Constipation In Cats: Sign, Symptoms & Remedies

Cats are creatures of habit. You'll often notice they use the litter box at the same time every day. But what does it mean if you wake up, check their litter box, and there's nothing there? This could be a sign of cat constipation. While felines are normally healthy pets who hide their discomfort, a constipated cat can be quite a serious issue if not treated as soon as possible.

 

 

What is Cat Constipation?

Just like in humans, constipation affected cats is the inability to routinely pass bowel movements. This can hinder a kitty's ability to function normally throughout the day and can lead to complications. When a cat feels constipated, they will often struggle to defecate or cry out when doing so. You may hear them digging around in their litter box, but when you go to check, there's nothing there! A constipated cat might also have dry stools or excrement covered in blood when they are finally able to defecate.

 

 

Why Do Cats Get Constipated?

Cats are finicky eaters. If your cat starts eating less it may lead to constipation. Their diet may also be too low in fiber. It's important to pick out quality cat foodwith appropriate ingredients. Cats often become constipated when they are dehydrated. So, you may also want to consider wet food. While cats are picky when it comes to food, many people aren't aware that most cats are even more particular when it comes to water. 

 

 

 

 

Often, cats will not drink enough because they're not interested in the water in their bowl. They prefer moving water, which leads many cat owners to try out water fountains. Another alternative is canned food since it's made up of over 70% water. 

 

 

RELATED: Wet vs. Dry Cat Food: Why It Matters

What Can Happen to a Constipated Cat?

Constipation is a common issue with felines. Many adult cats — and elderly cats — get constipated. But while it's common cats constipation, in felines, it's not normal. Constipation can threaten a cat's life, leading to bigger problems. One larger problem that could come with constipation is megacolon.

 

 

 Megacolon is when a cat’s colon has become weak, causing them to suffer from extreme constipation. In this situation, the cat’s muscles are unable to process out fecal matter normally. This problem leads to a lot of straining to pass bowel movements. As a result, the cat may suffer from an enlarged colon.Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, and painful bowel movements.If not treated, this problem can be fatal.

 

 

Cat Constipation Signs and Symptoms

Here are some common signs and symptoms that may indicate your feline is constipated:

 

 

Dehydration

If you notice that your cat's water dish is always full, this is definitely a sign that you should be concerned about your kitty's health.

 

 

Hairballs

If your cat is coughing up a lot of hairballs, it could be a sign that their system is clogged. This is especially common in cats with longer or thicker coats.

 

 

Unusual Stool

Your cat may not be getting enough fiber if their stools are often very hard the few times they defecate. Bloody stool is also a sign that your cat maintain something is seriously wrong with their digestive system. If your cat's poop is very liquidy — like brown water — it could be a sign of megacolon.

 

 

Straining To Cat Poop

It's a clear sign of constipation if your cat is often digging around in the litterbox for a long time without producing any bowel movements. If your litter boxes cats isn't being used regularly, your cat may not be functioning properly.

 

 

 

Lethargic

If your cat is acting different — suddenly tired, or seemingly uncomfortable — there may be bigger problems at hand. Constipation could be a symptom of a bigger complication, like neoplastic kidney disease itself.

 

 

Home Remedies for Cat Constipation

If your cat is suffering from constipation it's very important to bring them to the vet as soon as possible but there's a lot of cat constipation home remedies that we can do first. Veterinarians will be able to run tests on your cat, figuring out the source of their off-balance bowel movements — or lack thereof. A vet visit is important because it could uncover any life-threatening underlying diseases or complications.

 

 

Pumpkin

The first solution is to look at their food bowl. If you don't think their healthy cat diet includes enough fiber, try adding pumpkin it is a natural laxative for cats. A teaspoon of canned pumpkin on your cat's food could give them the fiber they need to be regular. Ginger and licorice are also other options.

 

 

Aloe Vera

If pumpkin doesn't seem to be doing the trick, try aloe vera juice it is also a natural cat laxative! A small dose of aloe juice may help them with their bowel irregularities. This may be something to ask your vet about, even before your visit.

 

 

Water Intake

Take a look at their water dish. If they are not drinking enough water, try switching up how you serve them their liquids because water is one of natural laxatives for cats. Water fountains are very popular with cat owners because cats are naturally drawn to the running water (a reason you'll often see cats lapping up water from the sink). You can also add wet food to their diet. A 50/50 diet of dry and wet cat food can help give them the water they need without them even knowing it.

 

 

Olive Oil 

Another natural remedy is olive oil. Cat owners can add a teaspoon of olive oil to their kitty’s food on a daily basis for up to one week. Olive oil helps with intestinal muscle contractions and softens feces, which can be beneficial to a cat with constipation. Just make sure your cat can digest it properly. 

 

 

Grooming

Try brushing your cat more frequently. Felines with thicker coats will often groom themselves which leads to hair gathering in the esophagus. Unfortunately, constipation can accompany hairballs. 

 

 

RELATED: Cat Hairball Home Remedies [Top 12 Tips]

Activity Level 

It's also possible that your cat needs more exercise! Try buying some new toys that you know will get your cat going, like a ribbon on a stick you can wave above them. Or a jingly ball they can chase down the hall.  A lot of people aren't aware of how important exercise can be for cats and let them lounge around all day. Adding some interactive activities to their daily schedule may regulate bowel movement and their bowels as well.

 

 

Massage

It’s been proven that abdominal massagescan increase the frequency of bowel movements in constipated cats. It can also help felines deal with the pain of chronic constipation. See if an abdominal massage helps encourage bowel movements for your cat. Our CBD oil  for cats may also prove useful for improving comfort levels. 

 

 

See More CBD For Cats

When To Go To The Vet for Cat Constipation

If your cat has been constipated for more than a full day, it's time to make a vet appointment. It's especially concerning if your cat is crying when trying to use the litterbox or if you notice blood in their stool. Just like dealing with a cat diarrhea, this is not something you want to wait out.

 

 

A delay medical treatment could spell health complications for your kitty. Vets will be able to determine the cause of a cat's constipation problems, offering treatment plans, medication, and lifestyle changes that will keep your cat healthy and happy.

 

 

Can You Prevent Cat Constipation?

Prevent your cat from future constipation complications by monitoring their water. Provide them with clean water — even better if it's moving. A water fountain can encourage drinking, preventing future problems like constipation. If your cat is comfortable with the traditional water bowl, make sure you're changing their water daily to ensure it's fresh and free of parasites!

 

 

Always keep an eye on your cat's litterbox as well. It's important to make sure they are regularly passing bowel movements. It's also important to stay on top of litterbox cleanliness. A fresh litterbox can encourage cats more than a dirty one, which they may avoid even if they do have to go.

 

 

Final Thoughts

Constipation may be common, but it's not normal! Cats suffering from constipation can suffer from serious health issues, diseases, and life-threatening complications. Your cat’s constipation could be a sign of bigger problems. So it's very important to keep an eye on your cat's litter box activity, ensuring it's normal and routine. 

 

 

Cats will often keep their pain and discomfort a secret. But you'll notice your cat is constipated if their stools are irregular, if they are meowing while using the bathroom, and if they are dehydrated. While there are natural remedies to help ease your cat's discomfort, always contact a veterinarian if you suspect your kitty is suffering from constipation. While you're here check out our cats' shop page!