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

     
    Printable Version
     
    Have a Pet Question?
    Send Your Pet Question to Dr. Jon
    and His Staff of Veterinarians Ask Dr. Jon
    Dr. Jon's Newsletter
    Yes! Send Me the Latest Health Information, Pet Tips, Pet Stories and more...
     
     

    Related Articles

    • 1 Your Guide to Cat Emergencies

      In an emergency, early treatment and proper transport can save the life of your pet. Here is some information on some common emergencies to help you learn what you can do initially at home when faced with...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 Dyschezia (Painful Defecation) in Cats

      Dyschezia is the medical term used to describe painful or difficult defecation. Some pets have temporary dyschezia but in others, difficult defecation may represent a more severe, even life-threatening...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3 Flatulence in Cats

      Flatulence is the formation of gas in the stomach and intestines causing distension of the stomach or intestines and is released through the anus. Flatulence can be a benign symptom, especially in the...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 4 Hairballs

      Hairballs (also called trichobezoar, or furballs) are common problems in cats (especially long-haired breeds).

      Read MoreRead More
    • 5 Megacolon

      Megacolon is a condition of extreme dilation and poor motility of the colon, usually combined with accumulation of fecal material and the inability to evacuate it.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 6 Pseudocoprostasis in Cats

      Pseudocoprostasis is a condition that occurs when fecal matter becomes matted in the hair surrounding the anal opening. Once this occurs, the passage of additional feces becomes quite difficult and complete...

      Read MoreRead More
  • Related Articles
    • 1 Dyschezia (Painful Defecation) in Cats

      Dyschezia is the medical term used to describe painful or difficult defecation. Some pets have temporary dyschezia but in others, difficult defecation may represent a more severe, even life-threatening...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 Flatulence in Cats

      Flatulence is the formation of gas in the stomach and intestines causing distension of the stomach or intestines and is released through the anus. Flatulence can be a benign symptom, especially in the...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3 Hairballs

      Hairballs (also called trichobezoar, or furballs) are common problems in cats (especially long-haired breeds).

      Read MoreRead More
    • 4 Megacolon

      Megacolon is a condition of extreme dilation and poor motility of the colon, usually combined with accumulation of fecal material and the inability to evacuate it.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 5 Pseudocoprostasis in Cats

      Pseudocoprostasis is a condition that occurs when fecal matter becomes matted in the hair surrounding the anal opening. Once this occurs, the passage of additional feces becomes quite difficult and complete...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 6 Your Guide to Cat Emergencies

      In an emergency, early treatment and proper transport can save the life of your pet. Here is some information on some common emergencies to help you learn what you can do initially at home when faced with...

      Read MoreRead More
     

    Over 10,000 Veterinarian Approved Articles

    Related Articles
    • 1 Dyschezia (Painful Defecation) in Cats

      Dyschezia is the medical term used to describe painful or difficult defecation. Some pets have temporary dyschezia but in others, difficult defecation may represent a more severe, even life-threatening...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 Flatulence in Cats

      Flatulence is the formation of gas in the stomach and intestines causing distension of the stomach or intestines and is released through the anus. Flatulence can be a benign symptom, especially in the...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3 Hairballs

      Hairballs (also called trichobezoar, or furballs) are common problems in cats (especially long-haired breeds).

      Read MoreRead More
    • 4 Megacolon

      Megacolon is a condition of extreme dilation and poor motility of the colon, usually combined with accumulation of fecal material and the inability to evacuate it.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 5 Pseudocoprostasis in Cats

      Pseudocoprostasis is a condition that occurs when fecal matter becomes matted in the hair surrounding the anal opening. Once this occurs, the passage of additional feces becomes quite difficult and complete...

      Read MoreRead More
    • 6 Your Guide to Cat Emergencies

      In an emergency, early treatment and proper transport can save the life of your pet. Here is some information on some common emergencies to help you learn what you can do initially at home when faced with...

      Read MoreRead More
    Advertisement
    Advertisement