Constipation in Cats with Kidney Disease

Cats are apparently more prone to constipation than dogs, due to their constant grooming. They tend to ingest large amounts of fur. Also, a cat that mainly eats dry cat food can become dehydrated, which contributes to constipation.

Chronic kidney failure can also lead to constipation because you cat loses excessive amounts of water through more frequent urination.

I'm sure you know how rotten it feels to be constipated. Like you, cats will have small, hard poops or barely poop at all. Unlike you, your cat may have small pieces of poop that stick to their rear end. In this case, your cat may "scoot" – that is, drag its butt across your floor (or carpet) to try to dislodge the offending poop. Not a pretty sight or result.

Steps to take:

1. First, check to see if your cat is dehydrated. Use the "pinch test." Squeeze a bit of skin on the scruff of your cat's neck, about 3-4 inches back behind its head. Make a little tent with the skin if possible. If the skin immediately snaps back into place, then your cat is probably hydrated. If it barely moves back into place, or you can't make a little tent of skin at all, then that's a sign your cat is dehydrated.

Another trick is to check your cat's gums. They should feel slippery. If your cat's gums feel sticky, then your cat may be dehydrated. Try to give you cat more water. Or increase the frequency of your fluid treatments (see Fluid Treatment for Cats with Kidney Disease).

2. Speak with your vet if your cat is constipated. Your vet may suggest special remedies for constipation, such as laxatives, prokinetic agents, or enemas. A prokinetic agent is a type of drug which enhances gastrointestinal motility by increasing the frequency of contractions in the small intestine or making them stronger, but without disrupting their rhythm.

3. Try some simple remedies for constipation. My favorite is Kitty Malt – yes, the same remedy you may use to prevent hairballs. Kitty malt is a gel-like substance that's made with glyercine and fat. It can help coat their gut and may reduce constipation. It may also stimulate your cat's appetite.

Some other remedies include:

Canned pumpkin. Not all cats will eat it, but it's an excellent natural, mild laxative. Try a spoonful directly or mixed in with food.

Psyllium husk is a powder that can be sprinkled on top of your cat's food and mixed in. Psyllium husk is an excellent source of dietary fiber that promotes regularity. It's an ingredient in popular human laxatives such as Metamucil.

Lactulose is reported to be an effective treatment for constipation and may have the additional benefit of trapping urea (a urine waste product) in the bowel, and therefore helping your cat expel urea with less stress on the kidneys.

Laxatone is a well-known bowel stimulant for cats that's used to relieve hairballs as well. You can give you cat ½ to 1 teaspoon of it a day, then taper off. Laxatone contains mineral oil, which can help increase the "motility" of feces through your cat's intestines.

Nutri-Cal is another dietary supplement that is mentioned for cats with constipation. It contains various vitamins and minerals. But I also noticed that it contains phosphorus and, as you may know, cats with kidney problems are often on a low-phosphorus diet, since their kidneys have a harder time getting rid of phosphorus. So it doesn't seem to make sense to use this supplement for your cat if your cat has kidney problems.

Prolonged constipation can be more than uncomfortable. It can lead to loss of appetite, weakness, lethargy and vomiting. So it's important that you discuss your cat's constipation with your vet and take steps to treat it right away.