Welcome to Animal Hospital of Lynnfield ONLINE!

Constipated Cats

This problem can occur more easily in older cats than many people realize. As cats get older, they often get more finicky and so won't always eat what's best for them. As obligate carnivores, their diet is lower in fiber than that of most other animals. Finally, as an animal ages, it becomes stiffer and arthritic, less likely to go looking for water it may need and want, because of the soreness.

These are all predisposing factors to a cat getting constipated. Once the problem is present, your veterinarian will most likely have to help your cat get rehydrated through the use of fluids, usually subcutaneously. The administration of one or more enemas will be necessary. In the most obstipated of cases, your veterinarian may need to anesthetize your cat in order to manually remove the hardened feces (most cats will not allow you to do this procedure if they are awake, which wouldn't be nice anyway, no?).

The signs a cat will present with can be any combination of straining, frequent visits to the litter box, decreased stool production in the litter box, crying in the litter box, vomiting, decreased or lack of appetite.

To prevent your cat from getting constipated, make sure you keep plenty of fresh water available, at least a bowl on each floor. Ask your veterinarian about a high quality food that may be better for your older cat (often a senior or geriatric formula). At the first sign of abnormal behavior from your cat, have your veterinarian examine your pet.