Constipation in Cats, Prevention of Dehydration, Arthritis and Lack of Exercise

We’re continuing the discussion of constipation in cats, focusing on what we can do to prevent and treat it. Let’s cover more of the factors that predispose cats to develop constipation and discuss how to prevent them

4. Dehydration
When cats are dehydrated they become constipated. This is because dry fecal material hardens like quick setting cement. The gritty cement edges damage the intestinal lining and so that the gut bleeds. The irritated blood vessels are more porous and they begin to absorb molecules of meant to be discarded. The longer the feces remains in the intestine, the more likely it is that cats progress from simple dehydration to sepsis and toxicity.

To help prevent dehydration, feed canned food whenever possible. Provide fresh, moving sources of water. For some cats, that’s a fountain, for others a dripping faucet. Some cats like ice cubes clunking in their water. Use containers large enough to allow cats to drink without compressing their whiskers.. If necessary, flavor the water with drops of tuna juice or cream.

Be sure to wash water dishes daily and replenish with fresh water. Triple rinse water dishes so you remove lingering detergents. For most cat families, stainless steel, glass or ceramic dishes are easiest to clean and least likely to have residual odors.

5. Arthritis
· Most cat families aren’t aware that arthritis affects over 90% of older cats and that it predisposes cats to constipation. Arthritis leads to constipation because:
· Cats are too painful or stiff to squat defecate.
· Cats are so stiff they can’t climb up over the lip of the box.
· Cats are too stiff to go downstairs and out into their normal outside spots.

Once we realize a cat has arthritis, there are several good pain medications that will keep them comfortable. For example, injectable glycosaminoglycans such as Adequan lubricate joints. Herb mixtures containing Boswellia and antioxidants help. Chinese herbal remedies help. Work with a veterinarian to choose exactly the right medication because medicating cats to control arthritis is much trickier than medicating people or dogs.

6. Lack of exercise
Out in nature, cats are active hunters. They evolved to stalk, leap, snarl, twirl, and chomp. When cats are kept indoors or are unable to be active because of arthritis or illness, their muscles waste away. Muscle movement moves stool so that if the muscles can’t contract, stool isn’t propelled through the intestines and out of the body. We can help cats exercise by providing an enriching indoor environment, allowing them outdoors, and ensuring they are feeling healthy enough to move.

We’ll continue discussing prevention of constipation in the next Caring for Pets entry.