Constipation is the infrequent, incomplete or difficult passage of feces from the colon. The colon – also called the large bowel or large intestine - is the lower part of the gastrointestinal tract that spans from the cecum to the rectum and anal canal. The cecum is the beginning of the large intestine.Constipation, which is fairly common in domestic cats, does not necessarily indicate loss of bowel function. Most cats defecate once or twice a
Every day cats groom themselves extensively and swallow large quantities of hair in the process. Normally, the hair mixes with food and passes in the stool distributed evenly throughout the feces. Sometimes however, hair will remain in the stomach and begin to form clumps. As these clumps increase in size they begin to irritate the stomach and eventually cause the cat to vomit them up. The usual shape of a hairball is a tube approximately
Cats, like people, can periodically suffer from constipation. The condition is often caused by diet or medications, but sometimes constipation can be a result of an underlying condition that your cat may be suffering from. The symptoms of constipation in cats is much like the symptoms that people experience when they are constipated, and your cat will be thankful for a quick and effective treatment.If your cat is constipated, one of the most common symptoms
Cats with mild constipation can usually be treated symptomatically through dietary modification and increased fluid intake. Moderate to severe cases of constipation may require prescription medications and/or enema treatments, in addition to dietary and fluid therapies. Sometimes, surgery may be appropriate. The goals of treating constipation are to evacuate the colon, reestablish normal hydration, correct any identifiable cause of the constipation and, hopefully, prevent its recurrence.Owners of constipated cats should consult with their veterinarian to