Feline Constipation Problems

Feline constipation can be very benign or it can be a symptom of a more serious problem. Common problems associated with constipation range from avoidance of a new litter box to systemic neurological dysfunction. Identifying the cause of your cat's constipation is the first step in finding a suitable remedy.

  1. Intraluminal Obstruction

    • According to "The Merck Veterinary Manual," the most common cause of feline constipation is intraluminal obstruction. This simply means that there is a buildup of undigested material, such as fur or bones, preventing the passage of feces through the colon. Intraluminal obstruction is normally treated with increased fluids, laxatives and if necessary, enemas or surgery.

    Behavioral Problems

    • If your cat has recently experienced a painful bowel movement, he or she may later resist defecation out of fear. If some aspect of the litter box is uncomfortable for a cat, it might similarly lead to fecal avoidance. A litter box that needs cleaning, contains an unfamiliar kind of litter, or is located in a noisy or high-traffic area might have this effect. Withholding feces will give the colon more time to absorb water from the stool, making bowel movements difficult or painful.

    Extraluminal Obstruction

    • When there is something outside of the colon, but within the abdominal cavity, that prevents the passage of feces veterinarians use the term extraluminal obstruction. "The Merck Veterinary Manual" lists an enlarged prostate gland or a poorly healed pelvic fracture as examples of common barriers to comfortable bowel movements.

    Neurological Disorders

    • According to "The Merck Veterinary Manual," a number of nervous disorders can manifest as constipation. Spinal cord injury or congenital deformity can interfere with normal communication between the nervous system and the intestines. Additionally, feline dysautonomia, a pervasive disorder of the autonomic nervous system, is another condition often marked by chronic constipation.

    Idiopathic Megacolon

    • Rand explains that idiopathic megacolon is most likely a generalized dysfunction of the smooth muscles lining the colon. Normally, these muscles move fecal matter through the colon using waves of contraction and relaxation. When intestinal muscles are not working efficiently, feces remain in the colon rather than being passed. Over time, this stretches the colon, compounding the problem. Idiopathic megacolon can occur in all sexes, breeds and ages of cats, but is particularly common among Burmese cats, and tends to present more frequently in middle-aged males.