Mary Allen
When cats suffer from an intestinal blockage, it can be life-threatening. Therefore, it is important to recognize the symptoms as early as possible and get your cat to the vet as soon as possible.
An intestinal obstruction means that the feed can only partially or not at all pass through the digestive tract. Affected cats get constipated, lose their appetite and lose weight. Since the fur noses cannot build up any reserves, they are dependent on regular food intake. The intestinal obstruction prevents this and can therefore be tragic if left untreated.
Symptoms of Intestinal Obstruction in Cats
In the early stages, an intestinal blockage is not so easy to spot because cats always try to hide their pain. Therefore, also pay attention to rather inconspicuous signs, such as apathy, exhaustion, or listlessness. Symptoms of constipation in cats are also possible with intestinal obstruction.
Your sick cat’s appetite will fluctuate or disappear altogether, they will suffer from gas and cry out in pain when going to the litter box. Eventually, she may even avoid the litter box entirely. Also, intestinal obstruction can cause your cat to vomit.
Diagnosis at the Vet
If your otherwise lively cat suddenly seems lethargic or unusually listless, it is best to take it to the vet. He then gets to the root of the cause of your cat’s behavior change, possibly uncovering an intestinal obstruction before it becomes a serious digestive problem or malnutrition. The vet will feel your sick kitty’s abdomen to see if there is any pain there.
The initial suspicion of intestinal obstruction is checked by means of an X-ray examination, possibly in combination with a contrast agent. Sometimes an ultrasound scan can also help with the diagnosis. If the fear is confirmed, the veterinarian must put your cat under anesthesia and operate on it. If detected early, however, the chances of recovery after an intestinal obstruction are quite good.