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Kitty Constipation - A Holistic Vet's Secrets to Prevention and Treatment

A surprising number of cats have problems with constipation (abnormal accumulation of poop and difficulty in urinating), and similar but more serious conditions like freezing (complete obstruction of the colon by stools) and megacolons (nerves and muscles damaged in the intestine cause an inability to drain) large). Constipation is uncomfortable, even painful. Buried cats can throw water (or try) out of the trash, as they associate pain or discomfort with the box itself. Other signs of constipation include irritation, upset stomach, tiredness, and poor appetite or loss of appetite.

The colon, the last part of the intestinal tract, is a large muscle structure that ends in the rectum. It contains most of the intestinal bacteria present in the gastrointestinal tract (GI). These bacteria stop the digestion of proteins. The by-products of this process include short-chain fatty acids that nourish colon cells. Some cells of this layer absorb water, while others release slime to stain the impurities and keep moving.

Most cats waste water once a day. Constipation cats can only urinate every 2 to 4 days, or less. Usually the stains are hard and dry, as they stay long in the intestines allowing the absorption of most of their water content. However, sometimes constipation cats may appear to have diarrhea, as fluid stools are the only thing that can circulate the body mass.

Causes of disability include neurological problems, pelvic injuries, obstruction (by hair, bone, etc.), and Inflammatory Intestinal Disease (IBD). Dirty litter boxes can cause cats to avoid boxes and become constipated by holding the stool for too long. Headboard boxes are a problem because they smell bad, potentially making the box environment very unpleasant for cats.

In my 15+ years of experience as a veterinarian, I know of only 2 cats with constipation who do not eat dry food. Therefore, it is logical to think that nutrition plays an important role in problem development. Some cats may need more fiber than those on a very low fiber diet like most canned, raw and homemade diets. You can add a pinch of fiber (soil flaxseeds and chia seeds, aka Salba, which is really good and works well).

In fact, early treatment for constipation usually changes in the diet. Historically, these cats are usually placed on high fiber dry foods. Fiber modulates bowel movement. Depending on the type of fiber and the condition, fibers can speed up or slow down digestion. It is therefore used for both constipation and diarrhea. Light, right, and bald foods all contain increased fiber, and there are also some high-fiber diets.

Usually diet changes help, at least in the beginning. However, eventually, these foods often appear to be ineffective over time. More fiber, like canned pumpkin, can be added. Again, this sometimes results in temporary improvements. But most of these cats continue to have problems.

Because fiber promotes water absorption and increases the amount of impurities that it produces (as it cannot be cured), many experts have proposed alternatives and recommend low diets "to reduce the amount of impurities." Low residues "mean that foods are extremely digestible and produce minimal waste. Cats digest high levels of protein and fat, but there is a controversy about carbohydrates; it is clear that many cats are not carbohydrates. In theory, the best foods will be high in fat, high in protein, in low fat, and high in fat. that the food is also low in fiber, but that is not necessarily true. Low Eucosal Residue foods contain 4% fiber, which is relatively high. Most canned foods fit this description, as do most of them. However, Eukanuba Low Residues can incorporate large amounts of carbohydrates, even in calorie foods there. Reading labels is an important skill for developing.

Water balance is important in constipation kitties. Most doctors will give cats a subcutaneous (or even intravenous) constipation to improve their hydration.

Treatment for constipation depends on the severity of the problem. For mild cases, some enema may be all they need. For severe blockage, the cat must be anesthetized for manual manual extraction (my favorite technological process is graphically but accurately referred to as "digging").

Once a cat is "cleaned" in any way, it is wise to take steps to prevent recurrence. There are several options; individual cats may only need one of these, while others may need some or all of them.


  • Canned or homemade diets. High humidity diets keep cats hydrated, and these diets are much easier to digest - and produce much less waste - than dry foods. Because canned and homemade diets tend to be very low in fiber, the addition of small amounts of rice bran or psyllium powder (available in most health food stores) is very helpful.

  • Water fountain. Many cats will drink more water than they will take from the bowl. There are several types of pet fountains, from "cascades" to "waterfalls" to models from Rome! They are available online. Make sure the fountain is clean so your cat can drink.

  • Lactulose. This is a sweet syrup that holds water in the stool and keeps the stool soft; so it's easier for the cat to pass. Cats usually don't like the taste. Fortunately, lactulose is now present in mildly soluble powders (Crystals) that can be formulated by compounding pharmaceuticals, or simply added to canned foods.

  • Other stool preservatives, such as DSS (sodium docusate). Your veterinarian can fix this.

  • Petroleum jelly. The main ingredient in most over-the-counter hairball medicines (Laxatone, Kat-a-lax, Petromalt), petroleum jelly can be given to cats by mouth. Most cats are tolerant, many cats come to like it, and some enjoy it. The Vaseline brand is, according to my cat, the most stylish; but the other cat chose one of those flavored jars. Give 1/3 to 1/2 teaspoon daily. It can also be mixed with a little canned food. However, it can interfere with the absorption of nutrients so giving it a blank stomach is best.

  • Cisapride (Propulsid). This drug is released from the market for humans because of its harmful side effects, but it is considered safe for cats. Your veterinarian can order it from a compounding pharmacy. It seems to work well in combination with impurities.

  • Suppository of children's glycerin. While they may not appreciate having a rejected suppository in their rectum, most cats are tolerant of it. Your veterinarian can advise you on techniques and frequency.

  • Enemas. Many cat keepers are good at giving home enema. Mineral oil, K-Y jelly, soap, and regular warm water are fine; you may need to experiment to see which one is best for your cat.

  • Slippery Elm Bark or Marshmallow. These herbs can be added to canned foods (add extra cold water) or made into syrup. Their light weight is well received by most cats. They form mucilage, a smooth substance that helps to move the contents of the intestines together. There are many herbal formulas available to the public, but many herbs, such as Cascara sagrada, too hard for a cat.

  • Exercise. Active control helps stimulate the gut and keep things moving. If your constipated cat is also a couch potato, try Play Cat Therapy.

  • Pressure management. There are often energetic or emotional components of any chronic illness, and stress plays an important role in many gastrointestinal conditions. The essence of flowers is very useful in transforming constipation and other powerful GI diseases.

  • Fluid Therapy. Some cats do well with subcutaneous fluid circulation (daily to weekly). Your veterinarian or veterinarian can show you how to do this at home. Provide fluids every time you observe your cat's behavior indicating upcoming constipation.

  • Surgery. If there is damage to the nerves and muscles of the colon, a sub-total colectomy is the last resort. This surgery removes the colon, and joins the small intestine to the rectum. Unless and until the small intestine develops more like a colon, the result is chronic diarrhea. However, cats will be more comfortable.

If your cat is chronically constipated, the most important thing to do is to pay attention. Look for early signs of constipation; tension, stomach discomfort, decreased appetite, and so on. Be careful how often the cat urinates. If he has not produced enough stool for more than 2-3 days, contact your veterinarian, or start treatment at home if you have set this routine. Kitty constipation is easier to treat when caught early. If you wait, the treatment will be much more expensive, and there is a greater chance of colon damage.



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