VET TALK: Cats' private toileting and talent for hiding problems can make this problem hard to spot
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Dylan was an eight-year-old longhaired cat who had been struggling to pass stools in his litter tray, writes Alison Laurie-Chalmers.
He had also been vomiting off and on, been picky about his food and was hiding away from the family – very unlike him.
On examination it was noticed he was uncomfortable on palpating his abdomen.
Constipation is common in cats, more so in elderly cats and predilected in certain breeds. It is usually rectified by a simple change in lifestyle and diet but can be severe and chronic and an indicator of other health problems.
Most cats will pass faeces every 24 to 36 hours. If your cat is passing less frequently or having difficulty passing they may be suffering constipation.
Cats are very good at hiding illness and very private in toileting, so constipation can often go unnoticed. Early signs include frequent trips to the litter tray, with only a small firm, hard stool, or none, produced; a decreased appetite; a change in normal behaviours and a decreased interaction with owners or fellow pets.
Other symptoms: a tense, hard abdomen; straining to try to pass faeces; lack of appetite; uncomfortable, hunched posture.
If the constipation becomes more severe cats may vomit or vocalise or cry when trying to pass a stool. There may be blood in stools and swelling around the anus.
Constipation must be treated as soon as possible to reduce the risk of permanent bowel damage. Some cats with severe, long-term constipation may progress to have “megacolon” and can lose the ability to defecate altogether.
Some causes of constipation: a sedentary lifestyle; obesity; hair ingestion from self-grooming (particularly in long-haired cats); litter tray or toileting avoidance (when litter needs to be changed or cleaned, or due to anxiety and stress); dehydration due to a concurrent underlying illness; bowel obstructions; dietary issues; pain or discomfort due to arthritis; pain due to infected or ruptured anal sacs; and secondary to chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Chronic diseases that can result in dehydration causing constipation include kidney disease, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism.
Mild constipation without any underlying disease cause can generally be managed by increasing hydration, correcting obesity, reducing anxiety, or making dietary adjustments.
Have water bowls within easy reach to remind your cat to drink more. It is also a good idea to choose wide based water bowls as cats usually prefer their whiskers not to touch the sides. Cats also tend to prefer ceramic or metal bowls – kept separate from any food or litter tray areas. Also, some cats prefer to drink running water, so water fountains can be useful. It can sometimes be difficult to get cats to drink more water so perhaps feed some wet diet daily.
Try out different types of litter trays and litters. Always make sure litter trays are clean and have one extra tray per cat.
It is advisable to groom out your cat daily and encourage indoor cats to be more active with more toys etc.
Dylan was given a gentle enema and prescribed a daily laxative, probiotics, and an advised diet change.
Alison Laurie-Chalmers is a senior consultant with Crown Vets in Inverness.
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