How To Prevent And Treat Constipation in Ragdoll Cats

Ragdoll Cat Constipation

By Jennie @ Ragdoll Cats World

May 15, 2022

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Do you have a Ragdoll cat? If so, you’re likely familiar with the health problems that can come with this breed. One of the most common problems is constipation. For the average cat, having a little bout of constipation every now and then is probably normal.

As cats age, the likelihood of developing constipation increases. Additionally, those cats with other health problems are at a higher risk for developing this condition.

In this article, we will discuss how to prevent and treat constipation in your Ragdoll cat.

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What Causes Constipation in Cats?

There are a few common factors that can contribute to constipation in cats. Usually, hairballs are at fault, but other physical and psychological conditions may be the cause.

One of the most likely causes is a change in diet or lifestyle. If your cat has been eating a high-quality homemade diet, but suddenly switches to commercial food, it may start experiencing constipation.

Another cause could be an increase in stress levels or a lack of exercise. Cats who are kept indoors often don’t get enough exercise, which can lead to constipation.

Finally, some cats may develop constipation as a result of diseases such as feline infectious peritonitis (FIP).

In these cases, the bowels become so impacted that the cat cannot move them at all and begins to experience straining when trying to defecate.

Ragdoll Cat Constipation

 

How to Prevent Constipation in Cats

There are a few things you can do to help prevent constipation in your cat.

  • First, make sure they are getting enough water. Cats need about 18 ounces of water per day, so be sure to give them plenty of fluids.
  • Second, make sure they are eating a high-quality diet. A good diet includes plenty of fiber and moisture-rich foods.
  • Third, make sure they are getting enough exercise. Cats who don’t get enough exercise may start to experience constipation.
  • Finally, keep their litter box clean and fresh.  Cats tend to prefer a clean litter box, which will help prevent constipation.

 

How to Treat Constipation in Cats

There are a few things you can do to help prevent and treat constipation in cats. One of the most important things you can do is provide them with plenty of fresh, clean water and good quality cat food.  Most cats with constipation have insufficient fluid in their bowels.

Make sure that your Ragdoll’s food is high in fiber, since this will help to keep them regular. A teaspoon of canned pumpkin daily will help add fiber and fluid to its stools. You can also give them supplements such as psyllium husk or bentonite clay to help with digestion.

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Most cats, especially Ragdolls, are lactose intolerant, therefore giving them a couple of ounces of milk may assist in producing a bowel movement.

If a hairball is causing the issue there are several laxative pastes available that help by lubricating the ingested hair, allowing it to move through the digestive tract and pass in the cat’s stool. These pastes come in a range of tasty flavors such as tuna or catnip and are easy to apply, with some users placing the gel on their cats’ noses or paws which they will be compelled to lick off. Vaseline will also do the same job but it may not be as palatable for your cat.

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If your cat is still having trouble going to the bathroom, administer a laxative like Polyethylene Glycol 3350 orally. Polyethylene glycol is a compound that is inert, non-toxic, non-absorbed, tasteless, and soluble in water. It lubricates the feces and also softens the stool. Polyethylene glycol comes as a dry powder and can easily be mixed with moist foods to make it easier to use. Cats generally accept it well and it works very well as a stool softener.

Giving enemas to cats can be a helpful way to treat their illnesses, but it’s important to follow the advice of your veterinarian. There are many different types of enemas available on the market, so make sure you get one that is recommended for use in cats by your vet. You’ll also need help from an additional person to restrain your cat during the process.

Do not give human treatments to your cat – these may be harmful or fatal when given to cats. You should consult a vet before giving any treatments designed for humans to your cat.

Always consult with your veterinarian if you are unsure about how best to treat your cat’s constipation.

Ragdoll Cat Constipation

 

Chronic Feline Constipation

If your cat has long-term constipation, it might be wise to have a conversation with your veterinarian about other potential underlying medical conditions. This includes the possibility of megacolon – a condition in which the size of the stool in the large intestine grows so large that it becomes difficult for it to leave the body. This can lead to various health problems, including intestinal blockage and even death.

If your cat suffers from persistent feline constipation, you’ll want to talk with a veterinarian about the cause and severity of the condition.

By following these steps, you can help keep your Ragdoll cat healthy and happy. If you continue to experience problems with constipation, please be sure to consult with your veterinarian.

Find out more about health issues in Ragdoll Cats

Written by Jennie @ Ragdoll Cats World

I'm Jennie, the creator of Ragdoll Cats World. I have been owned and loved by Ragdoll Cats for almost twenty years after getting my first Ragdoll kittens, Huey and Choo-Choo back in 2003. They lived to the grand old age of 18 and 17 and they even made the move from London to Australia with me! We now have two Ragdoll cats, Violet and Ocean, and a Maine Coon cat named Eddie, and we love sharing our knowledge of all things related to Ragdoll Cats with you at Ragdoll Cats World!

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