Constipation in cats is not exactly rare, but it does need some attention as it may indicate a problem with the feline digestive system. In addition to all the care you take of your cat, it is important to note whether or not your cat is unable to defecate normally - and one of the main ways to confirm this is by checking the cat's litter box regularly.

If you suspect a constipated cat, it is important not to despair, but to look for ways to help your friend in the best possible way. To guide you better in this matter, the Paws of the House interviewed veterinarian Vanessa Zimbres, who specializes in feline medicine. See the specialist's recommendations for dealing with the problem!

Constipation: cat not having a bowel movement for more than 48 hours is a wake-up call

To identify a constipated cat, it is necessary to pay attention to the frequency with which it does its physiological needs. According to the specialist, the frequency of evacuation can vary greatly from animal to animal, which is precisely why observation is so important. "There are cats that poop once a day, but there are also cats that evacuate every 36 or 48 hours. Now if theThe tutor observes that the kitten used to poop every day and now it is no longer doing so, this may already be an indication that this animal is constipated ", he explains.

Another sign that can indicate constipation in cats is when the feline goes to the litter box and keeps straining and cannot evacuate. It is also common for there to be vocalization in these cases with the cat meowing.

Water intake and a high-fiber diet can help a cat with a trapped bowel

When a cat is unable to defecate, many owners have already searched the internet for what to do to help their pet. The truth is that, in most cases, this is much simpler than it seems: hydration, for example, is something that always helps, so the first step is to encourage the cat to drink water more often. In addition, increasing fiber consumption also helps to improve intestinal transitof the feline.

"Offering grass to cats is a great alternative, because they are a source of fiber. Sometimes, depending on the food the cat eats, the amount of fiber contained therein is not enough. Therefore, the best thing to do is either offer grasses suitable for pets; or switch to a food that is richer in fiber. Usually the food for long-haired cats has a higher level of the nutrient,helping to soften the stool," he suggests.

In addition, there are also pastes that are indicated to expel hairballs in cats. Malt for cats is a supplement with several benefits: it improves the transit of hair in the intestine and also acts as a lubricant, which helps the cat to evacuate more easily.

Constipated cat: supportive drugs need a doctor's prescription

Self-medicating your cat should never be an option. Therefore, if even with hydration and fiber consumption your kitten does not improve, the most suitable solution is to seek professional help - preferably a cat specialist - to understand what is happening and, if necessary, to enter specific medications to help your cat with a stuck bowel. "Of home remedies as much as possibleTo lubricate the intestinal transit, in addition to what has already been said above, is to mix a little olive oil in the food - but without forcing the cat to take anything. The use of laxatives is totally contraindicated and can even cause a greater problem if there is no professional help ", he warns.

If the veterinarian prescribes a laxative, he or she will prescribe the correct dosage and the most appropriate type of medicine to deal with the situation. There are laxatives that cannot be administered to cats at all, so caution is advised at these times. In addition, Vanessa also warns against the use of mineral oil, which is often used by humans with constipation, but which is a very common"Never force a cat to take mineral oil, it can aspirate the oil, which goes straight to the lungs and can cause feline aspiration pneumonia, a problem that has no treatment."

What causes constipation in cats?

There are a number of health problems - and even habits, such as low water intake - that can cause a cat to have a trapped bowel. Some possible causes are arthrosis and arthritis, both in the hip joints and in the spine, which are very common conditions in older cats. "Because these animals are in pain, they end up going less in the litter box. Or else, while they are squattingIn other words, it ends up not emptying the entire intestine and these stools end up compacting, "explains Vanessa.

A dehydrated cat is another common cause of constipation in cats, which can even be associated with other clinical conditions. "All diseases that lead to dehydration can cause dry stools and therefore the cat has greater difficulty in evacuating," he says. In addition, the cat may also have a history of compacted stools, and if there is distension of the colon and the colon, the cat may be more prone to constipation.bowel, is a problem that can only be solved by surgery.

Other less common causes that can also be included in this list are inflammatory diseases, neoplasms and the presence of some cancer. Therefore, the follow-up of a veterinarian is very important.

How to prevent constipation in cats?

There are several measures that can be taken to prevent this problem in cats. Constipation caused by dehydration, for example, can be prevented by increasing water consumption. "Good hydration, good nutrition, management and environmental enrichment, as well as attention to the location of the litter box, type of litter used and regular cleaning of the accessory are already ways to avoid the problem.It is also important to pay attention to the number of litter boxes, which should be according to the number of animals living in the house so that there is no competition between them ", advises the doctor.

The tip to improve the pet's hydration is to spread several water jars around the house and even invest in a cat fountain. If it is a problem derived from a disease, only a feline specialist can investigate and find out what is actually happening to the animal's health. The professional will indicate the most appropriate treatment for the underlying disease, and consequently,will eventually improve constipation in cats.