Kitten is Constipated

By Dr. Ritu Krishnatreye, BHMS

Kitten is constipated

Constipation is a condition mainly seen in middle-aged or older cats. However, at times this annoying problem can be observed in kittens as well.

You can tell your kitten is constipated by the following:

• It doesn’t have a daily bowel movement
  
  
• Defecation requires hard straining with minimal stool
  
  
• The abdomen is distended
  
  
• There is a lack of appetite
  
  
• Defecation brings pain, resulting in excessive meowing

Fortunately, most of the time a kitten will quickly recover from constipation and may not experience it again.

The Wrong Diet

The most common cause of pet constipation is their diet.

Constipation in newborn kittens that are fed infant formula is not very uncommon. Talk to your vet to choose the right one for your kitten. 

A diet low in fiber and moisture predisposes a kitten to symptoms of constipation. Fiber is required to add bulk to fecal matter, which in turn makes it easier to eliminate.

If a kitten is not drinking much water or milk, it increases the chance of constipation. 

Overcoming constipation caused by diet

• Choose fiber rich foods
  
  
• Find ways to get your kitten to drink more
  
  
• Add foods containing moisture, like canned foods, or low-sodium tuna, low-sodium chicken or beef stock

Foreign Bodies and Hairballs

Ingestion of indigestible substances can lead to a partial obstruction in the intestines.

This may in turn affect the smooth passage of fecal matter through the colon and rectum, resulting in constipation. If you suspect this might be the case, a visit to your vet is in order.

A kitten may swallow a lot of hair while grooming. This may affect the digestive system, causing constipation.

Careful and regular brushing, particularly for long-haired cats, will help to minimize hairball ingestion.

Obstruction of the anal canal

Your little pet may be avoiding defecation due to a painful anal or rectal condition

• There may be a tumor or obstruction in the rectal region, which is creating extreme pain while passing stools
  
  
• Stricture or tumor may block the passage and cause pain during defecation. 

Gently massaging the abdomen area may help to stimulate intestinal muscles, and also help you make sure there aren’t any growths or obstructions causing the problem. If in doubt, please see your vet. 

An unclean litter box

A dirty litter tray is another common reason why a kitten may be putting off defecation. Cats are uncomfortable using unclean litter boxes.

If this causes them to delay a bowel movement it may lead to constipation. Make sure you keep the litter box cleaned out daily. 

Medical/Neurological causes

A kitten may be suffering from an underlying medical condition. This may affect its digestive system and cause constipation.

Most of these medical conditions are accompanied by other symptoms which will help your vet in coming to a proper diagnosis.

If a kitten is stressed out because of a new environment, this may also contribute to constipation. 

A simple solution

As kittens are sensitive to laxatives or other chemical formulations, it is best to use natural ways to deal with constipation.

Ionic sea minerals is natural supplement that contains essential minerals that promote digestive health and help to relieve constipation.

Add one drop for every 2 pounds of weight to milk or cream, or mix it in with canned food. Make sure to dilute sufficiently to cover the taste of the minerals.

Conclusion, kitten is constipated

Although it isn’t usually a serious condition, constipation in kittens cannot be ignored. It is recommended to consult your vet if the constipation persists even after trying home remedies.

(Return from Kitten is Constipated to Constipation in Cats)