How to get a cat to poop

Constipation is defined as an abnormal accumulation of feces in the colon resulting in difficult bowel movements. This may result in reduced frequency or absence of defecation. The feces are retained in the colon (large intestine). Since one of the major functions of the colon is water absorption, the retained feces become hard and dry, which makes passing the feces even more difficult. Constipated cats will strain in an attempt to defecate, resulting in abdominal pain. Some constipated cats may pass small amounts of liquid feces or blood because of excessive straining. Sometimes, the liquid feces are mistaken for diarrhea, but in actuality, when the cat strains, a small amount of liquid fecal material is able to squeeze around the hard fecal mass.

What causes constipation?

Constipation is a condition seen most commonly in mature, middle-aged cats, although it may occur at any age. Factors associated with the development of constipation include:

• hairballs, especially in longhaired cats
• ingestion of foreign bodies such as bones
• pelvic injuries resulting in a narrowed pelvic canal
• obesity and/or lack of exercise

In some cases, there is no obvious cause identified. Constipation is a common symptom associated with idiopathic (unknown cause) megacolon.

What is megacolon?

Megacolon (a term referring to a dilated and weak colon that causes severe constipation) is the most common cause of constipation in cats. In this condition the weakened muscles of the colon fail to propel fecal matter out of the colon. This may be due to neurological impairment, problems with the muscles lining the colon, or both.

Megacolon may be seen as a primary condition or secondary condition following long-term constipation. When the colon becomes distended with fecal material over a prolonged period, its ability to contract may be reduced or lost resulting in megacolon. Feces then accumulate in this abnormally distended and enlarged colon. See the handout "Megacolon in Cats" for more information on megacolon.

How are constipation and megacolon diagnosed?

In most cases, a diagnosis of constipation can be made on the basis of the cat's clinical signs and medical history. Affected cats usually strain unsuccessfully to defecate, and may cry in pain. Any feces passed are hard and dry. The cat may also show signs of lethargy, reluctance to eat, abdominal pain and distension, and vomiting.

Unless your cat is obese or tense, your veterinarian can often palpate or feel the accumulated fecal material in the colon. Further tests may be needed in order to diagnose the cause of the constipation. These may include abdominal and pelvic radiographs (X-rays) to look for pelvic injuries, colonic strictures (a narrowing of the exit passage, resulting from a previous problem), or tumors, as well as bloodwork and urine testing to look for underlying disease conditions that can contribute to constipation. Radiographs are also the primary test for the diagnosis of this condition.

 How can constipation and megacolon be treated?

Treatment varies depending on the cause of constipation. If an obstruction such as a colonic tumor is present, surgery may be required.

Initial treatment of a cat with constipation may involve administration of enemas and manual extraction of feces by a veterinarian. Removal of feces from the colon often requires an anesthetic or sedative. Intravenous fluid therapy is usually required to correct fluid imbalances and dehydration that worsen the constipation. If the constipation recurs or becomes a long-term problem, dietary management or medications may be needed to prevent recurrence. A number of treatments are available to soften the feces and promote regular bowel movements. In mildly affected cats, high fiber diets, lubricating laxatives, or stool softeners may prevent recurrence.

Those more severely affected may need drugs that stimulate contraction of the colon. The dose of these drugs is adjusted as needed to produce the desired effect. Ideally, cats should defecate at least once every other day. Over time, resistance to the treatment and medications may develop, necessitating an increase in the drug dosage or a change in therapy. You should not make changes to your cat's treatment protocol without consulting your veterinarian.

"You should not make changes to your cat's treatment protocol
without consulting your veterinarian."

It is important to ensure that there is always access to a clean litterbox so that frequent defecation is encouraged. In longhaired cats, regular grooming may reduce hair ingestion, while "hairball remedies" or hairball diets may lessen the likelihood of hairballs causing constipation.

When might surgery be necessary?

If megacolon develops or if the constipation is severe and medical treatment is unsuccessful, surgery may be recommended. Surgical treatment involves removal of the affected portion of the colon, in a procedure called a partial or sub-total colectomy. Most cats do very well with few side effects following this surgery.

What is the long-term outlook for a cat with this problem?

The long-term outlook varies according to the cause of the constipation; however, most cats can be adequately managed without surgery and resume normal, healthy lives. For cats that require surgery to correct megacolon, the prognosis is good.

A senior cat should empty its bowels no less than once a day. Any less than that regularity suggests that your elderly cat is constipated.

Keep your cat regular with an age-specific diet and exercise. Provide stool softeners or mild laxatives to relieve constipation. You can also encourage cats to eliminate manually. Rubbing a damp washcloth on a cat’s anus mimics the sensation of a mother cat licking a kitten.

You can usually treat feline constipation at home, but don’t allow the problem to go unresolved for longer than 24 hours. With dietary and lifestyle changes, your older cat should start to go to the toilet regularly.

How to Tell if A Cat Is Constipated

As stated, a cat should empty its bowels daily. If your older cat goes 24 hours with pooping, it’s likely to be constipated. Signs of a constipated senior cat include:

Ensure that your cat is unable to defecate. It may be able to go to the toilet but is unwilling to do so. This may be because your cat has developed a fear of its litter box, so it chooses to eliminate elsewhere or holds in its waste.

Why Is My Older Cat Not Using Its Litter Box Anymore?

A cat can develop a fear of its litter box that is medical or psychological in nature. The most common explanations for this include:

• It hurts to defecate
• The litter box hasn’t been cleaned
• The litter within has changed scent or texture
• There is too much litter in the box
• The litter box is in a noisy area
• The litter box has been moved
• The cat has outgrown its litter box
• Another cat is using the litter box

Cats are fussy about their litter box, so it must meet these criteria:

• Cleaned no less than once a day
• Located in a quiet area, away from noise or footfall
• Unique to the cat. Multiple cats require multiple litter boxes
• No more than two inches of a familiar, unscented litter
• Large enough for the cat to fit into comfortably

If you are confident that your litter box is not the problem, the issue could be a urinary tract infection. UTIs make elimination painful. Your cat may think that it’s the litter tray that’s hurting it and avoid it. Consequently, it will hold in its waste and become constipated.

As the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery explains, feline UTIs frequently reoccur. This means that antibiotics may only provide temporary relief from the problem.

A cat without a UTI may still avoid its litter box due to discomfort. Constipation is painful as the stool is so hard and difficult to pass.

Old Cat Not Going To Toilet

A senior cat faces a higher risk of constipation for the following reasons:

• Prone to joint and leg stiffness due to arthritis
• Exercise less frequently, leading to obesity
• Weaker immunity and more likely to get intestinal problems

If your cat cannot make it into the litter box, it will hold onto its feces for longer. This leads to harder waste and constipation in senior cats.

What Causes Constipation in Elderly Cats?

Constipation has several causes that vary in severity. The most common explanations include:

• Obstruction to the colon, perhaps due to hairballs
• Inability to digest food
• Excessive protein in the diet
• Dehydration
• Insufficient exercise
• The side effects of medication or anesthesia
• Stress and trauma

If your cat is dehydrated, it may have kidney disease. One in three geriatric cats (aged 10+) experience some degree of renal failure.

According to the Journal of Small Animal Practice, kidney problems are also often linked to hyperthyroidism. This is another medical problem that can lead to feline constipation.

Older cats have more brittle bones, and a fractured pelvis is a common injury. As Vet Compendium explains, a fractured pelvis leads to a narrowed colon. This makes defecation difficult, or even impossible, in some cases.

As per the BMJ, your cat may have megacolon. Megacolon is the dilation or restricted movement of the digestive tract.

How to Get an Older Cat To Poop

Here are some ways to relieve a senior cat’s constipation:

Regular Exercise

Exercise is key to keeping a cat regular. Older cats can become increasingly lethargic and sleep for longer, which can lead to constipation. A lack of movement means that the digestive tract is also not getting a workout.

If your cat still enjoys playtime, encourage this behavior. Use toys that will spark your cat’s hunting instincts. Laser pointers, clockwork mice, and feathers on a string can all get a cat moving and jumping.

Your older cat may have lost interest in play. Provide physical stimulation throughout the house, such as cat trees. If your cat is food-focused, make it work harder to be rewarded with a food-based treat.

Manual Relief

Mother cats lick the anus of their young to stimulate elimination. Obviously, this won’t be the case for a senior cat. However, you can replicate the experience by doing the following:

1. Run a soft towel or washcloth under warm water until it’s damp
2. Place your cat in its litter box and rub the cloth on its anus
3. Complete a steady, circular motion that lasts for up to one minute

You will know if this is working as the cat will start to spasm. It means that the cat’s colon is being stimulated, leading to your cat going to the toilet.

Dietary Changes

Older cats need a specialist diet. Ensure that your cat’s diet provides a healthy balance of protein and fiber. Do not sacrifice fiber for protein, as fiber is what keeps a senior cat’s bowels moving frequently.

Older cats will find wet food easier to digest than kibble. If your cat sustains itself purely on kibble, consider introducing wet food to its diet. A little kibble is fine, but it will be harder for the cat to pass.

Even if your cat is constipated, you should still change its food gradually as an immediate switch can lead to a stomach upset. While diarrhea will encourage elimination, it can leave your cat dehydrated, leading to constipation in the future.

Water Consumption

Encourage your cat to drink more water if it is eliminating irregularly. Cats often fail to consume enough liquids. Oftentimes, this is because cats are fussy. Too much or too little water in a bowl can discourage fluid consumption. Also, many cats are distrustful of static water.

Consider getting your feline a water fountain. Cats enjoy lapping from a constant, fresh water supply. Alternatively, regularly refill your cat’s bowl. Do not leave your cat’s water too close to food, either. The smell of food contaminates water from a cat’s perspective.

Natural Stool Softeners

Constipation is often caused by a cat’s stool hardening inside the body, making it hard for the cat to eliminate. It will be painful, and waste will be released in small quantities. There are various natural remedies:

• Olive oil: Two teaspoons mixed with cat food will act as a mild laxative.
• Tinned pumpkin: Tinned pumpkin is also a natural laxative, and can be offered straight from the tin. Ensure the pumpkin is pure and not spiced.
• Leafy greens: Leafy greens are high in fiber and will stimulate your cat’s digestion—mix vegetables with your cat’s food.
• Cow’s milk: Most cats are lactose intolerant. The cat’s body will reject the milk and eject it as waste. This could lead to diarrhea, though.

Medical Intervention

Vets can prescribe medical-grade laxatives. You will be given strict instructions surrounding the dosage, which must not be exceeded.

A vet may give your cat an enema to avoid invasive surgery. This will clear the cat’s digestive tract. This shouldn’t be attempted at home.

Surgery is a last resort for a senior cat due to the risks involved. Besides, constipation is a common side effect of anesthetics. Surgery will only be considered if your cat has a foreign object blocking its colon.

How to Keep a Senior Cat Regular

To make sure a senior cat stays regular, take the following steps:

• Keep your cat active
• Avoid stress triggers for your cat
• Provide an appropriate diet, including plenty of water
• Check for any injuries
• Manage your cat’s weight and mobility issues
• You should groom your cat to minimize hairballs
• Regular health check-ups

There are a variety of reasons why older cats get constipated. These range from physical limitations to digestive issues due to age. If several days have elapsed without your cat going to the toilet, it should be examined by a vet.

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