Mary Allen
Constipation or diarrhea can occur not only in humans but also in cats. The owners are alarmed at the latest when vomiting occurs. Read here what causes diarrhea and constipation in cats and how you can rebuild your cat.
Desperate pressing in the box, loss of appetite, lethargy – cats usually show clear signs of constipation. A visit to the vet then usually shows that hard balls of feces have accumulated in the rectum. In many cases, an X-ray is necessary to clarify whether there may even be a life-threatening intestinal obstruction that needs to be operated on.
A visit to the vet is also necessary if you have diarrhea. Especially in the case of very watery or even bloody diarrhea, a hurry is required, as life-threatening infections can also be behind it.
Constipation In Cats
Especially indoor cats with little exercise tend to have very hard stools. If intestinal peristalsis is not sufficiently stimulated, for example by exercise or raw fiber in the diet, the stool stays longer in the large intestine. Water is increasingly withdrawn there, which in extreme cases can lead to rock-hard droppings.
If this stage has already been reached, treatment by the veterinarian is often the only solution: If defecation cannot be started with a lubricant or sorbitol gel administered rectally, an enema must be given under anesthetic. The liquid that gets into the rectum dissolves the feces and the masses can gradually be carefully massaged out.
Fortunately, this drastic treatment is rarely necessary. In most cases, preventive measures can be taken to keep the feces soft enough in endangered patients so that there are no problems with defecation. Feed rich in crude fiber, possibly with the addition of a little oil, linseed, pumpernickel, or potato starch, retains water in the intestines and counteracts solid stool.
Note: Indoor cats also need cat grass, which makes it easier for them to vomit hair they swallow when grooming. Otherwise, matted hairballs can get into the intestines and also make defecation more difficult.
Intestinal Obstruction Or Chronic Constipation In Your Cat?
The suspicion of a life-threatening intestinal obstruction arises above all when the bowel movements suddenly stop and the cat’s condition rapidly deteriorates. If, on the other hand, the difficulties with defecation occur again and again and gradually increase, this indicates chronic constipation (obstipation). This problem is not uncommon in cats, as they, as former desert dwellers, have the ability to extract a great deal of water from their feces in the rectum.
In most chronic cases of constipation, the rectum (colon) is already very dilated from the constant accumulation of feces. This “megacolon” should be surgically reduced in severe cases. Other conditions can also lead to chronic constipation and megacolon, such as a misaligned pelvic fracture from a car accident. The pelvic bones then narrow the width of the rectum so that the feces accumulate in front of it and expand the intestine.
Attention: The measures to keep the feces soft should never be used in the case of intestinal obstruction, for example, caused by foreign bodies.
A disturbance in the nerve supply, for example, due to damage to the spinal cord, can also impair the function of the rectum. Finally, constipation can develop when a cat finds using its litter box uncomfortable or awkward. Typical examples include cleaning too seldom, moving to an unsuitable place, or being threatened by other cats in the household.
In long-haired cats, the hair on the anus occasionally sticks together, for example after diarrhea, and then causes constipation. In any case, an attempt should always be made to get to the bottom of the causes.
Checklist – Causes Of Constipation In Cats
If your cat suffers from constipation, the following causes can be behind it:
- Too little exercise/overweight
- Problems with the litter box or new pets
- Diet low in fiber
- Decreased intestinal peristalsis (hormonal, nervous, psychological)
- Narrowing of the intestinal canal (pelvic hernia, tumors)
- Bonding of the hair on the anus (long-haired cats)
Diarrhea In Cats
If the stool in cats is too soft, life-threatening infections can be hidden behind it in extreme cases. This is especially true in young cats. Since vomiting usually occurs at the same time, the cats lose a lot of fluid quickly and can develop circulatory problems. Without infusions and intensive care, severely affected animals can hardly be saved.
Diarrhea is more common with nutritional problems. An abrupt change in diet, a high proportion of carbohydrates (sugar) in the diet, or a food allergy or intolerance can impair digestion in some animals. The droppings become mushy to soupy, but the general condition of the cat is hardly disturbed in this case. You should avoid these feeding mistakes with sensitive animals. If necessary, a bland diet, such as boiled chicken and rice, can help overcome the ailment.
Checklist – Causes Of Diarrhea In Cats
If your cat suffers from diarrhea, the following causes can be behind it:
- Feeding errors (sudden change, too much sugar)
- Food allergy (e.g. to milk)
- Intestinal infections (viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites)
- Toxins (heavy metals, plants, drugs)
- Deficiency of digestive enzymes (pancreas)
- Underlying disease (heart, kidneys, liver, stomach)
Associated With Other Diseases In Cats
Underlying diseases can also affect the intestines. For example, heart disease that affects intestinal blood flow can cause diarrhea, or liver or kidney damage due to an increase in toxins in the blood. Then, in addition to the signs of the underlying disease, there is often vomiting. Outdoor cats in particular catch worms from time to time, which can also be the cause. There is also the possibility of poisoning, for example with parts of plants, heavy metals, or even medicines that are not tolerated.
Unfortunately, it is not easy to decide right away whether your pet’s digestive problems are harmless or whether treatment is necessary. Any signs of bowel movement problems that are persistent or recur frequently should definitely be examined. It is best to bring a fresh stool sample with you to the vet.
What Can You Do For Your Cat?
If the cat changes its toilet habits, this is usually an indication of internal disturbances. Notice if your cat is defecating more or less than usual and if the consistency is softer or firmer.
- Mild diarrhea of short duration is usually nothing to worry about. It is often due to an abrupt change in feed or a slight “disease”.
- If the diarrhea is severe, watery, or even bloody, you should definitely consult a veterinarian immediately. Because especially in young kittens or longer duration of diarrhea, it can even be life-threatening.
- Bring a stool sample that is as fresh as possible to the vet and have it examined on-site.
- Have outdoor cats dewormed regularly?
- You should also go to the vet if you are constipated, especially if you suddenly stop having a bowel movement – a dangerous intestinal blockage could be the cause.
- If the droppings are a bit too thick at times, you can make things easier for the cat by adding oil, flaxseed, or raw potato starch to the food.
- Lactulose, available as a syrup in pharmacies, has a more drastic effect and should only be given in small quantities and only on the advice of a veterinarian.