Cougar Constipation Causes & Solutions: Effective Relie

How to Determine If a Cat is Constipated

Identifying constipation in cats can be a bit tricky, but there are several signs to look out for:

1. The cat's feces will be short, hard, and often resemble a ball. Normally, feces should be a certain length, soft, and moist, resembling a soft, elongated strand.

2. The cat may frequently visit the litter box with the intention of defecating, but often fails to do so. This is because the cat wants to go but can't seem to pass anything.

3. The cat may have a poor appetite and show a lack of interest in eating, which is due to the discomfort of a bloated stomach.

4. When touched, the cat may shy away or resist, as the bloating is uncomfortable.

5. Vomiting is a normal physiological phenomenon in cats, as they need to regurgitate fur balls. However, if the vomiting is frequent and the contents are undigested cat food, it's time to take notice.

Causes of Constipation

The causes of constipation in cats are diverse and can vary depending on the cat's living conditions. Common reasons include:

1. Hairballs. This is the most common cause, as cats tend to groom themselves and ingest the fur. If there's insufficient grass or no grass at all, and no hairball remedy provided, the fur in the stomach can mix with feces, leading to hair in the feces.

2. Eating goat's milk or other factors that lead to internal heat. Internal heat can also cause dry feces and lead to constipation.

3. Aging, which weakens the digestive function. Older cats have weaker digestive systems and poorer digestion, making it easier for food to move slowly through the intestines and for the intestines to absorb too much water, leading to dry feces.

4. Dehydration. Insufficient water supply or a cat's reluctance to drink can lead to dehydration, making constipation inevitable.

5. Lack of fiber in the diet. Just like humans, a diet low in fiber can also cause constipation. That's why doctors often advise us to eat more coarse grains, which are rich in fiber.

6. Obese cats are also prone to constipation due to weakened digestive abilities.

7. Stress. Cats may enter a new environment and become anxious or uncomfortable, leading to a reluctance to use the litter box, which can cause constipation. Other reasons, such as a dirty litter box or an aversion to the smell of other cats' feces, can also prevent cats from using the litter box.

8. Intestinal abnormalities, such as tumors, can cause blockages in the intestines and lead to constipation.

9. Drug effects. Some medications can slow down the smooth muscle of the digestive tract, affecting digestion and causing a decrease in digestive fluid secretion, leading to constipation.

10. Diseases such as fatty liver, liver cirrhosis, kidney failure, hypokalemia, diabetes, thyroid disease, endocrine disorders, neurological diseases, and intestinal parasites can also cause constipation.

What to Do If Your Cat is Constipated

If your cat is constipated, it's important to investigate the causes mentioned above and treat accordingly. If you're unsure or the condition is severe, it's best to consult a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

For mild constipation, you can give your cat a stool softener or a laxative, as well as a hairball remedy. Another simple and effective method is to lubricate the intestines by giving the cat a spoonful of salad oil, about 10 milliliters, which usually shows results after 23 applications.

For severe constipation, it's best not to attempt home treatment and to seek medical assistance.

Preventive Measures for Constipation

1. Provide your cat with a diet rich in fiber or use a specialized cat food formulated for its stage, as the formula will consider providing enough fiber.

2. Encourage your cat to exercise more, which will also increase the activity of the intestines.

3. Ensure your cat has access to plenty of fresh water at all times.

4. Don't forget to provide grass and hairball remedies, ensuring a steady supply.

5. Avoid changing the litter box's location frequently to maintain a stable and familiar environment for defecation. Also, clean the litter box regularly to prevent strong odors that could discourage your cat from using it.

For households with multiple Ragdoll cats, observe whether any cat dislikes sharing the litter box with others. If this is the case, consider adding a new litter box.

6. Regularly groom your cat to significantly reduce the amount of fur they swallow and ingest.