Feline Constipation — Warnings and Issues
Feline constipation is a common condition among house cats. The number one cause of this condition is hairballs, but there may be some other causes as well. Both physical and psychological factors may be at work, including kidney disease and litter box aversion.
Too much hair in the gut, or a recent change in diet can cause a temporary constipation issue. For the average cat, a little bout of constipation every now and then is normal.
As cats age, the chances of developing constipation increase. Also at higher risk are those cats with other health problems, including kidney problems or pre-existing bowel conditions. In any case, you’ll want to be aware of a few issues and warnings on this condition.
Issues and warnings surrounding feline constipation problems:
1. Never give human remedies to your cat — Products manufactured for humans may be damaging to cats. You should never give a remedy made for humans to your cat unless it’s recommended by your veterinarian.
2. Home made solutions — Do not use home remedies without the advice of a veterinarian. For example, mineral oil is an old suggestion for constipation in cats. Mineral oil is easily inhaled into the lungs, however, and your cat’s body won’t break it down.
3. Enemas — Enemas are sometimes used to relieve constipation, but you should probably not attempt this yourself. It’s highly unlikely that your cat will be cooperative during the process. You may end up with scratches, bites, and it’s possible that your cat will become afraid of you. If you do decide to give your cat an enema, make sure that you use one that has been recommended by your veterinarian so you’re sure it’s not harmful to cats.
4. Chronic feline constipation — With long term constipation, it’s possible that other more serious underlying medical conditions exist. Some cats may develop a condition known as megacolon where the colon swells with stool that size of the stool in the large intestine grows too large for it to leave the body. Sometimes pelvic injury can be a contributing factor in these situations. You should have a conversation with your veterinarian about the potential issues and risks.
If your cat is constipated for an extended period, you’ll want to work with your veterinarian to resolve it.
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