Cat Constipation & the Lack of Urine

Constipation and lack of urine are distressing symptoms for a cat. Both problems can lead to much bigger issues and cause of a lot of discomfort and pain in cats. Fortunately, there are treatments available that can help the animals recover from their problems and resume their normal routines.

  1. Constipation

    • Cat constipation is usually caused by a poor diet that lacks fiber, according to Our Happy Cat. Furballs, obesity and lack of exercise are also contributing factors. Tumors and internal growths in the cat can cause constipation. When constipated, the feces that the cat does manage to pass is often dry and hard. Cats with constipation often show a decrease in their appetite and might show pain when trying to defecate.

    Anuria

    • Anuria is a condition in which the cat's urine production is completely suppressed by the kidneys, according to Pet Place. Anuria is most often a sign of acute kidney failure. Urinary obstructions such as bladder stones can cause similar symptoms as Anuria, but it is not the same thing because the kidney still produces urine. Anuria can be caused by the cat having high blood calcium, being dehydrated, being exposed to a dangerous substance like antifreeze, or from having an illness or infection.

    Oliguria

    • Oliguria is not as serious as anuria, since a small amount of urine is produce, according to Vet Connect. There are two types of oliguria. Physiologic oliguria happens when the kidneys limit renal water loss due to low renal pressure. It is often caused by low blood volume or hypertonicity. Pathologic oliguria occurs when there is a major renal impairment Acute renal failure or end-stage renal failure are usually the causes.

    Treatment

    • Constipation is often treated by giving the cat a laxative, according to Our Happy Cat. Sometimes the vet will think an enema might work better, and it will usually be given to the cat while it is sedated. Sometimes the cat is put on a drip if it is dehydrated. In rare cases surgery is requried. In oliguria, Vet Connect states that diuretics are often given to help correct renal function. Other drugs, such as Furosemide and Mannitol are sometimes needed as well. In anuria, drugs are given to try to help the kidneys function better.

    Complications

    • Vet Connect warns that anuria and oliguria are serious emergencies and death from hyperkalemia, sepsis or uremia can occur within hours if the cat is not treated. Due to the many possible causes of constipation, the cat should be taken to the vet as soon as possible to prevent its symptoms worsening or death.