Constipation in a Cat for Two Weeks

Just like human beings, cats may become constipated when passing stools is difficult, infrequent or impossible altogether. While healthy cats typically produce bowel movements once or twice a day, a cat experiencing constipation defecates once every two or three days, according to WebMD. If your cat is constipated for two weeks or more, it is most likely chronically constipated, and you should take it to the veterinarian immediately for diagnosis and treatment. To avoid further complications, a chronically constipated cat should be treated as soon as the constipation problem is discovered.

  1. Causes

    • According to veterinarian Dr. Margaret Muns, constipation is not a disease, but rather a sign of an underlying problem. A few examples of medical causes include obesity, old age, dehydration, obstruction of the colon due to hairballs, pain from physical trauma in the lower back, bladder infections, and anal sac infections. Cats with colitis, feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may have trouble producing healthy stools as well. Aside from medical causes, there are behavioral reasons for constipation, states the Feline Advisory Bureau (FAB). Some cats may be constipated because they are uncomfortable with the environment, or hesitant to use a dirty litter box.

    Symptoms

    • A constipated cat may appear bloated, lethargic, irritable, have a painful abdomen, display poor appetite or lose its appetite. Cats that are constipated and able to pass stools produce hard, small and dry stools. When defecating, constipated cats may strain and display signs of pain. Others may go or attempt to defecate outside the litter box because of the unpleasant, painful association it has with the litter box.

    Diagnosis

    • A trip to the vet is necessary to find out the cause of constipation. At the vet's office, a physical exam is performed on your cat. The vet may ask your cat's medical history and whether or not you observed any signs and symptoms of constipation. Your vet may order blood and urine tests to rule out kidney and bladder diseases. An X-ray may be performed if back, hip and pelvic problems are suspected. A colonoscopy or a biopsy of the colon may be performed if all other diagnostic tests yield negative results.

    Treatment

    • Treating constipation in your cat depends on the underlying problem, and the severity of the constipation. Initially, your vet may put your cat on a special diet especially high in fiber. Or, she may prescribe a diet that contains more water content and less carbohydrates, such as a canned food diet. In addition, your cat may be treated with laxatives to help with its bowel movements. In the most severe constipation cases, surgery may be needed if all other treatments are unsuccessful.

    Maintenance

    • If your cat is constipated due to hairball blockages, brush and groom its coat on a regular basis to avoid build-up of dead hairs. Maintain your cat's litter box regularly so it is more inclined to use it, if it is constipated because of environmental problems. When changing kitty litter brands, introduce the new litter gradually, recommends Dr. Muns. Lastly, make sure your cat is well-hydrated and gets enough fiber in its diet.