What Should You Do if You Notice Constipation in Your Cat in Centennial, CO

No matter what kind of pet you have, finding out that they have not gone number two in a while can be worrisome. Here we will explain what cat owners should do when their cat is showing signs of constipation.

The first thing that every cat owner should do when their cat is constipated is try and see if a simple factor is causing their cat’s constipation. Some simple factors include problems with their litter box and mild dehydration. However, if your cat’s constipation has no known cause or if they are exhibiting other troubling symptoms then you should take them to the vet immediately.

Cat owners do not need to worry, because in this article we will explain what causes constipation in cats and what you can do to treat it. Plus, we will give some other helpful tips for cat owners as well. Let’s get right into it.

 

4 Causes of Constipation in Cats

There are four general causes of constipation in cats. Most of the time this problem is caused by problems with the litter box or mild cases of dehydration. However, in some rare and more severe cases, a foreign body or medical condition can cause constipation in cats as well. Here are the four possible causes of constipation in cats.

There Are Problems with Your Cat’s Litter Box

There are many potential issues with a litter box that could lead to a cat not going to the bathroom. Possibly the most common problem with the litter box that cats face is it not being cleaned frequently enough. As a result, making sure that your cat’s litter box is always clean is a great way to prevent elimination issues in cats.

In addition to the litter box being dirty, there are some other litter box problems that could prevent your cat from using the litter box. These problems include not being able to access the litter box, the litter box being in an area that is too active, and the litter box placed too close to a cat’s food or bed. Although not every cat will be as affected by these things, some cats are much more temperamental than others when it comes to their litter box placement.

Your Cat Is Dehydrated

Like in people, dehydration can cause a cat to become constipated. Ensuring that your cat is drinking enough water on a regular basis is a great way to prevent this. However, if your cat is exhibiting signs of severe dehydration then you should call your vet about their recommended treatment options.

Your Cat Has Ingested a Foreign Body

Sometimes constipation can also be caused by the ingestion of a foreign body. A foreign body is any item that should not be ingested and could cause a blockage somewhere. In this case the blockage would be in a cat’s digestive tract, and the item could be anything that could cause this problem. A foreign body is a very serious problem and is considered a medical emergency, so it is crucial that you call your vet immediately if you suspect that your cat has any kind of blockage.

Your Cat Has a Medical Condition

Like many other problems, sometimes constipation in cats can be a sign that they have a medical condition. Some medical conditions that can commonly cause constipation in cats include but are not limited to:

• Diabetes
• Hyperthyroidism
• Kidney disease
• Cancer
• Anal gland infections
• Arthritis
• Inflammatory bowel disease

If you suspect that your cat may be suffering from any of the above conditions or if they are showing other troubling symptoms then you should take them to the vet immediately.

 

How Is Constipation in Cats Treated?

Luckily, constipation is normally very treatable in cats. This is especially true if it has a simple cause like litter box issues or very mild dehydration. However, even if your cat’s constipation is caused by a foreign body or medical condition it is normally treatable by a vet. Here is how constipation in cats is treated depending on the cause.

Treating Litter Box Issues

As we have mentioned previously, some cats can be very temperamental when it comes to the placement of their litter box. If you believe that this is the kind of problem that your cat is having then changing up their litter box placement can help.

It is recommended that you place your litter box in a quiet place that is easy for your cat to reach. In addition to this, it can also be helpful to make sure that your cat’s litter box is clean and placed in a designated space away from where they are fed and where they sleep.

Treating Dehydration in Cats

Mild dehydration in cats can be treated by having your cat drink some fresh water. However, if your cat is exhibiting signs of severe dehydration then you should call your vet immediately. This way your vet can provide you with their expert advice and tell you if you should take your cat to the vet for treatment.

Treating Foreign Body in Cats

The only way that a blockage from an ingested foreign body can be treated is through a vet. Oftentimes intestinal blockages require emergency removal surgery. However, it is always best to consult with a vet about the best treatment options available for your cat.

Treating Other Medical Conditions in Cats

Like with a blockage, the only way that you can treat a medical condition in cats is to get them diagnosed and treated by a vet. Unfortunately, a wide variety of conditions can cause constipation in cats, and the only way to get a cat effectively treated and diagnosed is to get them seen by a licensed veterinarian.

In addition to this, each medical condition in cats has different treatment options available. This means that the medical condition will likely require specialized treatment in order to treat the constipation as well as the other symptoms caused by a medical condition.

 

If you have any questions about your cat’s health or need to schedule an appointment, give us a call today at [303-850-9393]!