Often, cat owners are faced with the problem of constipation in their beloved animals. Constipation in cats is expressed in the inability to go to the toilet. When trying, she can scream loudly, scrape the filler with her paws, squat - look for a more comfortable position, but it still does not work. Of course, any owner will decide to help his pet. This can be done at home if these cases are one-off.
Is constipation serious?
Constipation is the inability of a cat to empty the intestines, as a result of which unpleasant processes can occur inside the body. The feces should ideally be removed outside, otherwise they poison the animal's body with decay products. Because of this, the liver, kidneys, heart can be damaged, and even the appearance of the animal can deteriorate. There have been cases when a cat died if it was not helped in time.
Symptoms and causes of constipation
If a cat cannot do its job in the toilet, then she starts to feel nausea or vomiting, she becomes lethargic, indifferent, her appetite disappears, and her stomach is swollen. Sitting in the litter box, the cat starts screaming restlessly.
Constipation can be caused by various diseases. For example, renal failure, inflammation of the anus or rectum, diseases of the large intestine, orthopedic problems (it is impossible to sit comfortably), hernias, tumors, cysts in cats. But most often it appears due to improper feeding, especially natural food; an accumulation of licked wool in the intestines or a swallowed foreign body. Constipation is more common in cats than in cats; in sedentary or aging animals.
Constipation treatment
If you notice symptoms of constipation in your cat, give her petroleum jelly. It is sold everywhere in any pharmacy. This oil is not absorbed by the cat, is not absorbed in the intestines. It covers the intestinal wall and softens the stool. Vaseline oil is given orally to the cat 2-3 times a day, 5 ml. Do not give your cat other oils (castor or vegetable oils). Firstly, they are perfectly absorbed by the cat's body; and secondly, they can harm the pet if given in such a large quantity.
The most common way to combat constipation in cats is to mix water with condensed milk. This sweet mixture softens the stool in your cat's intestines and makes it easier for her to empty.
For persistent constipation, your veterinarian may advise the use of medicinal laxatives. It can be Duphalac or Sodium Picosulfate. They not only soften the contents of the intestines, but also normalize its work.
If the constipation cannot be cured at home, then it is worth taking the animal to the clinic, where it will be given an enema. Also, in the clinic, it is worthwhile to undergo an examination of the animal by a doctor, pass tests and do an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity to identify the cause of persistent constipation.
Prevention of constipation
If your cat often has constipation, then it is worth reviewing her diet and, if possible, changing it. All useful trace elements and a decent amount of vegetable fiber should be present in the diet.
Do not feed the animal from the table. Buy good quality dry food for her or cook it separately. In addition to meat, add vegetables (carrots, pumpkin, cauliflower, beans) and steamed bran to the porridge.
To prevent the cat from swallowing a lot of its wool, it is worth combing it out more often and giving prophylactic pastes to remove hair from the intestines.
For good bowel function, the cat must move a lot. Get her balls or mice, climbing machines, take her outside for a walk more often. An active lifestyle has a beneficial effect on intestinal motility.
