How to Determine if a Cat is Constipated

To determine if a cat is constipated, you can judge from its bowel movements and the shape of its feces. Generally, a cat with a normal diet will have 2 bowel movements per day, and the feces will be brown in color. If a cat has no normal bowel movements for consecutive days while eating normally, and there are lump-like objects found in the abdominal palpation, you should consider whether the cat is constipated.

1. Judge by observing the number of times the cat defecates

Healthy cats normally defecate 1-2 times per day. If the cat frequently assumes defecation positions but nothing comes out, and it makes painful sounds, or the feces are dry and hard, it is most likely constipated. In this case, the owner should take timely measures to avoid severe constipation leading to intestinal obstruction.

1. Judge by observing the shape of the cat's feces

Healthy cats produce feces that are brown, soft, and not dry. If the cat struggles to produce small amounts of dry, hard, and distinct feces, it indicates constipation. At this point, when palpating the cat's abdomen, there will be lump-like or strip-like hard objects, and the cat's appetite will also decrease.

1. Precautions

When a cat is constipated, the owner should encourage the cat to drink more water to moisten the intestines and add appropriate probiotics to the water to promote gastrointestinal peristalsis. If the cat hasn't defecated for a long time, the owner should take the cat to the pet hospital promptly for enema treatment by a veterinarian.