This medical term refers to all sorts of problems with bowel movements. The problem can rightfully be considered the most common factor affecting the he alth of a pet. Constipation in kittens, for example, occurs in every third quadruped. Veterinarians say that a he althy cat should defecate at least once a day. If you notice that your pet's stool has become dry and scanty, you should contact your veterinary clinic.
Kitten Constipation: Symptoms
So, what are the signs that an animal has digestive problems? First, sitting on the tray, he will meow loudly and plaintively. Secondly, the excrement will be dry and hard, among the filler you can find traces of blood and mucus. Constipation in kittens is usually accompanied by loss of appetite, sudden weight loss, and lethargy. Sometimes the pet vomits, he stops licking himself. If you notice at least two manifestations from this list, immediately take your four-legged friend to a specialist.
Possible causes
Constipation in kittens can be due to a variety of reasons. The most common veterinarians calllow protein diet and dehydration. Think about it: is your cat abusing dry food? You should also make sure that he drinks enough fluids. A factor that provoked constipation can be the so-called "hair ball" (a ball of wool accumulated in the stomach).
Diseases
In some cases, constipation in kittens is one of the signs of illness. Depending on the situation, the doctor may diagnose the presence of a cyst in the animal's intestines, a neurological disorder, a tumor in the esophagus, obesity, an enlarged prostate, or problems with peristalsis. In addition, a foreign object (bone, small toy, piece of cloth, etc.) that has entered the stomach may be to blame.
Treatment
The treatment process largely depends on the cause that provoked constipation. Your veterinarian may prescribe a stool softener, a laxative, or an enema. You can carry out the last procedure on your own, but it is better to entrust it to a doctor. Keep in mind that your cat will most likely react negatively to your attempts, and some enemas can be toxic to animals. Constipation in a newborn kitten can be eliminated with drugs that increase peristalsis. In some cases, manual bowel cleansing or even surgery is indicated (it is necessary in order to remove an obstacle that interferes with the passage of feces). A diet high in fiber and fiber is recommended for a sick cat.
Folk remedies
If you picked up ona kitten on the street, and he refuses to go to the toilet for several days, do not worry: constipation may well be caused by stress from an unusual environment. Try giving your pet some condensed milk - most cats love it and it's an excellent laxative.
Risk group
When will your pet become constipated? Firstly, if he is over ten years old, and secondly, if he is lazy and does not get enough exercise.
