Reasons for this include obesity, stress and anxiety, pain from arthritis or anal gland issues, a blockage, or even some kinds of cancer. If a cat is holding her stool longer than normal, constipation can occur as the intestines reabsorb too much water when the stool sits in them for too long. Cats eating dry food diets are predisposed to dehydration and constipation as well. Ruptured or impacted anal sacs may also cause your cat pain with defecation and may result in constipation. This can be caused by underlying issues like stress and anxiety, inflammatory bowel disease, allergies, nerve problems, and even some kinds of cancer.Ĭhronic diseases that can result in constipation in cats include kidney disease, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism. Some issues are mild and treatable at home with dietary and lifestyle modifications, and some can be serious.Ĭonstipation can happen if the intestines aren’t moving things along normally, keeping the stool soft and moist. “Anything that causes dehydration in a cat may result in constipation,” says Dr.
If you’re seeing any of these symptoms, with or without constipation, you should discuss them with your cat’s vet. Showing discomfort in the litter box can also be a sign of serious urinary tract issues, so you should contact a vet if you see these signs.Ĭonstipation is really a symptom of other issues, so you may also see signs of the underlying cause. Your cat may strain but not be able to poop at all. Other signs of discomfort can be vocalizing or straining when using the litter box or going in and out multiple times before using it. Crying or straining in the litter box, or avoiding it altogether.You may find these stools outside the litter box, because the discomfort of trying to pass stool can cause cats to leave the litter box before they’re actually finished. Liz Bales, VMD. Cats with constipation may have very dry, hard stools. “A healthy stool has enough moisture that litter will stick to it,” says Dr. Normally, the poop is a rich brown color and should look well-formed. Dry, hard stools (inside or outside the litter box).The main signs of constipation in cats are: While there is some normal variation, if it’s been more than 48-72 hours without a bowel movement, you should contact your vet. If your cat is pooping less frequently and having some difficulty, she may be constipated.
Most cats will poop about every 24-36 hours. Symptoms of Constipation in CatsĬonstipation is characterized by infrequent stools or stools that are difficult to pass. Here’s what you need to know about cat constipation symptoms and causes, what you can do to help your cat, and when to be concerned. So how do you know when it’s a serious problem that needs vet attention? Usually, it’s mild, and you can help your cat with simple home treatments.īut sometimes, constipation in cats can indicate more serious health issues, and it can become very severe and uncomfortable.
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