What To Do When Your Cat Is Constipated | Chewtorials скачать в хорошем качестве

What To Do When Your Cat Is Constipated | Chewtorials

Cat struggling to poop? Cat constipation is a fairly common condition, especially in adult cats ages 7 and older, but it’s not something you should ignore. Learn about the signs, causes, and treatment below. Causes of Constipation in Cats Constipation is seen most commonly in middle-aged (7-10 years old) and older cats, although it may occur at any age. Common causes of cat constipation include: Obesity and/or lack of exercise Hairballs, especially in long-haired cats Ingestion of foreign bodies causing an obstruction in the digestive tract Pelvic injuries resulting in a narrowed pelvic canal Snacking on plants and grasses Dehydration/Not drinking enough water Certain medications Underlying disease, like hyperthyroidism, diabetes, arthritis, neurological issues, or kidney disease Litter box issues In some cases, no obvious cause can be identified. Signs and Symptoms of Cat Constipation If you think your cat might be having trouble, watch for these common signs of constipation: Unusually dry, hard stools Going in and out of the litter box multiple times with little to no stool production Straining or crying in the litter box Avoiding the litter box completely or going outside the litter box Not eating, decreased appetite, and/or changes in drinking habits Hiding Walking stiffly Hunched posture Nausea and/or vomiting Abdominal pain Treating Cat Constipation Treating constipation in cats at home is not recommended because of the potential for a more severe and urgent underlying cause (chronic diseases like hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or kidney disease). Always take your cat to the vet if you believe something is wrong. Cat Constipation Remedies From the Vet Initial treatment from your veterinarian may involve administering enemas or manually extracting feces. Removal of feces from the colon requires an anesthetic or sedative. Intravenous fluid therapy is usually needed to correct fluid imbalances and dehydration. If constipation recurs or becomes a long-term problem, then medications, environmental changes (adding water fountains, adding litter boxes, moving the litter box’s location, or cleaning the litter box more often) and/or dietary changes may also be recommended. See more specific advice below in the home remedies section. Several treatments are available to soften the feces and promote regular bowel movements. In mildly affected cats, lubricating laxatives or stool softeners prescribed by your veterinarian may prevent recurrence. Cats with chronic constipation or those with severe cases may need medications that stimulate colonic contraction. If the constipation is caused by an obstruction, such as a colonic tumor or a foreign body, surgery may be required. If your cat’s constipation is caused by a health condition, treatment depends on the condition itself. Your vet will come up with the best treatment plan for your cat based on their diagnosis and may include the following: Home Remedies for a Constipated Cat Sometimes, constipation can be caused by a serious underlying cat health issue, such as kidney disease or a defect in the colon or rectum. These issues need veterinary care, which is why vets don't typically recommend home remedies for a constipated cat. But if you know your cat’s occasional straining isn’t caused by something else, or just want to help your cat maintain a healthy digestive tract, there are some things you can do yourself. Always talk to your veterinarian first about any at-home remedies you’re thinking of trying. Keep your cat well-hydrated. Water helps move things along, so make sure your cat gets enough water by providing water bowls or fountains. Feed wet/canned food. The extra moisture in canned cat food can help increase your cat’s water intake. Give your cat enough fiber. Fiber helps food pass more easily as well as retain water in the intestines. Encourage your cat to get more exercise. More activity can help promote the normal movement of the intestines. (Get out those wand toys!) Keep your cat at a healthy weight. Obesity can contribute to constipation. Reduce stress and anxiety. Cats can easily become stressed by changes in their environment, which can contribute to or exacerbate an occasional bout of constipation. Get expert advice on reducing stress in cats. Reevaluate your cat’s litter box setup. Cats can be picky about their “bathroom.” If they don’t like the location, if the box isn’t cleaned enough, or if several cats are using the same box, they might avoid using it altogether. You should have one litter box for every cat plus one extra. Keep them in different locations of the home, scoop twice a day, and do a deep cleaning every two to four weeks. Probiotic supplements. They contain “good bacteria” that support healthy intestines. Brush your cat regularly. Hairballs are a common cause of constipation in cats, so removing excess hair before your cat grooms on their own can cut down on the hair they might swallow.