowing about it.