Many cats experience recurring episodes of feline idiopathic cystitis. There is an unflavored version that can be mixed with food. Metamucil is safe to use in cats and it is readily available over the counter at drug stores, grocery stores, and superstores such as Walmart and Target. It increases fecal mass, softens the stools, and stimulates contractions in the colon to help push stool out. Psyllium is passed through the digestive system and absorbs water. Metamucil is the brand name of a fiber supplement that contains psyllium husk. In severe cases, the colon may need to be removed. Megacolon is a serious problem in which the colon is dilated and unable to contract to expel fecal material. Endotoxemia causes lethargy, anorexia, and in severe cases, organ damage which can be life threatening.Ĭhronic constipation and obstipation can also cause irreversible damage to the muscles and nerves in the colon. Obstipation can lead to absorption of bacterial toxins from the stool into the blood stream, causing endotoxemia. When a cat is not able to pass stool at all, the term obstipation is used. Complications Of Chronic ConstipationĬhronic constipation can be a very serious medical condition. Polyps or masses in the colon can also lead to a partial or full obstruction in the colon. Fractures in the pelvis can compress the colon making passage of fecal material difficult. The hairballs may be vomited or pass through the intestines into the colon where they mix with stool and lead to problems with defecation.Ĭat constipation can also be due to a mechanical obstruction in the lower GI tract. If your kitty is dehydrated, the colon pulls more water out of the waste, creating hard, dry fecal material.ĭehydration is often caused by another underlying medical condition such as kidney disease or diabetes mellitus.Ĭats that spend a lot of time grooming, especially long haired cats, may develop hairballs. One of the colon’s jobs is to absorb water from waste material. Causes Of Constipation In CatsĬonstipated cats are often dehydrated. It may be next to the box, in their bed, or in a corner of your house. It is not uncommon for cats suffering from constipation to defecate outside the litter box. When cats have a hard time pooping, they may associate the pain and difficulty with the litter box. If you notice a decrease in the amount of poop in the box or if the stool is very dry and small, your cat may be constipated. Make it a habit to clean the litter box every one to two days. This can make it hard for cat owners to realize their cat is suffering from constipation. Many cats are private about their bowel movements and run away whenever anyone approaches the litterbox. This can happen when there is a fecal impaction and watery diarrhea passes around the fecal ball. With some cats, your cat may have diarrhea. The poop in the box may appear hard and dry, sometimes there is blood on the stool. You may see your cat straining in the litterbox with an arched back and a painful meow. Symptoms And Signs Of Constipation In CatsĬonstipation is defined as infrequent bowel movements or difficulty in passing feces. Keep reading for the details on safety, dosing, and more.īut before we talk about Metamucil, let’s learn a little more about constipation in cats. The short answer is that yes, Metamucil can work for cats. It works for humans, so does it work for cats, too? The first treatment most people think of is Metamucil. You are cleaning out the litterbox and notice that your cat’s stool is small, dry, and hard.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |