Dr. Meow Meow
Prof. Pet Studies (Veterinarian)
Constipation isn't just a human problem - many cats struggle with it too, at various stages of their lives.
Here, we'll teach you everything you need to know about constipation in cats: how to spot it, what to do if your cat becomes constipated, and most importantly, how to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Arm yourself with this knowledge and help your feline friend enjoy a more comfortable and healthier life.
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Posted on March,4 2024
We use the term "constipation" to describe one of the following situations :
1. A cat that passes stools less frequently than once a day.
2. A cat that strains and experiences pain when passing stool (we also call this tenesmus).
3. A cat that ceases to pass stools altogether (we refer to this as a blockage or obstipation).
In all these conditions, the fecal matter remains in the colon longer than it should.
When this occurs, the walls of the intestines absorb water back into the body, making the trapped fecal matter drier, harder, and more painful to pass through the delicate rectum.
Sometimes, feces become so hard that they simply can't exit the body. This is when severe constipation becomes obstipation, and we describe the cat as "blocked."
As described above, anything that makes feces stay inside the colon for longer than necessary can cause constipation.
Other conditions cause the fecal matter in the bowels to become harder and drier than it should be. With that in mind, common causes include :
Any behavioral problem that keeps your cat from using the litterbox can cause constipation.
Your cat may avoid the litterbox because it's too dirty, or because he or she doesn't like its location or the type of litter used.
Issues of territorial aggression in a multi-cat household can lead to a sense of insecurity when in the box and make some cats avoid it altogether.
Some cats tend to drink less and can become chronically dehydrated. It may not visibly affect their behavior but can have long-term effects on their kidneys and urinary system.
It can also cause fecal matter to be drier and harder, thus leading to constipation.
Certain diseases and conditions, like some thyroid and kidney diseases, directly impact the digestive system and cause constipation, signaling more serious illnesses that require diagnosis and treatment.
Colon cancer, benign tumors, foreign objects, or large hairballs can also cause constipation.
Pelvic and lower spine injuries, including tail base injuries, can hinder the cat's ability to contract bowel muscles, leading to mobility issues and constipation. Even after healing, bone deformities may make defecation difficult.
Lastly, idiopathic megacolon is a rare condition where the colon walls become enlarged and lose motility. It can develop as a primary disease, with constipation as a symptom, or as a risk of chronic or severe constipation.
When it occurs without a history of chronic constipation, we call it idiopathic megacolon.
Anything that would make using the litterbox painful for your cat can make her or him use it less frequently, eventually leading to constipation.
Possible sources of such pain include abscesses around the anus and impacted or infected anal glands. It's not just the anal area though. Cats use their paws extensively when in the litterbox.
This is why paw injuries and trauma (such as following declawing) could cause a cat to avoid the litterbox and eventually lead to constipation.
Arthritic pain is another possible reason for a cat to avoid the litterbox due to the pain associated with climbing into a litterbox and using those painful joints for digging.
Last but not least, any pain or overall sickness can make bathroom trips too much of a hassle for a cat, eventually leading to fecal matter drying up in the colon and to constipation.
Feeding an unbalanced diet can cause constipation (as well as other medical problems). A deficiency in certain nutrients, such as fiber and fatty acids, can cause difficulty with passing stool.
A nutritionally-balanced commercial diet making up at least 90% of the cat's food intake should be enough to create regular bowel movements.
However, giving your cat too many treats or table scraps can lead to constipation or diarrhea and is also linked to more serious health risks.
The same is true of feeding a homemade diet if not using a complete and balanced recipe.
