Management of Chronic Constipation in Cats

Chronic constipation in cats is relatively common, especially in elderly cats, and can be very challenging to manage. Constipation can be caused by a variety of medical conditions including megacolon, secondary to pelvic trauma/narrowing, colonic neoplasia, dehydration and electrolyte disorders.

Initial assessment should aim to identify and remedy the underlying cause where possible. Diet and laxatives often play a key role in the management of affected patients. In recent years much success has been achieved with the use of oral osmotic laxatives, especially polyethylene glycol 3350. Attention to toileting facilities is important to ensure that there are no behavioural or environmental contributory factors to the constipation. For those patients failing to respond to medical management, surgical treatment in the form of sub-total colectomy is often helpful.