Cat Constipation Problems

If you own a cat, you know that they can be great companions, but they do have their problems. One of those is cat constipation. In fact, the relationship between cats and constipation is a fairly common one, for many reasons. Some of those include:

• Cat Type
• Cat Age
• Medical Conditions
• Accidents
• Cat Attitude

As far as type goes, cats with longer hair tend to have more constipation problems. That is mainly because they lick their fur and develop hair balls, which get stuck in their intestines. Also, a constipation cat may be a tailless breed, such as the Manx. The breeding of tailless cats has caused problems with spine and colon deformities, which can lead to constipation.

Age can also be an issue in cats. Older cats can often experience renal disease or other medical problems that influence their digestion. Of course, so can younger cats, but it's more common in the elderly of the cat world.

As for the attitude, some cats simply will not use a dirty litter box. They will wait as long as they possibly can, which will cause stools to backup in their intestines. That can be very unhealthy for the cat.

Options

There are many options for avoiding or treating constipation in cats. A lot has to do with the cause. In general, though, many vets recommend giving the cat wet cat food. Dry cat food is harder to digest and the moisture in wet cat food helps to keep the cat hydrated and allow stool to pass easier.

Feline constipation can also sometimes be treated with a simple hairball treatment. Sometimes, however, it may take veterinary intervention or an alternative method of treatment. For example, some people find that feeding a cat canned pumpkin can relieve constipation.

In any case, cat constipation is not that unusual, but that doesn't make it a good thing. If left unchecked, it can lead to serious health issues for your cat. So, always monitor your cat's diet and fluid intake closely and seek help from your vet as soon as you notice any problems.

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