Constipation is an unpleasant feeling. Humans would say it’s an uncomfortable experience.
Constipation can be a difficult experience even when we realize what we’re dealing with. Pets become confused because they don’t understand what’s happening with their body.
Unfortunately, cats are susceptible to it so it’s important to watching for warning signs.
To learn the definition of cat constipation, read on.
Defining Cat Constipation
The difficulty to evacuate one’s bowels properly is the definition of constipation. Constipated cats have a section of their lower intestine packed with feces. Feces elimination becomes a challenge because of the amount of waste accumulated.
According to Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, cat constipation can vary in terms of severity.
Usually, your feline friend’s constipation is occasional. The condition isn’t dangerous but still requires your immediate attention.
If the initial onset of cat constipation is left untreated, it can progress and become more serious. The condition could develop into something known as obstipation. Once it reaches this point, your pet’s well-being is at greater risk. Treatment may require a hospital stay and/or longer recovery.
A pet cat may also develop a condition known as megacolon. If Fluffy has this condition, his/her life is in real danger. Take him/her to a veterinarian right away.
What Are the Other Effects of Cat Constipation?
Discomfort occurs when unable to poop naturally. Constipation can also have long-lasting effects on a cat’s body. It can specifically affect a cat’s ability to defecate the way they normally do.
Bowel muscles are typically stretched out during a bout of constipation. Being stretched for a prolonged period of time could lead to him/her being unable to poop normally ever again.
What Are the Causes of Cat Constipation?
We explain the causes of constipation in cats below:
Lack of Water
Water helps get the body going and the same holds true for cats. Drinking less frequently could result in constipation.
Replenish your cat’s water bowl frequently to encourage him/her to drink more often.
Something They Ate
Your cat will eventually have to poop anything he/she eats, but sometimes, that is easier said than done.
Cats sometimes swallow small bones found in pieces of chicken and those may wind up stuck in their body. It’s also possible that your cat has eaten a small, indigestible item that has fallen into his/her food dish.
Even their own hair can clog up their digestive system.
A lack or excess of fiber in your cat’s diet can also contribute to their troubles with defecation.
Be wary of what your cat consumes to prevent an onset of constipation.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors may cause constipation. Your cat may still be having trouble adjusted to his/her new home and that could lead to problems.
Cats that share a litter box may fight occasionally. Their dust-up could lead one of your pets to shy away from pooping.
Injuries and Illnesses
A previous injury may impact your cat’s ability to defecate so monitor how your pet behaves as he/she recovers.
If your cat fell ill recently, constipation could be a side effect of that ailment. It’s also possible that medication prescribed to your cat is leading to him/her being constipated.
Additional Factors to Consider
You should also be aware of certain risk factors that can make a cat more susceptible to becoming constipated.
According to The Happy Cat Site, cats more likely to be constipated: obese, older, and chronic kidney disease. Cats who have been constipated before are also more likely to suffer from the condition again.
Cat constipation is a condition that must be treated seriously. Failure to do so could seriously jeopardize your pet’s health. Be aware of the possible causes of cat constipation and do what you can to properly protect your pet.
While TAILored Cat Services provides vacation care for your cat, bathroom habits are something we monitor to ensure Fluffy stays healthy. To schedule service with TAILored Cat Services, call 425-923-7791 or complete on-line form.
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