Constipated cats

Poor Romeo has been in and out of his litter a hundred times today, straining to produce a small nugget of very hard faeces. He’s passing normal amounts of urine with no trouble, so we’re sure his waterworks is in fine shape. It’s his bowel that’s in trouble. He’s constipated.

Romeo is 15 years old and he has a few of the chronic diseases that afflict older cats: early stage kidney disease, intermittent gut issues, and a penchant for dry food. All of these contribute to mild dehydration and constipation. He also finds getting in and out of the litter tray difficult because of arthritis. Sometimes he just goes on the mat next to the tray.

We suggested a few alterations to his lifestyle:

• his carer bought a litter box like the one in the picture below to make it easy for him to access the litter
• over the next few weeks he will transition to a predominantly wet food diet
• a special kidney-friendly diet will support his kidneys and pep up his potassium levels. Low potassium levels contribute to constipation
• a kidney diet with mobility support will lubricate those old joints
• a heated bed will free up the joints, too
• a pinch of psyllium in his food daily will aid the passage of faeces through his gut
• a suitable laxative, NOT paraffin

In the meantime, he spent a day in hospital on a drip to rehydrate him. While here we gave him an enema and a fresh start. Probiotics will help re-establish a normal gut flora.