Constipation in cats is the problem of not being able to remove the stool because it does not progress with the hardening of the stool and the accumulation in the colon or rectum. A cat with constipation cannot defecate and it causes pain with effort. This problem causes the cat to become restless and causes distress to its owner. If the cat cannot have a bowel movement, there will be swelling in the abdomen. An adult cat normally defecates at least once a day. In kittens, this may occur 2-3 times. If you see your cat straining and unable to have a bowel movement for two days, it indicates that he has a constipation problem. Although the constipation problem in cats seems to go away easily, remember that your vet should see it.
What causes constipation in cats?
Stool accumulation in the large intestine is a problem. This causes the stool to become strained. The accumulation of stool in the large intestine causes the stool to dry out due to the absorption of water by this organ. Thus, gradual hardening occurs. The hardening of the stool in the large intestine causes constipated cats to have difficulty defecating or they are unable to evacuate the stool. If the cat has had a bowel movement, this can also cause blood in the stool and abdominal pain. Older cats are more prone to constipation because their liver and bowel functions are weakened. Cats that exercise less and have problems with obesity are more likely to have constipation. But cats of all ages face the problem of constipation.
Causes of constipation in cats
There are several reasons why cats get constipation. Dehydration due to kidney disease in older cats. It is effectively that they are inactive and not consuming water. Although rare, constipation occurs in the first few days after birth. Irregular feeding problems, ingestion of excess hair, intestinal tumours, intestinal abscesses, hormonal irregularities, stress and psychological causes cause constipation. Including too much fibre in the cat’s diet or not eating a high-fibre diet also triggers constipation.
The most common causes of constipation in cats are listed below.
Malnutrition in cats
One of the most common causes of constipation in cats is malnutrition. Eating a diet and food that contains fibre ensures that the cat’s digestive and intestinal systems function regularly and that it does not have problems with bowel movements. However, if cats do not eat high-fibre foods or feeds and consume less, they will not be able to remove their stool and this problem will progress to constipation. If the cat’s nutritional needs are not met, eating the same food all the time will cause constipation in the same way.
Less water consumption in cats causes less faeces than normal. This leads to constipation. Feed the cat high fibre food and let it drink enough water to eliminate the problem of constipation.
Medication use in cats
While some medications used in cats are good for their health, on the other hand, some side effects can be observed. One of these side effects is constipation. Painkillers and some medicines containing calcium are said to cause constipation. This is because these medicines contain substances that lower potassium levels. To prevent this situation, it is necessary not to administer any medication that is not prescribed by a veterinarian. At the same time, do not continue to administer the medication to the cat whose treatment has been completed.
Stress and psychological causes in cats
If your cat’s diet is not a problem and it is drinking enough water, other things can cause constipation. This could be because the cat is constantly anxious and in a depression mode. Stressed cats cannot go to the toilet. As a result, constipation occurs. This is why it is so important to know what the cat is stressed about and prevent this.
Excessive hair swallowing triggers constipation in cats
Cats are constantly grooming themselves. It causes cats with long and unkempt hair to swallow hair as they constantly clean themselves. Thus, swallowed hair accumulates and leads to the formation of hairballs. Constipation occurs as a result of this condition. You should prevent the formation of hairballs by combing your cat regularly.
Constipation symptoms in cats
It is possible to understand the symptoms of constipation, which causes cats to be unable to go to the toilet and suffer during bowel movements. To understand this, cat owners need to follow their cats and check the timing of bowel movements and the litter afterwards. The symptoms of constipation that you can understand in cats are:
A cat that is normally able to defecate has no bowel movement for 48 hours
A cat that does not have a bowel movement is in constant pain and tries to push.
Vomiting due to constipation may be observed before or after going to the toilet. In this case, it is understood that the vomiting is due to defecation.
Bleeding during defecation in cats. If he stays in the litter box for a long time and has had his bowel movement due to exertion, you should know that bleeding may occur as a result of constipation.
When the cat goes to the litter box, he starts meowing loudly because he cannot eliminate. If he shows aggressive behaviour, you should understand that he is in pain because he cannot have a bowel movement.
If your cat’s faeces are drier than normal, you should know that constipation is the cause.
Constantly going to the litter box, straining and returning without having a bowel movement are also symptoms of constipation.
If you notice the above symptoms in your cat, you should ask your vet for help. As a result of the examination by your vet, a definitive diagnosis of constipation will be made. This way, your doctor will explain both the cause of the constipation and the appropriate treatment.
Source: https://petyasam.com/kedilerde-kabizlik-nedenleri-kedilerde-kabiz-nasil-anlasilir/