All of us who live with cats want the best for them. If we suspect that they have a health problem, we immediately worry, because they love each other so much that when we see them sad or upset, we cannot help worrying about them.
An example of this is when we notice our friend going to the litter box but not being able to relieve himself, or several days go by without leaving any trace in the tray. In these situations, it's very important to act quickly, observe our feline carefully, and know What signs indicate constipation?, What are the most frequent causes? y When should you go to the vet without delay?Let's find out what to do if my cat can't defecate.
Why can't my cat defecate?
There are several reasons why a cat might have trouble defecating. Constipation is not a disease in itself, but a a symptom that something is wrong with the cat's digestive system or general health. The most common causes are:
Hair balls
Normally, a cat can expel hairballs without difficulty, either through vomiting or feces. But sometimes the accumulation of hair is so great that creates an intestinal blockage that prevents proper digestion and makes defecation difficult or blocked. This is especially common in cats of medium or long haircats with excessive licking due to stress or itching, and in those who do not brush regularly.
What to do?
It is very important brush the animal daily to reduce the amount of hair it ingests while grooming. It's also a good idea to give it malt for cats once or twice a week like mild laxative specific for hairballsDuring shedding seasons or in long-haired cats, the frequency may increase, always following the veterinarian's guidelines.
In cases of mild constipation, it can be given, always under professional supervision, lubricating products or specific fibers for catsSome people try home remedies like a tablespoon of vinegar; however, Administering vinegar or other home remedies without consulting a veterinarian is not recommended.as they may be ineffective or harmful. If we suspect that the hairball has caused a more serious obstruction (vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain), it will be necessary Take him to the vet immediately. to assess enemas, medication, or, in extreme cases, surgery.
Lack of water (dehydration)
Cats that drink little water may have more difficulty defecating. When the body needs to conserve fluids, the colon absorbs more water from feces, which become very hard and dryThis happens more frequently in cats that eat only dry food, in older cats, and in those with kidney or metabolic problems.
Dehydration It can also appear if the cat vomits, has other illnesses, or does not have easy access to clean, fresh water during the day.
What to do? He should be given wet food (cans) of good quality or Soak their dry feed in water or homemade unsalted broth to keep him hydrated. It's very helpful to offer several wide bowls of water, separate from the food and the tray, and to assess moving water fountainswhich encourages many cats to drink more. If the veterinarian suspects significant dehydration, it may be necessary serum administered subcutaneously or intravenously in the clinic.
Obesity and lack of exercise
One of the consequences of obesity is constipationThis can be particularly serious the larger the animal's weight. Excess abdominal fat can slightly compress the organs and slow down intestinal transitIn addition, overweight cats tend to move less, which also decreases intestinal motility.
A very sedentary lifestyle, typical of cats that live exclusively indoors without stimulation, can lead to a sluggish colon. This is frequently seen in cats that spend many hours sleeping, without active play or daily interaction.
What to do? If our furry friend is carrying a few extra pounds, You have to take him to the vet for advice on what food you can give him and in what quantityand rule out associated diseases. We will also need to encourage daily exercise with interactive toys, feather wands, balls or circuits, dividing the sessions into several short periods throughout the day.
A healthy cat should spend at least several minutes a day to active gamesThis not only helps prevent constipation, but also improves your overall well-being.
Poor quality or low fiber food
If we give it low-quality food, with Lots of grains, by-products, and little actual meat content, low in fiber and moisture, your digestion will not be entirely goodThe stools may be scant, very hard, and difficult to pass.
In addition, sudden changes in diet or prolonged use of a food that is not well suited to your body can contribute to both episodes of constipation like diarrhea.
What to do? It is advisable to choose give him a feed that has a high percentage (at least 70%) of meat and that is free of cereals (corn, wheat, oats, rice). It is always recommended to supplement with quality wet food to increase water intake. In cats prone to constipation, the veterinarian may recommend specific gastrointestinal diets rich in fiber to promote regular bowel movements.
Injury or pain when defecating
The cat that has suffered a injury in the pelvic area or lower back Your cat may experience significant pain when defecating or urinating. Spinal, hip, or joint problems (such as arthritis in older cats) can also make it difficult for them to assume the correct position on the litter box, which can cause discomfort. Avoid using it and holding in your stool., worsening constipation.
What to do? You have to take him to the vet so they can examine your dog, take x-rays if necessary, and give you medication to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. In some cases, physical therapy, changes to the type of litter box (low sides, easy access), or home modifications may be required. If the pain is severe or there is a serious injury, the professional could insert a catheter or perform enemas under sedation until he got better.
Toys and foreign objects
If you have swallowed a toy or other object, it may got stuck in your digestive systemThreads, strings, rubber bands, pins, plastics, or small pieces of toys are especially dangerous, as they can cause anything from a persistent constipation until one severe intestinal obstruction that puts the animal's life at risk.
What to do? In these cases You need to go to the vet as soon as possible.especially if the cat is vomiting, has abdominal pain, is lethargic, or has not defecated for several days. Human laxatives should never be administered, nor should attempts be made to pull on a thread protruding from the mouth or anus.as it could cause internal perforations.
Medical problems and chronic illnesses
In addition to the above causes, there are metabolic or systemic diseases that can cause or worsen constipation:
- Chronic kidney disease: promotes dehydration, so the stools become very dry.
- Endocrine disorders conditions such as hypothyroidism or hypercalcemia can slow down intestinal transit.
- Intestinal tumors or abdominal masses They can narrow the lumen of the colon and make it difficult for stool to pass through.
- Intense stress or rejection of the litter box (due to dirt, noise, or unsuitable location) can cause the cat to hold it for too long before defecating.
In some cats, despite all tests, a clear cause is not identified. In these cases, we speak of idiopathic constipationwhich can become chronic and evolve into a megacolon, a dilation of the colon that loses its normal ability to contract.
Has between 0 and 1 month of life
The baby kitten does not know how to relieve himselfTherefore, he won't defecate unless we help him, mimicking the stimulation his mother would provide. Young babies are especially sensitive to dehydration and stool buildup, so you shouldn't let too much time pass without them having a bowel movement.
What to do?
We will wipe the anal-genital area with a cotton ball moistened with warm water.Using one container for urine and another for feces, do this ten minutes after the kitten has eaten. It is important to make gentle movements, as if licking the kitten, until it urinates and defecates.
If he still can't do anything, we'll give him a very gentle circular massage, in a clockwise direction, on your abdomen and we will stimulate the anogenital area again. A kitten should normally defecate at least once a day; if two days pass and it hasn't, we will take it to the veterinarian to rule out malformations, infections, or digestive problems and to determine if it is necessary to use [a specific method/procedure]. specific laxatives or very controlled enemas.
How to know if a cat is constipated?
We will know that our cat has constipation if We observe some of the following signs:
- It happens a lot of time in the sandbox and/or comes more frequently than normal without results or leaving only small lumps.
- Hay less stool than usual in the tray or there simply isn't any for several days.
- The feces are very hard and dry, sometimes fragmented or shaped like little balls.
- Has he stopped eating or is he eating less than usualYou may experience nausea or vomiting.
- His behavior has changed: he shows apathetic, irritable, or hides.
- He complains a lot when he tries to defecate, with meows or moans of pain.
- You can have the swollen and painful abdomen upon touching it.
- In some cases it is noticeable blood or mucus in the stool for the effort.
It is essential to differentiate constipation from an even more serious problem: urinary retentionIf the cat frequently goes in and out of the litter box, strains, meows, but You can't see either poop or peeIt could be a urinary obstruction, which is a A veterinary emergency that can be fatal within a few hours.
An adult cat can go up to 3 days without defecating.However, it's always best if he defecates every day, as otherwise his life could be in danger if the problem becomes chronic or develops into megacolon. Therefore, whenever we suspect our pet is having trouble defecating, we will take him to the vet so that he can examine it, determine the cause, and tell us what to do to restore his health.
What the vet will do and how to help at home
At the clinic, the veterinarian will first perform a detailed medical history (diet, time without defecating, medications, previous illnesses) and a complete physical examinationcarefully palpating the abdomen. If the feces are very accumulated, a full and hard colon is usually noticeable, although in cats with a lot of fur or who are overweight it may be more difficult and require further examination. abdominal x-rays or ultrasound.
When underlying disease is suspected, tests can also be performed blood and urine tests to assess kidney function, electrolytes, and rule out metabolic problems that may be contributing to constipation.
Once the cause has been identified, it will be addressed and treatment will begin. Resolve constipation by hydrating the patient If needed, managing cat-specific laxatives, stool softeners, or enemas under sedationIn chronic cases of severe megacolon that do not respond to medication, surgery may be necessary. partial colectomy surgery, always assessed by a specialist.
At home, in addition to strictly following the veterinarian's instructions, we can help our cat with several measures: increase water intake (wet food, fountains, several waterers), maintain a proper diet rich in fiber as recommended by a professional, encourage daily exercise with games and maintain the hygiene of the sandbox so that it is always clean, in a quiet and easily accessible place.
Cats can't talk, but by observing them daily, we can understand how they feel at any given moment. Monitoring their litter box, appetite, activity level, and grooming habits is a simple way to detect problems like constipation early, allowing for a prompt visit to the vet, preventing complications, and ensuring our feline companion stays healthy, comfortable, and happy.