Difference between revisions of "Tell if Your Cat Is Constipated"
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== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
=== Keeping An Eye On The Litter Box === | === Keeping An Eye On The Litter Box === | ||
| − | #Make sure your cat is using the litter box. Sometimes when a cat is constipated and feels uncomfortable trying to relieve themselves in the litter box, they can associate the pain with the box itself, and start to avoid it entirely. If this happens, you may find hard balls of fecal matter in other places in your home, such as the bathtub, hallway, or a closet. Make the litter box as appealing as possible for your cat by removing any covers if present.These litter box tips will allow you to monitor your cat's bathroom habits regularly and bring your attention to any issues before they become a bigger problem<ref>http://www.littlebigcat.com/health/constipated-cats/</ref>. | + | #Make sure your cat is using the litter box. Sometimes when a cat is constipated and feels uncomfortable trying to relieve themselves in the litter box, they can associate the pain with the box itself, and start to avoid it entirely. If this happens, you may find hard balls of fecal matter in other places in your home, such as the bathtub, hallway, or a closet. Make the litter box as appealing as possible for your cat by removing any covers if present.These litter box tips will allow you to monitor your cat's bathroom habits regularly and bring your attention to any issues before they become a bigger problem<ref name="rf1">http://www.littlebigcat.com/health/constipated-cats/</ref>. |
#*Try keeping your litter box in an open area that is easily accessible for your cat. | #*Try keeping your litter box in an open area that is easily accessible for your cat. | ||
#*Don't hide the litter box in a cabinet or small closet. | #*Don't hide the litter box in a cabinet or small closet. | ||
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#*Urinary tract blockages are much more common in male cats, but can occur in females as well. If there is any doubt as to what is causing this behavior, consult with your veterinarian immediately. Be vigilant with litter box monitoring to avoid mistaking a urinary problem for constipation. | #*Urinary tract blockages are much more common in male cats, but can occur in females as well. If there is any doubt as to what is causing this behavior, consult with your veterinarian immediately. Be vigilant with litter box monitoring to avoid mistaking a urinary problem for constipation. | ||
#Consider using lubricating aids. There are a couple of lubricating aids that you can give your cat at home to help pass fecal matter if needed. Consult with your veterinarian about the products they have and for recommendations for their use. They usually carry lubricating products, such as Laxatone, that are designed to relieve constipation and are flavored so that your cat will enjoy consuming them. These products tend to be easier to administer because they are more appealing to your cat. | #Consider using lubricating aids. There are a couple of lubricating aids that you can give your cat at home to help pass fecal matter if needed. Consult with your veterinarian about the products they have and for recommendations for their use. They usually carry lubricating products, such as Laxatone, that are designed to relieve constipation and are flavored so that your cat will enjoy consuming them. These products tend to be easier to administer because they are more appealing to your cat. | ||
| − | #*These aids can also be applied to either, the roof of your cat's mouth, under their nose on their upper lip, or on a front paw. If you are unable to get the aid directly into your cat's mouth, they are usually prone to lick under their nose or their paws when there is a foreign substance present. Be patient and give your cat breaks if they are getting anxious or frustrated<ref>http://www.etownanimalhospital.com/uploads/Cat_CONSITIPATION_PDF.pdf</ref> | + | #*These aids can also be applied to either, the roof of your cat's mouth, under their nose on their upper lip, or on a front paw. If you are unable to get the aid directly into your cat's mouth, they are usually prone to lick under their nose or their paws when there is a foreign substance present. Be patient and give your cat breaks if they are getting anxious or frustrated<ref name="rf2">http://www.etownanimalhospital.com/uploads/Cat_CONSITIPATION_PDF.pdf</ref> |
#*If using Laxatone, give your cat 3 cc (about 3 inches), 1-2 times daily. | #*If using Laxatone, give your cat 3 cc (about 3 inches), 1-2 times daily. | ||
#*Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) can also be used safely at home. Try giving your cat 1/2 teaspoon, once daily, as a treat or mixed into wet food. | #*Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) can also be used safely at home. Try giving your cat 1/2 teaspoon, once daily, as a treat or mixed into wet food. | ||
#Decide if improper defecation is a persistent problem. If your cat has not been able to defecate normally for 24 hours after trying a few things at home, it is time to consult with your veterinarian. For mild cases of constipation, your veterinarian may recommend a laxative or stool softener. For more serious cases, an enema or manual removal of the feces under anesthesia may be necessary. However, Only in the most severe cases of constipation is surgery required. This may be recommended if your cat has been constipated for a long period of time and has developed obstipation. | #Decide if improper defecation is a persistent problem. If your cat has not been able to defecate normally for 24 hours after trying a few things at home, it is time to consult with your veterinarian. For mild cases of constipation, your veterinarian may recommend a laxative or stool softener. For more serious cases, an enema or manual removal of the feces under anesthesia may be necessary. However, Only in the most severe cases of constipation is surgery required. This may be recommended if your cat has been constipated for a long period of time and has developed obstipation. | ||
| − | #*Obstipation is the inability for your cat to empty their colon on their own which results in a large amount of feces build-up. When this happens, your cat's colon can swell and lose its natural motility. In this case, surgery may be considered to be a lifesaving option for your cat<ref>http://www.vetstreet.com/care/constipation-in-cats</ref>. | + | #*Obstipation is the inability for your cat to empty their colon on their own which results in a large amount of feces build-up. When this happens, your cat's colon can swell and lose its natural motility. In this case, surgery may be considered to be a lifesaving option for your cat<ref name="rf3">http://www.vetstreet.com/care/constipation-in-cats</ref>. |
=== Noticing Changes In Appetite === | === Noticing Changes In Appetite === | ||
#Check to see if your cat is eating as it normally does. However, don’t rely solely on changes in appetite to indicate that your cat may have a constipation issue. A change in appetite can also be an indicator for a long list of other issues. | #Check to see if your cat is eating as it normally does. However, don’t rely solely on changes in appetite to indicate that your cat may have a constipation issue. A change in appetite can also be an indicator for a long list of other issues. | ||
#*If you notice changes in diet, try checking your cat's tummy by applying gentle pressure to the abdomen while they are standing upright. Run your hand back and forth over their tummy to see if you can feel any hard lumps. If you do feel hard fecal lumps, take your cat to the veterinarian for a professional physical exam to confirm your concerns. | #*If you notice changes in diet, try checking your cat's tummy by applying gentle pressure to the abdomen while they are standing upright. Run your hand back and forth over their tummy to see if you can feel any hard lumps. If you do feel hard fecal lumps, take your cat to the veterinarian for a professional physical exam to confirm your concerns. | ||
| − | #Prevent constipation through diet. Some cats that have a history of chronic constipation benefit from long term diet changes or by adding a high fiber supplement recommended by your veterinarian<ref | + | #Prevent constipation through diet. Some cats that have a history of chronic constipation benefit from long term diet changes or by adding a high fiber supplement recommended by your veterinarian<ref name="rf1" />. |
#*Canned pumpkin is safe for your cat to eat and is high in fiber and moisture content. | #*Canned pumpkin is safe for your cat to eat and is high in fiber and moisture content. | ||
| − | #*If your cat solely prefers a dry diet, find a brand of dry food with a high fiber content or add a little Metamucil cookie or powder to their food if they are willing to eat it<ref | + | #*If your cat solely prefers a dry diet, find a brand of dry food with a high fiber content or add a little Metamucil cookie or powder to their food if they are willing to eat it<ref name="rf3" />. |
#Increase your cat's water intake. Dehydration is a common culprit in many cases of constipation. Cats naturally derive the majority of their fluid requirements from their diet. Feeding a canned diet will supply a much greater water content than a dry one, and help to maintain proper hydration. | #Increase your cat's water intake. Dehydration is a common culprit in many cases of constipation. Cats naturally derive the majority of their fluid requirements from their diet. Feeding a canned diet will supply a much greater water content than a dry one, and help to maintain proper hydration. | ||
#*You also provide your kitty with several water bowls strategically located around your home to encourage more drinking. Make sure the water in each bowl is clean, fresh, and appealing to your cat. A drinking fountain is another good way to encourage your cat to drink sufficiently. These types of fountains can be found at your local pet store. | #*You also provide your kitty with several water bowls strategically located around your home to encourage more drinking. Make sure the water in each bowl is clean, fresh, and appealing to your cat. A drinking fountain is another good way to encourage your cat to drink sufficiently. These types of fountains can be found at your local pet store. | ||
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== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
*Make sure it's not just a case of a dirty litter box; some cats will avoid a litter box that's being neglected. | *Make sure it's not just a case of a dirty litter box; some cats will avoid a litter box that's being neglected. | ||
| − | *If your cat exhibits the following symptoms it is likely constipated: infrequent or no defecation, small quantities of feces, or small amounts of liquid stool with mucus or blood present. You may also notice a decrease in appetite, vomiting, depression, or irritability<ref | + | *If your cat exhibits the following symptoms it is likely constipated: infrequent or no defecation, small quantities of feces, or small amounts of liquid stool with mucus or blood present. You may also notice a decrease in appetite, vomiting, depression, or irritability<ref name="rf3" />. |
== Soucres & Citations == | == Soucres & Citations == | ||
