Constipation in Cats

Constipation in Cats

By: Dr.Bari Spielman

Section: Overview

Constipation is infrequent, incomplete, or difficult defecation with passage of hard or dry feces. Constipation is sometimes used interchangeably with obstipation, which is intractable constipation where defecation becomes impossible. It may cause great distress and pain.

Causes

  • Dietary
  • Environmental
  • Drugs/Medications
  • Painful defecation
  • Mechanical obstruction (physical blockage)
  • Neurologic disease
  • Metabolic and Endocrine diseases

    What to Watch For

  • Straining to defecate and passing a small amount of feces or none at all
  • Hard, dry feces
  • Infrequent defecation
  • Small amount of liquid feces produced after prolonged straining
  • Occasional vomiting
  • Lack of appetite
  • Depression

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