Cats can get blocked up and find it difficult to pass stool.If you notice that your cat is spending a lot of time in his litter box, he might be constipated.If you want to make your cat more comfortable, there are some home remedies that you can try, and your vet can give you advice and medication.
Step 1: If your cat is urinating, watch it.
A cat can urinate two to three times a day.It is very different to strain to urinate because of a bladder infection, bladder stones or a blockage.Take a look at your cat's litter box to see how much he is urinating.
Step 2: Take a look at how much your cat is pooping.
If your cat is spending a lot of time in the litter box, he may be constipated.Cats will spend a long time in the litter box if they are sick.They may only produce a small amount of feces.A healthy cat will defecate once a day.The shape of the cat's stool is important.It may appear that your cat is constipated, but there are other conditions that look similar at first.To make sure there isn't a different problem, you need to watch your cat closely.
Step 3: You should look for symptoms of irruptions.
Contact your vet if your cat has one or more of the following symptoms.When trying to defecate small, hard, or dry stool it can be difficult to lose appetite.
Step 4: You should make an appointment with your vet.
If you notice that your cat is spending a lot of time in the litter box, or if you suspect that he has become sick, take him to the vet immediately.Your vet will be able to determine if your cat needs medication or a diet change, such as a switch to high-fiber cat food.If you leave a constipated cat unattended before seeing the vet, it could be a sign of something more serious.Retaining and staining can cause problems for the cat, such as blocked colon and megacolon.
Step 5: If your cat needs medical help, you should ask your vet.
Your cat may need enemas to have its feces removed.The longer a cat is constipated, the harder the feces become.An enema is a lubricant that is put into the rectum to help the cat pass obstructions.A simple micro enema is similar to the method used to take a cat's temperature.Sedation or a general anesthetic may be needed in order to remove the obstruction in the bowel.Sometimes a tumor is the root of the problem and needs to be removed.The colon will need to be removed if the cat develops a megacolon because the colon muscles can no longer push feces out of the body.
Step 6: Your vet may prescribe medication to you.
If you need to give medicine to your cat, you may have to use a dropper or needle.To make sure the medication is ready, be sure to have it measured.Treat your cat with treats.Before giving the medication, give the cat a treat.Put the cat on a high surface, like a bed or counter, with its hindquarters against you.He should be given lots of reassuring strokes and face rubs.Hold his upper jaw in front of the jaw hinge and press in when you reach over his head.There might be some paws that want to interact with you.An assistant can hold your cat's shoulders at the same time.The dropper is in your dominant hand.Push the dropper between your cat's teeth to get it to the back of the mouth.Take the medication out.Give the cat more food to distract him from what happened.Wrap the cat tightly in a bath towel if he is fighting.When giving liquid medication to your cat, make sure you rinse the dropper or syringe in hot water and dedicate its use to one animal.After the medication is done, discard the instrument.
Step 7: Adding pumpkin or squash to your cat food is a good idea.
Adding pumpkin or butternut squash to your cat's food is a good way to get fiber into his diet.Cans of pumpkin can also be used.Add pumpkin to your cat's food.It is easier to hide a pumpkin in canned food.Some cats like the taste of pumpkin, others need canned food in which to hide the pumpkin by mixing it with something delicious.
Step 8: A well-rounded diet is what your cat should get.
Ensure that your cat is eating a balanced diet.If you don't know what to feed your cat, ask the vet.A special high-fiber diet may be required by your cat.Your doctor can tell you if this is necessary.
Step 9: You should switch to an all-canned diet.
Cats can benefit from an all-canned food diet.The majority of canned food contains 75% or more moist.
Step 10: Give your cat fish in moderation.
It's not a good idea to feed your cat an all-fish diet because it won't give it the nutrition it needs.mackerel and sardines are oily fish.
Step 11: Make sure your cat has access to water.
Constipation can be caused by dehydration.If your cat only eats dry food, he will need more water than canned food.Next to the food dish is where you should have a bowl of fresh water for your cat.Cats like to drink water from a fountain or a dripping sink.
Step 12: Control your cat's weight.
Obese cats are more prone to Constipation than normal weight cats.The Body Condition Scoring Chart can be used to determine if your cat is too heavy.The chart distinguishes between thin, moderate, stout and obese body conditions.Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
Step 13: It's a good idea to add some olive oil to the canned food.
Olive oil can help move food through the cat's body.Add some olive oil to canned food.
Step 14: You can try psyllium husks.
Psyllium is the husk of the Plantago seed and is used to aid in digestion and intestinal tract health.Pets can be purchased at pet supply stores.Add psyllium husks to canned food to add fiber to the diet.
Step 15: Cats have long hair.
If you have a long-haired cat, it is a good idea to trim the hair around your cat's backside.The area will be kept clean.It can help with both.Stool can get held inside the anus if it tangles with hair.
Step 16: Cats need to be groomed frequently.
A lot of hair is eaten by long-haired cats when they groom themselves.Regular grooming will keep your cat coat free of mats.Cats can benefit from having their hair shaved once or twice a year.
Step 17: Cats with long hair can be given regular hairball remedies.
Some cats, especially long-haired ones, may need a hairball remedy to reduce the amount of hair.Hairball remedies can be found in a variety of cat-friendly flavors, such as tuna.Cats with long hair will benefit from getting a hairball remedy a few times a week.Laxatone and Petromalt are available in tubes.They can be mixed into your cat's food to make a treat.
Step 18: A clean litter box is needed.
Your cat will use the litter box more if it is clean.Scoop at least every other day if you have more than one cat.Cats don't like perfumed litters, so use litter without an added scent.