Cat Constipation: Is It an Emergency?

Constipation in cats is usually something that can be managed from home and is easily reversible. However, there is the potential for serious consequences if the constipation is not addressed promptly and the colon is stretched or there is a blockage.

For many cats there is an underlying reason that they develop constipation, and this should always be looked into, to help prevent future episodes.

What Causes Constipation in Cats?

There are quite a few things that can contribute towards feline constipation.

Dehydration and Insufficient Water Intake

A lack of hydration means less water for the body to use, so more water is recovered from the colon. This means the stool becomes dry, crumbly, hard and difficult to pass.

Diet and Lack of Fibre

A diet lacking in fibre means less water is drawn into the intestines. Fibre is needed to make the stool soft and easy to pass as a bulky stool should help stimulate gut movement.

Hairballs and Ingested Fur

Some cats will swallow a lot of fur into their intestinal tract, particularly long-haired cats while they are shedding. The fur can even come together to form a ‘trichobezoar’, a large and indigestible hair ball that can contribute to constipation.

Underlying Medical Conditions

Certain medical issues can play a role, including:

• Previous pelvic trauma, if the canal has been narrowed

• Neurological disorders affecting the ability to consciously pass stool

• Megacolon- a dilated colon that cannot empty faeces as normal

• Chronic kidney disease, diabetes and hyperthyroidism; all of which can cause dehydration and alter salt levels

Stress or Changes in Environment

Cats are sensitive critters. If they have a new routine or their environment changes, this can lead to them refusing to use their litter tray and holding their stool in.

What Are the Signs of Constipation in Cats?

Symptoms tend to start off quite vague but can then quickly become a lot more serious.

Straining or Crying in the Litter Box

Your cat may spend more time in their litter tray and dig, strain and cry. Be aware though, this is more commonly associated with urinary tract disease. So, make sure your cat is still passing urine as normal.

Infrequent or Absent Bowel Movements

Of course, a key component of constipation is reduced or absent stool production. Cats should poo every 12-36 hours.

Hard, Dry or Pellet-Like Stools

Any stool produced is usually small and dry. It may even contain some fur, blood or mucus, depending on the cause of the constipation.

Lethargy, Vomiting or Loss of Appetite

As constipation progresses, cats experience abdominal cramps and more serious signs including lethargy, food refusal,abdominal swelling, and vomiting.

Is Cat Constipation an Emergency?

Early and mild constipation can be managed from home, but there is no doubt that constipation can become an emergency.

Obstipation: When the Bowel Is Completely Blocked

Obstipation is when there is severe constipation and stool is not being passed. This is always a true emergency, as it is a clear indicator that the cat needs assistance.

No Bowel Movement for More Than 72 Hours

After about three days, absence of stool is a warning sign. However, this can sometimes be seen in cats who are highly stressed e.g. just after re-homing. Still, it is usually worth getting things checked out around this point.

Vomiting, Collapse or Signs of Severe Pain

If at any point your cat develops more serious signs like vomiting, weakness or howling, or you suspect they are in pain, then they need to be seen by the emergency veterinarians right away.

Megacolon in Chronic or Recurring Cases

If your cat has a history of megacolon or has experienced constipation requiring vet care in the past, have them seen at the first sign that constipation may be recurring.

What Should You Do if Your Cat is Constipated?

If you begin to suspect constipation, it can be a worrying time. Having a plan in place should help you feel in control.

When to Call Your Vet

If you're uncertain of how to manage things or if you’re debating whether or not your cat needs veterinary care, don’t hesitate to call your vet for their opinion.

How to Help at Home

Early constipation can be helped by offering plenty of fluids and encouraging movement. Home management can include:

• Providing wet food, adding water to meals and giving soups and broths

• Playing gentle games and encouraging movement and climbing

• Adding small amounts of olive oil to meals

• Providing fur ball paste, where appropriate

• Minimising stress

What to Avoid When Your Cat is Constipated

Avoid giving any medication or laxatives unless your vet has directly advised you to do this.

Vets often credit dry food and obesity as being the cause of mild constipation. For this reason, you may consider avoiding an exclusively dry diet.

How Do Vets Diagnose Constipation in Cats?

Your vet will want to know all about your cat’s medical history, and to hear about the signs that have been worrying you at home.

Physical Examination and Abdominal Palpation

Your cat will be checked from nose to tail, with a special focus on the abdomen to see if it is bloated or if there is any discomfort or distended intestines.

X-Rays and Imaging of the Abdomen

X-rays and ultrasound scans can help your vet assess the degree of constipation and to check for any compounding factors such as megacolon (enlarged colon), an obstruction or a narrowed pelvic canal.

Blood Tests for Underlying Conditions

Biochemistry and haematology blood tests can be run to assess hydration levels and to check for markers of infection or inflammation. Blood tests can also detect medical conditions including diabetes or hyperthyroidism.

How is Cat Constipation Treated?

How we treat the cat will depend on how unwell they are and the extent of their constipation.

Laxatives and Stool Softeners

The first line of treatment usually includes medication such as laxatives (e.g. Lactulose) and medicine to soften the faeces.

Intravenous Fluids and Hospitalisation

Cats who are not able to maintain good hydration may need to be admitted for a fluid drip. This is particularly the case if they are off their food or vomiting.

Enemas and Manual Removal of Stool

Some cats will be sedated so they can receive rectal enemas and the stool can be manually removed, using lots of lubricant.

Surgery

Rarely, surgery will be indicated. It is performed when there is an intestinal blockage due to e.g. a foreign body or trichobezoar.

For cats with advanced megacolon, when medical management has failed, surgery to remove part of the colon may be recommended.

Can Cats Recover From Constipation?

For the vast majority, they’ll recover fully and quickly from a bout of constipation.

Factors That Influence Recovery

Recovery is dependent on factors including the cat’s age, their hydration status, the severity of the constipation, and any underlying health issues.

Long-Term Management for Chronic Cases

Owners of cats prone to constipation need to be on the ball. This will include ensuring their pet remains active and well hydrated and that their diet has sufficient fibre.

How Can You Prevent Constipation in Cats?

Constipation cannot always be prevented, but certain interventions can make a real difference.

Encouraging Water Intake and a Wet Food Diet

The more hydrated the cat is, the less risk of the stool becoming dry and impacted. Adding water to meals and using water fountains will help a lot.

Regular Grooming to Reduce Hairballs

Cats should be brushed every few days, to remove dead fur. While they are shedding, long-haired cats may even need to be brushed twice a day!

Litter Box Hygiene and Reducing Stress

Cats might refuse to use their tray if it is dirty, another pet is nearby or they are feeling anxious. Try to control their environment so they feel relaxed and are comfortable using their litter box.

Get Emergency Vet Care for Your Cat

Contact us if you’re concerned that your cat may be experiencing constipation. We can discuss at-home care and advise you on when they would need to be seen.

Cat Constipation FAQs

How do I know if my cat is constipated?

Constipated cats can go days without pooing, or will pass just very small stools. You might also notice additional signs including a reduced appetite, lethargy and bloating.

Is cat constipation always an emergency?

Most cases of constipation are mild and do not require urgent care. However, if left untreated, constipation becomes a lot more serious.

What can I give my cat for constipation at home?

Exercise, plenty of fluids and a little olive oil can make a big difference in the earlier stages. However, advanced constipation requires prompt veterinary intervention.

Can cat constipation be fatal?

Very rarely, constipation can be fatal. The cat can pass away if the bowel perforates and they become septic. Cats may also be humanely euthanised if they have advanced megacolon that cannot be well managed.