Is Your Cat Full of Sh*t?

Litter box issues can be the bane of kitty existence. As you know, your cat is very...particular. The litter box can be too dirty, too dusty, too inconvenient, or maybe shared with their mortal enemy. There’s a lot that can go wrong in there, which is why it’s a red flag when your cat’s litter box habits change. Worry not — here’s how to help a constipated cat.

Symptoms of cat constipation

A constipated cat has difficulty pooping, hardly ever poops, or stops pooping completely. Common symptoms include posturing and straining inside or outside of the litter box while only producing little or no stool. Vocalization, vomiting, poor appetite, or abdominal pain can also be seen in constipated cats. 

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A side note about straining in the litter box — cats can strain in the litter box when they are having difficulty defecating or urinating. If your cat is straining to defecate, they require treatment but can often wait until you schedule an appointment with your veterinarian in the very near future. But if your cat is unable to urinate, they need medical attention urgently. Check the litter box closely to ensure that your cat has urinated recently. If no urine is coming out (especially in male kitties), get them to the vet ASAP. 

Causes of constipation in cats

Dehydration

Dehydration commonly develops when a cat is not drinking enough water or loses fluid from vomiting. Underlying health issues, such as diabetes mellitus or kidney disease can increase urine production and contribute to fluid loss. When the body doesn’t have enough water, it will try to pull extra water from the colon, leading to dry, hard stool that is difficult to pass. 

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Orthopedic pain

Just like dogs and people, cats can develop arthritis as they age. Older cats or cats with a history of a traumatic injury can have hip or lower back pain that makes posturing to defecate uncomfortable. For some cats, simply getting into the litter box presents a challenge, especially for senior cats with stiff joints.

Litter box anxiety

Cats often steer clear of litter boxes that are dirty, difficult to access, or near people or pets who cause them anxiety. Some cats need peace and quiet during their bathroom trips, so a litter box next to a running washer or dryer may stress them out. Holding onto stool for too long increases the risk of constipation.

Other causes

Tumors or foreign material can cause physical obstructions that hinder the passage of stool. Certain medications or recent anesthesia can slow GI motility, leading to constipation. Tailless cat breeds, such as Manx cats, are at increased risk for congenital problems with the nerves of the colon. These cats often develop chronic issues with constipation or fecal incontinence.

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Treatment for constipated cats

The treatment for constipation depends on the severity. Restoring hydration is an essential first step in treating constipation. Strategies may include feeding canned food to increase water intake, subcutaneous fluid therapy, or hospitalization for IV fluid therapy. 

The next step is getting some of the poop out of your cat. This typically involves an enema or two (or 10) and time to allow your cat to have a bowel movement on their own. While using an over-the-counter enema at home may seem like a good idea, these should be avoided since many are toxic to cats. If enemas don’t work, your veterinarian will manually remove the hard, dry stool to help get things moving.

This procedure is called deobstipation. No cat appreciates this process, so it commonly requires sedation or anesthesia. Don’t try this at home, not that you’d even want to. Your veterinarian may also prescribe a laxative or recommend a psyllium-rich diet to help with colonic motility — anything to keep things moving. 

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Long-term effects of constipation in cats

A cat who has had an episode of constipation is at increased risk for developing future episodes. A colon that is repeatedly stretched to its max can lose its ability to contract normally. Kitties who experience recurrent bouts of constipation or have their constipation go untreated can become obstipated — which occurs when constipation is so severe that a cat is completely unable to pass stool. Stool continues to accumulate and harden, which leads to megacolon (yes, this is a medical term). Megacolon is irreversible and requires aggressive treatment and sometimes even surgical intervention. If you’re feeling brave, perform an image search for “feline megacolon.” It’s the worst of the worst (you’ve been warned). 

Prevention of cat constipation

Encourage your cat to drink by providing easily accessible fresh water. Kitty drinking fountains can increase water intake in cats who prefer flowing water. Minimize the stress associated with litter box visits by providing clean, easily accessible litter boxes that are comfortable for your cat to use. Ideally, have at least one litter box per cat in the household, located in an area with some privacy.

Encourage your cat to be active, as sedentary cats are more likely to become constipated. Keep longhaired cats well-groomed to prevent constipation from hairballs or matted fur under the tail. Discuss switching to a fiber-rich diet or adding a fiber supplement with your veterinarian before starting. For some cats with obstipation, extra fiber is not the answer. Discuss chronic pain management with your veterinarian if your cat has arthritis or chronic pain from a previous injury.