Constipation can cause cats a lot of pain and damage the digestive system. Vet Penny Clarke explains.
CAT HEALTH
When you think something is ‘mega,’ do you (like me) instantly go back to 90s’ slang where it meant all things amazing? (Examples include Oasis (not Blur) and the ‘Rachel’ hair-do!) Sadly, in this case,‘mega’-colon is anything but amazing and actually means a massively enlarged, abnormal section of a cat’s digestive tract. This serious condition usually affects older cats and is complicated to manage and treat.
What is the colon?
The colon is the end section of gut connecting the small intestines to the anus. Most nutrients are absorbed into the body from food as it travels through the small intestines. The digesta (mushed up food) is left containing very little nutrition as it enters the colon. The colon’s job is to reabsorb water and electrolytes (tiny electrically-charged particles).
The walls of the colon consist of layers of muscle (imagine the rubber of a hosepipe). Signals from the spinal cord stimulate these muscles to contract, forcing faeces to move along its length. The end product of the colon’s work is a perfectly formed poo!
WHAT CAUSES MEGACOLON?
Cats who have repeated bouts of constipation are most at risk of developing megacolon. Faeces clog ups the colon and rectum leading to obstipation (a severe form of constipation). Over time, the colon wall stretches to accommodate the larger volume of hard faeces. As the colon dilates, its ability to contract reduces and the once tube-like structure starts to resemble a saggy sack.
CATS CAN BECOME CONSTIPATED FOR A NUMBER OF REASONS: PAIN
Any form of pain can affect how a cat goes to the toilet. There are obvious forms of pain involving the bottom (such as cat bite abscesses and impacted anal glands) and hidden causes (such as osteoarthritis). Hip and spinal osteoarthritis can make it difficult for cats to hold themselves in position long enough to fully empty their bowels.
Even when their pain is managed, some cats remember how painful it once was to pass faeces and will avoid going to the toilet — this can lead to constipation.
BEHAVIOURAL ISSUES
Cats can hold on to their faeces if they find their litter tray unacceptable. Some cats refuse to use the facilities if the tray is dirty or they dislike the feel of a particular substrate on their paws. The position of their trays within the house can also cause upset (a noisy hallway may be too stressful for example).
A previous negative litter tray experience may cause constipation — cats will avoid
