Treating Cat Constipation

Dog Breeds

Owners of constipated cats should consult with their veterinarian to identify and treat the underlying cause of the cat’s condition.

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Introduction

Cats with mild constipation can usually be treated symptomatically through dietary modification and increased fluid intake. Moderate to severe cases of constipation may require prescription medications and/or enema treatments, in addition to dietary and fluid therapies. Sometimes, surgery may be appropriate. The goals of treating constipation are to evacuate the colon, reestablish normal hydration, correct any identifiable cause of the constipation and, hopefully, prevent its recurrence.

Treatment Options for Constipated Cats

Owners of constipated cats should consult with their veterinarian to identify and treat the underlying cause of the cat’s condition. The veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination, take a good history and probably will take blood, urine and stool samples for analysis. Sometimes, radiographs (X-rays) of the abdomen and pelvic region, and perhaps an ultrasound, will be recommended. Medication or dietary changes also may be suggested, to see how the cat responds to treatment. Constipation can be dangerous, so it is important for affected cats to receive treatment as quickly as possible.

The severity of a cat’s constipation is determined based upon its history (appetite, behavior, diet, last known stool movement), physical examination results, symptoms and abdominal and pelvic radiographs (X-rays). The treatment for constipation depends upon the underlying cause of the condition. If an animal is only occasionally or mildly constipated, dietary supplementation with high fiber, bulk-forming ingredients such as bran or canned unsweetened pumpkin, along with laxatives and/or an enema, may be all that is suggested by the attending veterinarian. Good supportive care - with appropriate intravenous or subcutaneous fluid therapy, electrolyte supplementation, pain management, anti-inflammatory medication and possibly antibiotics – can be quite important for constipated cats, again depending upon the underlying cause of their condition.

Owners can increase their cats’ water intake by feeding canned/soft food instead of dry kibble. Other ways to increase hydration are to add meat broth or water to dry food. Supplements such as flax seed, wheat or rice bran and unsweetened canned pumpkin may be added to a cat’s regular diet to increase fiber intake and soften the stool.

Moderate cases of constipation may require prescription medication, in addition to fluid management and dietary changes. Stool softeners, laxatives, suppositories and prescription medications that promote intestinal motility and stool movement are available from a veterinarian. Some of these treatments should not be used in cats with intestinal obstructions. Activity should be encouraged in most constipated cats.

When constipation is caused by colonic impaction, the situation can rapidly become a life-threatening medical emergency. Abdominal surgery may be necessary to save the cat’s life. In these cases, the veterinarian typically will hospitalize the cat for a few days post-operatively, so that it can be monitored and managed after the obstruction has been surgically removed.

Prognosis

Cats suffering from constipation have a variable prognosis, depending upon the cause of their condition. In most cases, medical attention and follow-up management can address the problem and relieve the cat of its discomfort, with a fair to excellent prognosis. Of course, if constipation is due to cancer or an anatomical abnormality, the prognosis becomes more guarded.

Symptoms and Types