How To Manually Extract Feces From A Cat

All bunged up: Unclogging the constipated cat

How to draw a Cartoon Cat is essentially a step-by-step pictorial technique that has compiled and constructed all of the fundamental sketching procedures in a logical series of step-by-step images for you to attentively follow and attempt to draw your own Cartoon Cat. Needless to say, this is not an entire guide to drawing Cartoon Cats; but, it is a fantastic starting point from which you may be inspired to create your own Cartoon Cats in the future. Detailed steps are provided below: To begin, you’ll need a few simple yet efficient drawing tools to get you started.

Make high-quality drawings of your favorite cartoon cat with the resources provided here.

Maintain a comfortable distance between your shoulders.

When you approach the end of your tail, come to a complete stop.

This is essentially the first stage in the process of sketching a cartoon cat.
And when you’ve acquired a handle on this, it’s time to move on to some more elaborate illustration work.
Continuing with the most basic approach available, we shall go on to the next phase.
– In the following phase of this cartoon cat drawing lesson, we’ll go a little more thorough with the drawing.
Only one nostril, two eyes, two ears, and one tail distinguish it from the rest of the animal kingdom.
– Add some shadow to the features of your drawing to make it more visually appealing.
Afterwards, trace the side of the head to create the fur or skin.
It will seem as a succession of black spots that are spreading out from the center of each hair or fur strand.
By thinning down the lines, we may achieve this.

Additionally, you should ensure that the borders of your drawing and the ones in your drawings are blended seamlessly. Ultimately, you will have a lovely sketch of your cat as a result of this procedure.

Constipation in Cats

Constipation is described as an abnormal buildup of feces in the colon, which results in difficult bowel motions, according to the American Constipation Association. This may result in a reduction in the frequency of feces or the lack of defecation. There is a feces retention in the colon (large intestine). Because one of the primary tasks of the colon is to absorb water, the held feces become hard and dry, making it even more difficult to pass the excrement. A constipated cat may strain in an attempt to defecate, which will cause belly pain.

Some people mistake the liquid feces for diarrhea, but in reality, as the cat strains, a little quantity of liquid fecal material squeezes around the hard fecal bulk, causing it to seem like diarrhea.

What causes constipation?

But it may occur at any age in cats, constipation is most prevalent in mature and middle-aged cats, although it may occur at any age in cats. Constipation is caused by a number of factors, the most significant of which are as follows:

Hairballs, particularly in longhaired cats
Ingestion of foreign things such as bones
Pelvic injuries resulting in a restricted pelvic canal
Obesity and/or a lack of activity
And urinary tract infections

A clear reason cannot always be determined in all situations. A frequent symptom linked with idiopathic (unknown cause)megacolon is constipation, which occurs in around half of all cases.

What is megacolon?

When it comes to constipation in cats, the most prevalent reason is megacolon, which is defined as an enlarged and weak colon that results in severe constipation. Colon muscles that have been weakened are unable to effectively push fecal materials out of the colon in this state. It is possible that this is related to neurological dysfunction, issues with the muscles lining the colon, or a combination of the two. Megacolon can occur as a primary condition or as a secondary condition following long-term constipation, depending on the circumstances.

Feces then build up in this unusually distended and enlarged colon, causing it to rupture.

How are constipation and megacolon diagnosed?

The clinical indicators and medical history of the cat can be used to make a diagnosis of constipation in the vast majority of instances, however. Cats that are affected by this condition frequently struggle in vain to defecate and may scream out in agony. Any feces that have been passed are firm and dry. In addition, the cat may display indications of lethargy, a reluctance to feed, stomach discomfort and distension, and even vomiting. As long as your cat is neither fat or tight, your veterinarian will most likely be able to palpate or feel the accumulation of fecal material in his or her colon.

A variety of diagnostic tests may be performed, including abdominal and pelvic radiographs (X-rays) to look for pelvic injuries, colonic strictures (a narrowing of the exit passage caused by a previous problem), and tumors, as well as bloodwork and urine testing to look for underlying disease conditions that can contribute to constipation and diarrhea.

For the diagnosis of this illness, radiographs are also the most commonly used test.

How can constipation and megacolon be treated?

The treatment for constipation differs based on the underlying reason. An blockage such as a colonic tumor may necessitate the need for surgical intervention. Veterinary enemas and hand extraction of feces may be administered to a cat suffering from constipation in the first stages of the condition. The removal of feces from the colon is frequently accompanied by the administration of an anesthetic or sedative. Usually, intravenous fluid treatment is necessary to rectify fluid imbalances and dehydration that are contributing to the constipation’s progression.

There are a variety of medications available to soften feces and encourage regular bowel motions in people with IBS.
The more severely afflicted individuals may require medications that encourage the contraction of the colon to relieve their symptoms.
Cats should defecate at least once every other day, if not more frequently.
Make no modifications to your cat’s treatment routine without first discussing with your veterinarian beforehand.
Regular grooming of longhaired cats may help to prevent hair ingestion, and “hairball treatments” or “hairball diets” may help to reduce the chance of hairballs causing constipation in cats with long hair.

When might surgery be necessary?

Surgical intervention may be advised in the event of the development of megacolon or if the constipation is severe and medication therapy has proven fruitless. Surgery is used to treat colon cancer. A partial or subtotal colectomy is a technique that removes a piece of the colon that has been damaged by the cancer. Following this procedure, the majority of cats perform exceptionally well with minor adverse effects.

What is the long-term outlook for a cat with this problem?

Surgical intervention may be advised in the case of megacolon or severe constipation that has not responded to medicinal therapy. Surgery is used to treat colon cancer. A partial or subtotal colectomy is a technique in which a piece of the colon is removed to remove the cancerous tissue. The majority of cats recover quite well from this procedure, with little adverse effects.

Feline Megacolon and Deobstipation

Surgical intervention may be advised in the event of the development of megacolon or if the constipation is severe and medication therapy has been unsuccessful.

The surgical operation known as an apartial or sub-total colectomy is used to remove the afflicted segment of the colon. Following this procedure, the majority of cats perform really well with minor adverse effects.

CG Byers, CS Leasure, and NA Sanders are the players. M Chandler’s article, Feline Idiopathic Megacolon, Compend Contin Educ Pract Vet28(9): 658-665, 2006, is available online. Focus on Nutrition: Dietary Management of Gastrointestinal Disease, Compend Contin Educ Prac, Compend Contin Educ Prac, Compend Contin Educ Prac Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook, 8th edition, edited by DC Plumb, published in 2013
FM Tam, published in 2013
Vet35(6): E1-E3, published in 2013
AP Carr, SL Myers, and others. The safety and palatability of polyethylene glycol 3350 when used as an oral laxative in cats were investigated. DCA Candy, D Edwards, and M Geraint published a paper in J Feline Med Surg in 2011 that was published in volume 13 number 696 to 697. Polyethylene Glycol Plus Electrolytes (PGE + E) was used to treat fecal impaction, and then a double-blind comparison of PEG + E against Lactulose was performed as a maintenance treatment. The Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition43(1): 65-70, 2006
AP Carr and MC Gaunt (2010). Treatment of constipation in cats with polyethylene-Glycol solution has been shown to be effective (Abstract). ACVIM is the name of the conference. obtained through the Veterinary Information Network website (vin.com)

Constipated Cats

Figure 1 shows an example of a formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formal Type 4 stool is considered typical; anything less than that indicates that the person is on the verge of constipation.

Constipation (abnormal accumulation of feces and difficulty defecating) and similar but more serious conditions such as obstipation (complete obstruction of the colon by feces) and megacolon (abnormal accumulation of feces and difficulty defecating) affect a surprising number of cats (damaged nerves and muscles in the colon causing an inability to defecate).

Constipated cats may defecate (or attempt to defecate) outside of the litterbox because they link pain or discomfort with the litterbox itself, according to the American Cat Association.
The colon, which is the last section of the digestive tract, is a vast muscular tissue that terminates at the rectum.
These bacteria are responsible for the completion of protein digestion.
Some of these lining cells absorb water, while others release mucus to lubricate and move the feces along.
A constipated cat may only defecate once every 2 to 4 days, or even less often in some cases.
Constipated cats, on the other hand, can occasionally appear to have diarrhea because liquid stool is the only thing that can get around the stuck mass of feces in their intestines.
), pain (especially in the lower back), and Inflammatory Bowel Disease are all potential causes of pooping difficulties (IBD).

Hooded litterboxes are particularly problematic because they keep odors in, potentially making the cat’s environment in the box extremely unpleasant.

As a result, it is reasonable to assume that diet has a significant role in the development of the problem.

It is possible that some cats require more fiber than is provided by very low fiber diets, such as the majority of canned, raw, and homemade diets.

Indeed, the most common initial treatment for constipation is a change in eating habits.

Fiber has an effect on intestinal mobility.

As a result, it is used to treat both constipation and diarrhea.

Generally speaking, any diet change is beneficial, at least in the beginning.

It is possible to include more fiber, such as canned pumpkin.

Despite this, the majority of these cats continue to have issues.

Psyllium and powdered cellulose appear to be particularly harsh substances to work with.

A food that is considered “low-residue” is highly digestible and produces a small amount of leftover waste.

According to this theory, the healthiest foods would be high in fat, high in protein, low in fiber, and high in moisture.

Most canned foods, as well as most home-cooked diets, are suitable for this purpose.

Understanding how to read a label is a valuable skill to have (learn more about that inthis article).

The extreme dryness of constipated stool, as well as the increased difficulty in passing it, are the distinguishing characteristics between this and abnormal constipation.

Most veterinarians will administer subcutaneous (or even intravenous) fluids to constipated cats in order to increase their hydration levels.

Enemas on a regular basis may be sufficient treatment for mild cases.

Once the cat has been “cleaned out,” by whatever means that may be, it is wise to take steps to prevent the problem from arising again. There are several options available; an individual cat may only require one of these, whereas others may require several or all of them.

Figure 1 shows an example of a formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalized formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formalised formal Type 4 stool is considered typical, and anything less than that indicates that the person is on the verge of constipating. Constipation (abnormal accumulation of feces and trouble defecating) and comparable but more serious illnesses such as obstipation (total blockage of the colon by feces) and megacolon (abnormal accumulation of feces and difficulty defecating) affect an unexpectedly large proportion of cats (damaged nerves and muscles in the colon causing an inability to defecate). Inconvenient and even painful constipation is common. Due to the agony or discomfort they connect with the litterbox, constipated cats may defecate (or attempt to defecate) outside of the litterbox. The following symptoms of constipation are also present: irritation, sore abdomen, drowsiness, and a weak appetite, or even a complete absence of food. When it comes to the colon, it is a big muscular structure that ends at the rectum, which is the last component of the digestive system. There are around 100 intestinal bacteria that live in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in this colonic bacteria culture. The digestion of protein is completed by these bacteria. Short-chain fatty acids, which are produced as a by-product of this process, feed the cells that line the colon’s lining. Some of these lining cells absorb water, while others release mucus to lubricate the feces and help it go along more smoothly. A cat’s normal defecation frequency is once or twice a day. Congestion might cause your cat to only defecate once every two to four days, or even less frequently. In most cases, the stools are hard and dry because the colon has had time to absorb the majority of the water content in the stool. When a cat is constipated, it is possible for him to appear to have diarrhea because liquid stool is the only thing that can move the lodged mass of excrement out of his digestive tract. Obstacles (such as hair, bones, and other foreign objects), discomfort (particularly in the lower back), and Inflammatory Bowel Disease are all potential causes of pooping difficulties (IBD). (For additional information about IBD, please see this article). In addition to making the cat avoid the litter box, a dirty litter box may also cause the cat to get constipated if it holds the feces for an excessive amount of time. Hooded litterboxes are particularly problematic since they keep odors in, potentially making the cat’s surroundings in the box unbearably uncomfortable. Over the course of my more than 18 years of practice as a feline veterinarian, I have not personally witnessed constipation issues in cats who do not consume dry food. The conclusion that nutrition has a substantial role in the development of the issue follows logically. Although I initially wrote this post many years ago, I have received feedback from some people whose cats suffered constipation problems when eating only wet food or raw food
Therefore, it is not impossible, but fortunately, it is not common. It is possible that certain cats require more fiber than is provided by very low fiber diets, such as the majority of canned, raw, and home-prepared diets. A pinch of fiber may always be added (ground flaxseeds and ground chia seeds, aka Salba, are reasonably palatable and work very well). As a matter of fact, the most common initial therapy for constipation is a dietary modification. The dry food used to feed these cats has always been heavy in fiber. Fiber affects the movement of food through the digestive tract. Fiber has the ability to either speed up or slow down digestion, depending on the kind of fiber and the conditions. Constipation and diarrhea are consequently treated with it. A high-fiber diet might be prescribed for medical reasons if you have a medical condition that requires a high-fiber diet. Generally speaking, any diet adjustment is beneficial, at least in the short term. Over time, high-fiber diets, on the other hand, appear to lose some of their efficacy. There may be a need to add more fiber, such as canned pumpkin. Once again, this might lead to a temporary improvement in the situation. The majority of these cats, on the other hand, continue to have difficulties. The truth is that too much fiber might irritate the digestive tract, exacerbating the situation. It appears that psyllium and powdered cellulose are the most severe of the harsh chemicals. The fact that fiber promotes water absorption while also increasing the quantity of stool generated (because it is indigestible) has prompted several experts to prescribe “low-residue” diets in order to reduce the number of feces produced. A meal that is considered “low-residue” is highly digested and creates a little amount of wasted waste. It is obvious that many cats are carbohydrate intolerant
Nevertheless, it is debatable if cats digest protein and fat better than other species of animals. According to this idea, the healthiest foods would be rich in fat, high in protein, low in fiber, and high in water content. A low-fiber meal would be expected to be associated with a low-fiber diet, however this is not always the case. Most canned meals, as well as most home-cooked diets, are suitable for this purpose, though. However, certain low residue diets contain a significant quantity of digestible carbohydrate, even in canned meals
An excessive amount of digestible carbohydrate may contribute to obesity and possibly feline diabetes. It is crucial to learn to read labels since it is a life skill (learn more about that inthis article). Those who feed their cats canned or homemade meals or raw diets may find that they make less stool and defecate less frequently as a result of the decreased waste. One of the most important characteristics that distinguishes this condition from abnormal constipation is the excessive dryness of obstructed feces, as well as the difficulty in passing it. Constipated cats require a delicate balance of water. Subcutaneous (or even intravenous) fluids are commonly administered by veterinarians to constipated cats in order to increase their hydration levels. Treatment for constipation is determined on the severity of the condition. A few enemas every now and then may be sufficient treatment for mild instances. Cats with severe obstructions must be sedated so that the feces may be manually extracted (a procedure that my favorite tech refers to as a “dig-out” because of the way he describes it visually, but which is quite correct). Regardless of how the cat was “cleaned out,” it’s important to take actions to prevent the problem from repeating. Individual cats may only require one of these alternatives, whilst others may require many or all of them, depending on their needs.

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If your cat is suffering from chronic constipation, the most essential thing you can do is keep an eye out for signs of the condition developing. Prevent constipation by identifying early indications such as stomach pain, decreased appetite, and so forth. You should keep track of how frequently the cat defecates. (If he does not generate appropriate stool for more than 2-3 days, contact your veterinarian, or begin home remedies if you have already established a pattern for this.) When kitty constipation is identified early, it is much easier to treat, and dietary adjustments are far more likely to be beneficial as a result.

In addition, therapy will be significantly more expensive if you do not act quickly.
Jean on constipation on the Floppy Cats blog.
The comments for this and all other articles have been closed as a result of abuse of our comment policy.
If you are displeased with your veterinarian’s advice or treatment, it might be advisable to obtain a second opinion on the situation.
DVM2015-12-17T16:08:02-07:00

What Causes Constipation in Cats?

Although veterinarians aren’t always sure what causes constipation in cats, Anthony says the condition is more common in cats with certain conditions, such as kidney disease. “Kidney disease frequently results in body water loss and overall dehydration, which can manifest as constipation,” Anthony says. “Intestinal illness can affect motility, decreasing the transit of digested contents and resulting in a drier stool,” according to the National Institutes of Health. Your kitten may also be experiencing physical discomfort that prevents him from placing himself properly in the litter box, causing him to avoid using the box completely.

Cats may also have impacted anal glands, which can be painful. As Anthony explains, “If these scent glands get swollen, they might produce a mechanical barrier to the departure of feces, as well as pain while defecating.” Illustration of a cat contemplating the use of a poo emoji

Signs Your Cat Is Constipated

Cats are notoriously secretive when it comes to taking care of their business (and we take the same ‘out of sight, out of mind’ attitude to the entire thing ourselves!) However, in order to recognize the indications of cat constipation, you must first become familiar with his feces. “An incorrect belief exists that, in constipated cats, the stool within is greater in diameter than regular stool. This is not the case. While this is occasionally the case, sometimes the feces produced by constipated cats is extremely tiny “”It’s Anthony,” he adds.

The longer the feces remains in the colon, the more water is drawn out of the body.” This produces a painful cycle: the colon drains water (which is its duty), the poo becomes harder and drier, and cat is unable to transfer it through the system.

Another characteristic is that it is frequently quite dark brown, however nutrition may affect the color.

In the event that your cat appears sluggish or meows in discomfort when you pick him up or try to touch him, it’s important to investigate his potty habits (his pride will soon recover!).

While he is using the litter box, put him under pressure. In addition, he is not passing a substantial volume of feces (which is generally at least a couple inches in length)
Defecation in places other than the bathroom
He vomits after attempting to pass gas

Any of these signs and symptoms should prompt you to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian immediately soon. In addition, some pet parents bring in their cats who are truly constipated because they are stopping themselves from urinating, according to Anthony. If you assume constipation based on your poo examination but only notice a few drops of urine, Anthony says this is typically a secondary outcome of the cat exerting all of his abdominal muscles to push and the bladder being relatively empty, but a vet will be able to confirm this.

Best Way to Help a Constipated Cat Poop Again

Take him to the veterinarian. That’s it! It’s simple! According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, a veterinarian will examine your cat’s hydration levels, check his overall health, and rule out any other probable clinical causes of his dehydration. In addition to this, if the problem is more serious, the vet team will take quick action to alleviate the discomfort of your cat’s constipation. “Constipated cats may require an enema at the veterinarian’s office in order to defecate. This is a liquid that softens and lubricates the passage of excrement, and it is used in the toilet “”It’s Anthony,” he adds.

Obstipation is a medical condition that necessitates fecal extraction by a clinician while under sedation or anesthesia.” You shouldn’t have to palpate a cat in order to get constipation relief, either.

(Whew!) There are several home cures for cat constipation that you may research on the internet, and your veterinarian will likely prescribe the safest and most effective solutions for you.

“No nutritional adjustments should be undertaken prior to consulting with a veterinarian, however, because dietary suggestions should be made with the cat’s overall health in mind,” says the veterinarian.

If you follow a high-fiber diet, you may frequently avoid constipation in the long run. Consult your veterinarian for assistance in developing a more balanced and um, digestible cuisine.

All About Cat Constipation

The filthy job that even the most charming creatures require is necessary, and in the case of cats, this dirty work involves keeping the litter box clean. The process of scooping excrement is by no means enjoyable, but the condition of your cat’s litter box can reveal valuable information about his health. For example, you may notice that there hasn’t been anything to scoop for several days, which might indicate that your cat is constipated and needs to be scooped. Yes, cats can become constipated, just like people.

Here’s everything you need to know about feline constipation, including the origins, symptoms, treatment, and preventative options available.

What is Cat Constipation?

If your cat is constipated, it signifies that he isn’t pooping on a regular basis or that he is having problems emptying his intestines. Typically, cats defecate one to three times a day; thus, if you notice that it’s been more than a day or two since new excrement has emerged in the litter box, it’s time to start paying close attention to your cat’s toilet habits for any signs of illness or disease. However, if your cat consistently fails to defecate and you begin to notice additional symptoms, such as your cat straining to go without success or crying as he uses the litter box, it could indicate that he has developed a bowel obstruction that has become severely impacted and that it is time to take him to the veterinarian’s office for evaluation (1).

Causesof Constipation in Cats

Dr. Karlin Erk, an emergency veterinarian at The Center for Animal Referral and Emergency Services in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, explains that feline constipation is often idiopathic, meaning that there is no obvious reason in most cases. Nevertheless, he points out that “there are clearly variables that might lead to constipation, such as sickness and nutritional deficiencies.” Cats over the age of 10 with chronic renal illness, for example, are prone to constipation. “Subclinical dehydration is caused by renal insufficiency, and this causes water to be drawn out of the colon in the same way that water is drawn out of all other tissues in the body,” Erk explains.

According to the findings of a 2019 research of 189 cats hospitalized to veterinary emergency departments, older, overweight cats with chronic renal illness or past episodes of constipation were more likely to be constipated than the general population (2).

The following conditions are other probable causes of cat constipation: physical injury, infection, drug interaction, insufficient availability of water, intestinal tumors, neurologic disorders, and metabolic abnormalities (1).

Cat ConstipationSymptoms

The following signs might be observed if you suspect your cat is suffering from constipation. Constipation is characterized by symptoms such as straining to defecate and discomfort when defecating, according to Erk. Other signs and symptoms of feline constipation may include:

A hard, dry, or excessively big piece of fecal excrement
Small quantities of diarrhea (a cat can pass fluids around an impacted mass, but not the lump itself)
Small amounts of vomiting feces containing blood
Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Lethargy
Dislike to using the toilet
Etc.

Diagnosing Constipationin Cats

In the event that it has been more than a couple of days since you’ve scooped new excrement from your cat’s litter box, or if you’ve noticed any other indicators of constipation, it is time to take your cat to the veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. The diagnosis of constipation in cats is generally made by a combination of the cat’s history and clinical indicators, as well as a complete physical and rectal exam, as well as X-rays, according to Erk. If your cat has hard stool in its colon, your veterinarian may feel it in its belly to see if this is the case.

Cat ConstipationTreatment

Fortunately, the majority of feline constipation instances are moderate and may be treated without the need for hospitalization. This includes the delivery of an enema, the injection of subcutaneous fluids (fluids delivered beneath the skin), dietary modifications, and the use of stool softeners, according to Erk. According to him, these therapies are rather affordable. Unfortunately, more serious instances are frequently referred to a hospital for treatment. “At this time, the cat would be given intravenous fluids and anesthetic, and the affected fecal material would be manually removed,” Erk explains.

Dr.

According to her, “we can feel whether there is poo in the intestines, which may be causing an obstruction, but we never want to massage that region.” “It has no effect on breaking things apart or getting them going.

If you start massaging it, it will merely rub against the walls of the intestines around it, creating more agony and doing nothing to help the situation.”

Common Medications for Cat Constipation

Lactulose, a non-digestible synthetic sugar that works as a stool softener, is one of the medications that veterinarians use to treat feline constipation. In Wallace’s words, “Lactulose works by drawing water into the intestines, which makes it simpler for things to move.” Another option is Miralax, which is available over-the-counter as a laxative and stool softener.

Miralax is available as a powder, and Wallace claims that it acts in a similar way as lactulose. Pet owners may be able to purchase Miralax over the counter, but Wallace advises that they should not administer medication without first speaking with a veterinarian or other professional.

Cost of Treatment

Congestion treatment costs vary according on the diagnosis, the course of therapy chosen, as well as the geographic region where treatment is being provided. According to Wallace, “for less severe situations, which may only necessitate an exam and perhaps some drugs, fluids, or an enema, I’d anticipate a cost between $400 and $500.” A laxative and anesthesia may be required if the cat has not defecated for more than a week and is extremely dehydrated, so that the veterinarian may physically remove trapped fecal matter and fluids from the cat’s system.

The cost of surgical surgery for a bloated colon, according to her, would range between $5,000 and $6,000.

Home Remedies for Cat Constipation

Home treatments, including as stool softeners and dietary adjustments, may be effective in alleviating feline constipation, however, as Wallace points out above, pet parents should never use home remedies before consulting with their veterinarian. ‘Cat owners should always get their pet examined before attempting any home cures, notably because of the risks of delaying necessary care or confusing constipation for other potentially life-threatening problems, such as a urinary obstruction,’ he advises.

Her top recommendation for patients is a cat water fountain, which she describes as “the number one thing I recommend to people.” “Cats prefer to drink rushing water than motionless water,” says the author.
“It flavorizes it, and they’ll drink more because it tastes wonderful,” she says of the effect.
According to her, incorporating pumpkin into your cat’s diet may help to alleviate constipation since it has both fiber and moisture.
It’s important for them to like pumpkin, and we know that cats won’t eat anything they don’t enjoy.

How to PreventConstipation in Cats

There is little that can be done to completely prevent a cat from being constipated, especially when dealing with the famously unpredictable creatures that are cats. However, there are actions that pet parents may do to reduce the likelihood of their cat becoming constipated. “The most essential things to do are to prevent obesity and to feed a high-quality commercial food,” Erk explains. Wallace agrees, noting that activity is essential in assisting a cat in maintaining a healthy weight, which in turn helps to avoid constipation.

Susan Little, who spoke at the World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress Proceedings in 2011, explained that increasing the quantity of fiber in your cat’s food can also increase the creation of short-chain fatty acids, which drive colonic smooth muscle contraction (3).

She advises a canned food diet in order to guarantee that the cat receives adequate fluids. There is, however, no one-size-fits-all answer to this problem. Your veterinarian can assist you in determining the most appropriate food for your cat.

Related Conditions

As previously stated, cats with untreated constipation are at risk of developing a megacolon, which is a colon that is persistently bloated and does not perform its role well. While megacolons are frequently the consequence of constipation, it is possible that they are the result of a congenital disorder (4). Symptoms of a urinary obstruction might be quite similar to those of constipation, including as straining and vocalizations in the litter box. These are exceedingly harmful for cats, particularly for male cats, and should be treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible after being discovered.