My senior cat is constipated, straining, vomiting. Is this normal?

Question

I was up all night with my almost 17yo 10:00 PM to 4AM she was straining to go poop. I assume constipated. She would strain and diarrhea would come out and she would keep throwing up off and on. She got some poop out and is doing a lot better. No more straining or anything but i can tell she's not herself. This happened one other time before a couple of weeks ago but not as bad bc only lasted a few minutes. But this second time around seemed much worse. Is this common with older cats? Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 18 lbs

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM · Accepted Answer

It is not uncommon with older cats as they have arthritis in the hips and often forego pooping when they need to because squatting hurts, So the feces stay in the colon tand the body keeps pulling out moisture, which then causes constipation. I suggest you transition your cat to wet canned food. Make an appointment with your vet for an exam. Your vet can examine your kitty's hips and prescribe pain medicine. He can also prescribe medicine such as lactulose to enable rosie to poop when she is constipated. You can also try to mix a little bit of canned pumpkin into her food which will soften the stool and make it more voluminous. Start with a tiny amount very slowly increasing the amount to about a teaspoonful a day. Rosie might not like the taste so the transition has to be in tiny steps. You may also want to get her a plastic (litter) box with a low entrance or use one of the see-through storage boxes where you can cut an entrance, so she does not have to climb a rim....this also will help with the arthritis pain.

My senior cat is constipated, straining, vomiting. Is this normal?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?

My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?

My pet has red spots all over. What's causing them and what to do?

My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?

My dwarf hamster has a shut eye and is limping. What should I do?

My degu lost teeth after an accident. How can I feed him soft foods?

Share