My senior cat is severely constipated

Question

I'm really worried about my sweet old cat, Mr. Whiskers, and I could use some advice. He's around 15 years old now and over the past week or so, he's been struggling in the litter box, poor guy. He seems to be straining, and when I clean his box, there's barely anything there. He's usually quite regular, so this is really unusual for him. I've tried adding more fiber to his diet, thinking it might help, and even offered him some pumpkin puree, but nothing's really changing. He's also become more lethargic, and I'm concerned because he's always been such an active, playful cat despite his age. I haven't noticed any vomiting or other symptoms, but I can't help but worry about him. If anyone's been through something similar or has any advice on what I can do to help him, I'd really appreciate it. I'm planning to call the vet tomorrow, but I'm hoping to ease his discomfort in the meantime. Thanks so much for any help you can offer.

Dial A Vet · Accepted Answer

Thanks for your question. I’m sorry to hear your senior cat is struggling with constipation. It’s actually quite common in older cats, and there are several reasons it might be happening. As cats age, their digestive systems can slow down, which can lead to constipation. Additionally, issues like dehydration, hairballs, lack of exercise, or certain health conditions such as kidney disease or arthritis could be contributing factors.

For some cats, ensuring they drink more water can help ease constipation. You can encourage your cat to drink by placing multiple water bowls around your home or trying a pet water fountain. Adding a bit of canned food to your cat's diet can also increase their water intake. Gentle exercise, like a bit of playful chasing or moving toys around, might help get things moving, too.

Keep an eye out for signs of distress such as frequent trips to the litter box with little or no stool, a decreased appetite, or any vomiting. These can indicate more serious problems that need veterinary attention.

If your cat doesn’t improve in a day or two, or if you notice any worrying symptoms, I recommend booking a video consult with Dial A Vet. We can delve deeper into your cat’s situation and recommend the best course of action from there.

My senior cat is severely constipated

Answer

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