Cat Constipation
Cat Constipation: Why Does It Happen?
Cat constipation tends to be pretty common in most felines, and it also happens more often as age prevails. There are certain medical factors which can cause or worsen the condition, but for the most part the treatment options are the same. The tricky part is recognizing cat constipation for what it is, and this can be rather difficult to do. Our feline friends tend to be rather private with the ins and outs around the litter box, and it can be hard to determine that there is a problem unless we know what signs to look for. There will be ways of telling what your kitty is going through if you know what to look for, so let’s get started.
The easiest way of telling whether or not your pet is stricken with cat constipation is by cleaning the litter box. Even if you are rarely home, you will be able to tell from here how many bowel movements and urinary deposits he has made during the day. If this amount lessens at any point, you may be dealing with a sick kitty. Your next step will be to watch him more closely during his visits to the littler box. Urinary tract blockages and diseases are often mistaken for cat constipation, and both can be a painful detriment to his health and well being. Loss of appetite will often occur as a median symptom, so once you notice this type of behavior he is right in the throws of ailment.
If these first signs of cat constipation or urinary tract problems should escape you, you may find that your cat falls into visible pain. He may cry often and clean his anal or genital area frequently, and this will be a sure indication that there is an issue which needs professional attention. If he is making frequent trips to the box with no results, this is another clue which should not be ignored. Many advanced cases of either ailment will cause your cat to cry or scream when attempting to pass fecal material or urinary waste. The next symptom may be bleeding either in the waste or directly from the anus.
The most effective treatment for cat constipation is the careful and gradual cleaning out of the bowels. Compaction can be so tight and painful that the feline needs to be sedated for the procedure, but once this is done the relief will be immense. A change in diet and some medications will surely be administered, and you will want to watch closely for early signs from that point on. If your pet is prone to this type of condition, he will need all the help that he can get.