Cat Constipation – What Is The Cause And What Can You Do

Cat constipation is a common problem and can have several causes. Some are rather innocent, others very serious. Below you’ll find more information. See your vet if home remedies do not deliver any results, or if your cat seems to have other symptoms of illness.

Of course it can be heartbreaking to see your cat struggle in her litter box time after time. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that she’s constipated.

We speak of constipation in cats when she’s having trouble passing stool and when the stools – if at all - are dry and hard. Some pets cry when trying in their litter box, others don’t make a sound but go very often and stay there for quite a long time.

If this happens, you should first check if your cat has urinated. Cats with urinary tract infections show behavior that resembles constipation, but which is in reality an unsuccessful try to pass urine.

If your cat appears constipated and hasn’t urinated for an unusual long time, you should take her to your vet.

Pregnant cats are often constipated in the later stages of pregnancy. You can help her by giving her some milk or oily fish like tuna or herring.

Apparent constipation is seen in cats with feline distemper, hernia and cancer too. Normally your cat will also have other symptoms of illness when she suffers from one of these diseases.

Hairballs are a common cause of cat constipation. Hairballs are easy to cure (and often cure themselves). Vaseline is a good laxative used to prevent hairballs.

It could also be your cat can’t do it because she ate poisoned food, or had a trauma or fracture from a street accident. So if your pet goes out regularly, then it’s good to have her checked by a vet if she returns from outside, appears constipated and seems to be in pain.

Cat constipation is a common problem in elderly cats.

The feces are harder and more difficult to pass, often caused by drinking too little.

More water or - if she doesn’t want this - milk or tuna juice is a possible solution. Also consider giving her wetter foods. If you switch to canned cat food, obstructions might belong to the past completely.

Dr. Andrew Jones also mentions a tablespoon of canned pumpkin as a successful home remedy.

But when in doubt, always contact your veterinarian.