Introduction
Mild cases of constipation in cats can usually be treated through diet and increased fluid intake. Moderate to severe cases of constipation may require prescription medications and/or enema treatments in addition to diet and increased fluid intake therapies.
Treating Constipation in Cats
Mild Cases
The severity of a cat’s constipation is based upon the cat’s history, (such as appetite, behavior, and last known stool movement), physical examination, and x-ray. If a cat is found to have a mild case of constipation, veterinarians generally recommend increasing fluids and using dietary changes to increase fiber intake. Pet owners can help to increase a cat’s intake of water by giving the cat soft food instead of dry, mixing meat broth in water, or adding water to dry food. Supplements such as flax seed and pumpkin may be added to the cat’s regular diet to increase fiber in the diet.
Moderate Cases
Moderate cases of constipation in cats may require dietary changes, increased fluids, and prescription medications. Dietary changes may include prescription high fiber diets, fluids are increased through diet and, if necessary, through administering subcutaneous fluids. Stool softeners, such as lactulose, or medications that promote stool movement, such as Zantac, may be prescribed as well to treat moderate cases of constipation.
Severe Cases
Severe cases of constipation can turn into a serious medical condition if left untreated. In these cases, veterinarians may keep the cat in hospital for a few days so that the cat can be monitored and treated. Treatment of severe cases of constipation normally begins with subcutaneous fluid and electrolytic replacement. Once the cat is hydrated, an enema may be administered while the cat is mildly sedated. The cat is then given prescription medications and a high fiber diet so that the bowels may begin to regulate themselves again.