Symptoms of Constipation in Cats

Constipation in cats refers to an abnormal accumulation of feces in the colon coupled with difficulty with defecating. Constipation in cats can be caused by a number of factors, including irritable bowel disease, neurological problems and obstruction or pelvic injury. Identifying this problem is the first step in fixing it.

  1. Reduced Stool

    • A cat that previously defecated on a regular basis only produces stool rarely or not at all. When the stool appears, it is hard and dry.

    Straining

    • When the cat is using the litter box, it seems to be straining or in pain. The cat may stand for extended periods of time in the litter box with no results or it may return to the pan several times.

    Defecating Outside of the Litter Box

    • Anytime a cat relieves itself outside of the litter box after it has been housebroken, there may be a physical problem. One reason why a constipated cat will avoid a litter box is that it associates it with pain.

    Decrease in Appetite

    • When a cat is severely constipated, it will be in pain. This pain can make a cat less interested in food and weight loss will follow. If a cat has been having issues with constipation and refuses to eat or eats significantly less than it should, it is time to take the cat to the veterinarian.

    Vomiting

    • Cats with severe diarrhea may vomit due to pain and nausea. In extreme cases, the cat may vomit even while it is trying to pass a stool. This is a serious sign and the cat should be taken to the veterinarian.

    Urinary Incontinence

    • In instances where the constipation is caused by pelvic or nerve injuries, the cat may also be affected by urinary incontinence. This behavior is uncontrolled and looks different from spraying, which is deliberate.