Madeleine Hull
Constipation is a common issue in cats and can be caused by various factors, including diet, age, genetics, and environment. An unsuitable diet, such as one lacking adequate hydration or the right balance of fibre, protein, and carbohydrates, can lead to constipation. Commercial cat foods, such as Science Diet, may also cause adverse reactions or allergies in cats sensitive to specific ingredients, potentially contributing to constipation. Therefore, it is essential to consider dietary factors and make necessary adjustments to alleviate and prevent constipation in cats.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | An abnormal build-up of faeces in the colon, causing difficult stool passing. |
| Symptoms | Straining to defecate, small amounts of stool, blood and/or slimy mucus in stools, decreased frequency of defecation. |
| Causes | Dehydration, kidney problems, feline megacolon, high or low fibre intake, hair in the digestive tract, medication side effects, lack of exercise, hernia, tumour, nerve disorder, colon obstruction. |
| Treatment | Intravenous fluids, enteral water, osmotic electrolyte solutions, lactulose, enemas, manual deobstipation, dietary adjustments, wet food, raw food, increased water intake. |
| Prevention | Ensure adequate hydration, balanced fibre intake, regular exercise, suitable litter tray conditions, healthy diet. |
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What You'll Learn
Dehydration and poor hydration
Dehydration in cats occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. It can be caused by a lack of available water, vomiting, excessive urination, or diarrhea. Dehydration can also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as kidney disease, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism. Older cats and cats with other illnesses are more prone to dehydration.
Mild dehydration can be resolved by ensuring that your cat has access to water and encouraging them to drink. However, if your cat is severely dehydrated, it may require immediate veterinary care and fluid replacement through oral, subcutaneous, or intravenous hydration. It is important to address any underlying medical causes of dehydration and take steps to prevent dehydration in the future.
To prevent dehydration, it is important to ensure that your cat always has access to fresh, clean water in a clean bowl. Cats that primarily eat dry food may need to drink more water, while cats that eat wet food may not need to drink as much, as wet food is made up of about 80% water.
There are several signs and symptoms that can indicate dehydration in cats. One way to check is to perform the "skin tenting" test. Gently lift a small portion of your cat's skin around their shoulders and then let go. If the skin snaps back quickly, your cat is likely hydrated, but if it falls back slowly or remains in a tented position, your cat may be dehydrated. Other symptoms of dehydration include lethargy, weakness, sunken eyes, dry gums, thick and stringy saliva, and loss of skin elasticity.
Constipation in cats can be caused by various factors, including dietary issues, adverse food reactions, and underlying medical conditions. It is characterized by prolonged gastrointestinal transit, dry stool, and difficult or absent defecation. While there is no direct link between Science Diet and constipation in cats, food allergies and adverse reactions to ingredients in Science Diet have been reported. These reactions can include vomiting, itching, and skin issues, which may be indicators of dehydration.
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Lack of fibre in diet
A lack of fibre in a cat's diet can lead to constipation. Cats, like humans, require fibre to maintain a healthy digestive system. Fibre is a type of carbohydrate that resists digestion, and it is used by the body to regulate blood sugar levels. It also helps cats feel full without gaining weight.
There are two types of fibre: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibre dissolves in the intestine, forming a gel that slows the emptying of the stomach and improves nutrient absorption. Sources of soluble fibre include sweet potato, guar gum, and psyllium husk. Insoluble fibre, on the other hand, is not digested and is excreted from the body in stools. Wheat bran, cellulose, and pecan shell fibre are examples of insoluble fibre.
The amount of fibre in a cat's diet affects how often they defecate, the consistency of their stool, and the health of their colon. A diet lacking in fibre can lead to constipation, which is characterised by prolonged gastrointestinal transit, dry stool, and difficult or absent defecation. Middle-aged to older male cats are over-represented in cases of constipation.
To prevent constipation due to a lack of fibre, it is recommended to feed cats a moderate amount of fibre, which is classified as about 6%. High-fibre diets contain about 12% fibre and are often recommended for cats with constipation. It is important to note that the overall amount of fibre in a cat's diet should be adjusted based on their health and other factors, in consultation with a veterinarian.
In addition to commercial cat foods that provide fibre, such as Royal Canin® Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal Fiber Response Dry Cat Food, there are also natural sources of fibre that can be added to a cat's diet. These include wheat bran, carrots, broccoli, spinach, and lettuce. These fibre sources provide additional nutrients while helping to maintain a healthy digestive system in cats.
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Allergies and adverse food reactions
Adverse food reactions in cats occur when their body responds negatively to a food component. This includes both cat food allergies and food intolerances. While allergies involve the immune system reacting to a food component, intolerances are more common and do not involve an immune response. Most food allergens are proteins, but many components can trigger an adverse food reaction, so identifying the offending ingredient can be challenging.
True cat food allergies are rare, with food sensitivities being more prevalent but typically less severe. These sensitivities can manifest as digestive issues, chronic ear infections, and skin discomfort. Some common symptoms of adverse food reactions include itchy skin, hair loss, and excessive grooming. Food allergies can develop at any age, even if a cat has been eating the same food for a long time without issues.
Some of the most common allergens found in cat food that may trigger a reaction include beef, chicken, dairy products, and fish. Cats can also be allergic to less obvious protein sources such as lamb, eggs, and even certain grains. It is important to note that food allergies require strict, lifelong dietary management. Once you have found a diet that works for your cat, you will need to continue that diet long-term, avoiding treats and other foods that contain the ingredient triggering the allergic reaction.
If your cat is experiencing adverse food reactions or allergies, it is important to work closely with your veterinarian to determine the specific ingredients causing the issue. An elimination diet trial is considered the gold standard for diagnosing food allergies and intolerances in cats. This involves feeding your cat a diet that does not contain any proteins they have been previously exposed to for at least eight to twelve weeks. If your cat's symptoms improve, the old diet can be reintroduced to confirm the allergy. This process can help identify specific ingredients that your cat is allergic or intolerant to.
In addition to food allergies, constipation is another common issue in cats that can be related to their diet. Feline idiopathic constipation is characterised by prolonged gastrointestinal transit, associated with dry stool and difficult or absent defecation. Middle-aged to older male cats are more prone to constipation. While a specific diet form has not been linked to constipation, manipulating the macronutrient content, specifically fibre, can help manage this issue. Increasing dietary water content, such as by adding water to kibble, can also be beneficial.
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Lack of exercise
Inactive cats may experience constipation due to a lack of intestinal movement. This can be caused by a low-fibre diet, dehydration, or underlying health issues. Dehydration is a particular concern for cats on a dry food diet, and veterinarians recommend a canned diet to increase water intake. Cats with kidney disease, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism are also more prone to constipation.
Cats with narrowed pelvic canals due to trauma or previous injuries are also more likely to experience constipation. This is because the condition affects the colon, making it difficult for stools to pass through.
To help prevent constipation in inactive cats, it is recommended to provide a balanced and easily digestible diet with adequate fibre, protein, and carbohydrate content. Increasing water intake, either through diet or by providing flowing water in a cat fountain, can also help prevent constipation.
In addition to dietary changes, increasing exercise can help prevent constipation in cats. This can include providing indoor cats with equipment to climb on or encouraging playtime to help reduce anxiety and promote intestinal movement.
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Poor digestion
Additionally, cats may experience constipation due to underlying health conditions, such as kidney disease, feline megacolon, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism. In some cases, constipation may be a side effect of certain medications. Other possible causes include hair in the digestive tract from over-grooming, ingestion of foreign objects or food that does not agree with them, and lack of exercise.
To treat and prevent constipation, it is crucial to ensure your cat's diet is healthy and balanced, with adequate fibre, protein, and carbohydrate content. Wet food options are often recommended for cats with constipation, as they can help increase fluid intake and improve stool consistency. It is also important to encourage your cat to stay active and well-hydrated.
If your cat is experiencing frequent constipation, it is important to consult a veterinarian. They can help identify any underlying health conditions and recommend appropriate treatments or dietary changes.
There are also several therapeutic strategies to treat severe constipation in cats, including combinations of intravenous fluids, enteral water solutions, osmotic electrolyte solutions, lactulose, enemas, and manual deobstipation.
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Frequently asked questions
Cat constipation is an abnormal build-up of faeces in the colon, which causes difficulty in passing stools. This can lead to discomfort, pain and poor health.
Cat constipation can be caused by an unsuitable diet, dehydration, lack of exercise, hairballs, and certain drugs.
Science Diet is a commercial cat food that can cause constipation if your cat is sensitive or allergic to an ingredient in the food. Common allergens include chicken, lamb, beef, fish, dairy, and eggs.
If your cat is constipated, you should take them to the vet. The vet will be able to recommend a suitable treatment plan, which may include dietary changes, increasing water intake, or adding more fibre to their diet.
