Judy Taylor
Constipation is one of the most common digestive symptoms in cats. If the cat’s chair heels are disturbed, it can be very uncomfortable for the cat. It is therefore important that you recognize your cat’s symptoms and get to the bottom of the cause in order to be able to help the sick cat quickly.
Cat Constipation
- Constipation is very uncomfortable for cats. Oftentimes, the affected animal has pain or a firm stomach.
- The most common causes of the symptoms are poor diet, obesity, coat change, and stress.
- Constipation can also be caused by gastrointestinal disorders in the cat.
Diet-related Constipation in the Cat
The most common cause of temporary constipation in cats is an improper or unbalanced diet. Cats need sufficient fiber to help their digestive system maintain natural and healthy digestion. In nature, cats not only eat meat every day but also take in various nutrients and fiber through the skin, hair, and innards of their prey.
Therefore, make sure that your cat’s food contains all the important nutrients and is high in fiber.
You can also add nutritional supplements such as psyllium husks to cat food to increase the fiber content and aid digestive health.
Constipation as a result of lack of fluids
Constipation can also occur as a result of a lack of fluids, especially if the cat mainly eats dry food or generally drinks too little water. Always provide your cat with freshwater or encourage your cat to drink with a fountain.
Obesity as a Cause of Constipation in Cats
Obesity and lack of exercise can affect the cat’s bowel movement. In lazy, overweight cats, the bowel becomes sluggish and only functions to a limited extent. Therefore, obese cats are more likely to be constipated than healthy cats of ideal weight. In addition to a balanced diet, proper nutrition for the cat and sufficient exercise are important preventive measures so that symptoms of constipation do not arise in the first place.
Change of Coat in the Cat as a Trigger for Constipation
Cats lose hair all year round and swallow it as part of their daily grooming routine. The ingested hair can lead to constipation, especially in long-haired cats and during the change of coat in spring. The cause is the amount of hair the cat ingests. Usually, the cat simply digests the hair or vomits it up as a ball of hair.
However, if a particularly large amount of hair is swallowed, a ball of fur in the gastrointestinal tract can be the cause of constipation in the cat. To prevent this cause, the cat should be supported by regular combing when changing fur. Cat grass and malt paste can also be given to cats to aid digestion of the hair and prevent constipation.
Constipation as a Result of the Cat’s Stress Reactions
As in humans, stress can also affect the stomach in cats and lead to gastrointestinal complaints. Constipation and hard stool or problems with getting rid of stool can also occur as a result of stress reactions. In cats, stress is mainly triggered by changes, for example when the cat is moving, when the cat is alone or when a member of the same species moves in. In stressful situations, make sure that you give your cat a lot of attention and affection and that you maintain the cat’s usual daily routine, including feeding times.
Gastrointestinal Disorders as a Cause of Constipation in Cats
In addition to the more harmless causes, mild or severe illnesses can also lead to constipation in cats. Constipation can occur as a result of tumors and abscesses in the gastrointestinal tract that occludes the intestines. Swelling or inflammation in the cat’s digestive tract can also lead to constipation. In these cases, a veterinarian should be consulted urgently, as an unnoticed intestinal obstruction in the cat can be life-threatening.
If constipation is suspected, home remedies can also help at first. Since untreated constipation in severe cases can also have dire consequences, you should definitely consult a veterinarian in case of doubt.
