Cat Constipation
What You Need To Know About Cat Constipation
Cat constipation usually occurs as a result of dehydration. If the cat is having any luck at all, the stools are still apt to be smaller than normal, and appear to be very hard and dry. All cats will have a bout with constipation at one time or another and, as long as that is the case, there is generally nothing to worry about. In cases of chronic or severe constipation, your cat will often show evidence of abdominal discomfort, may become lethargic, or vomit. Older cats, and long haired cats (hairballs), have a greater tendency towards constipation.
Cases of severe or frequent cat constipation suggest something more serious is wrong with the animal, and a veterinarian should see it. The most severe condition is known as obstipation. Whereas a constipated cat will have some bowel movements, though perhaps with difficulty, an obstipated cat is suffering from a total blockage, and is unable to have a bowel movement. When this occurs, a cat may have to be anesthetized while the obstruction is removed. Then recovery is managed through a combination of medication and a prescribed diet. Sometimes, even in severe cases, relief can be obtained by giving the cat an enema.
You can manage infrequent bouts of constipation, and sometimes avoid them completely though dietary means. This may mean slight changes in the cat's diet. Avoid major, abrupt changes, which may stress the cat, in turn causing constipation. First of all, cats should have a constant supply of clean water. If they are on a dry food diet, which is usually recommended, you can add a little canned food, such as salmon or tuna. It doesn't have to be too much, just be sure that they get some of the oil as well. This very often does the trick. If constipation ceases to be a problem you can go back to a dry food regimen, or give kitty a little salmon or tuna mixed in occasionally as a treat. They will seldom turn it down.
You can also increase the amount of fiber in your cat's diet by adding some bran or psyllium (good for us also). An excellent source of fiber supplement is canned pumpkin. We've fed that to our older cat with good results, plus she likes it immensely. Milk works as well on most cats. Another home remedy which seems to work well is olive oil, though you may have to add a little salmon or tuna oil to it to get your cat's interest.
Some extra attention to your cat's diet should go a long way towards preventing or relieving constipation, unless the constipation is the result of a more severe medical problem. A final word of caution. If you do start adding a little wet food to your cat's dry food, do it gradually, and don't just switch over from dry to wet. Diarrhea is a real possibility in that case.