If your cat does not discharge or produces very dry and hard stools, then he may be constipated. Constipation is a rather annoying ailment for your cat and it is frustrating to see how she struggles to defecate. If the vet agrees and your pet is quite docile, then you can try giving him an enema at home to ease his discomfort.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: When to Perform an Enema
Step 1. Pay attention to signs of constipation
If the cat is constipated, then you will notice that it repeatedly enters the litter box, squats to defecate but cannot. He may also try very hard and make noises such as meowing, grumbling, and howling during these attempts. Other symptoms include loss of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting (frothy or undigested food) and abdominal pain. Sometimes, you may also feel a hard lump of feces by gently palpating the animal's belly.
The signs of constipation are similar to those of a blockage of the urinary tract: the latter is a serious problem that can quickly escalate and become fatal. If you suspect your cat is having difficulty urinating or you realize that it hasn't wet the litter box in more than 12 hours, take it to the vet immediately to rule out a urinary tract obstruction
Step 2. Try to identify the causes of constipation
Tumors and foreign bodies - such as hair, bone and plant material - can prevent the passage of stool. Diet sometimes contributes to this disorder. If your feline friend has historically suffered from constipation, you should add more water to his canned food or supplement his diet with psyllium.
Metabolic or endocrine disorders such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and obesity can cause constipation. Neurological problems that originate from spinal diseases, pelvic injuries or primary nerve dysfunctions can make some cats constipated. Megacolon is a disease that develops when stool accumulates in the colon because the colon is no longer able to excrete fecal material
Step 3. Consider giving your cat an enema at home only in cases of mild and occasional constipation
This is a remedy that you can try only if the animal has a slight constipation (less than 2-3 days) or if he does not suffer chronically from this disorder. In severe cases or if you believe the problem is more complex, you should consult a veterinarian.
The disorder could be much more serious than a simple episode of constipation if the cat changed the amount of water it consumed, was very apathetic, vomited a lot and refused food completely. Sometimes, constipation makes the cat inappetent because it makes him feel full or creates abdominal pain; however, the animal should still express a desire to eat something
Step 4. Take into account the character of your furry friend
Try to give him an enema only if he is a docile and quiet specimen. Furthermore, he should not suffer from other painful or serious conditions such as fractures, arthritis or kidney disease. One of the benefits of having a home enema is leaving your cat in a familiar place that helps keep them calm.
There should be a second person who can help you gently restrain the animal. The cat may be uncooperative, in which case it will try to bite or scratch you. If he fights with a lot of energy to free himself, don't hold him back too hard
Part 2 of 3: Preparing for the Enema
Step 1. Purchase a suitable product
The best type of enema is the one specifically for cats. This contains sodium docusate dissolved in glycerin. The active ingredient attracts water into the stool and softens it, while the glycerin lubricates the rectum. You can find this type of enema online as well.
- Alternatively, consider using warm water or mineral oil. Warm water is the cheapest and safest solution, as it is very unlikely to cause dehydration. Mineral oil is relatively safe, lubricates the rectum and helps small hardened stools come out. However, this product interferes with the levels of fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamin D) and should not be used with individuals suffering from kidney disease. If you have decided to use water or mineral oil, be aware that it will take some time for the stools to soften, as these products do not draw liquids from the intestinal walls as it does with sodium-based enemas. They are also not lubricants. You will need to do several washes in the rectum before the stool softens and begins to come out slowly (from a few minutes to two hours).
- Never use enemas that contain sodium phosphate. The body of cats is able to absorb sodium and phosphate molecules into the bloodstream and tissues. All of this causes severe electrolyte imbalance and dehydration that can be fatal.
Step 2. Use a suitable, properly lubricated syringe
If you have purchased a ready-to-use kit, this should already contain the right syringe. If you have decided to use water or mineral oil, then get a 10-25ml syringe with a soft tube attached to the end. The tip of the tube should be rounded and soft to prevent damage during insertion.
Always lubricate the tip of the syringe or tube. Apply a layer of water-based lubricant or petroleum jelly to the tip that will enter the cat's rectum
Step 3. Prepare the work area and materials
The bathroom is definitely the best place to administer an enema, because it is a familiar environment for the cat but at the same time small and confined, which will facilitate the subsequent cleaning operations. Clean all surfaces and prepare the enema material.
Administering an enema can cause a lot of confusion and dirty the environment. You need to place towels, absorbent sheets, or newspaper sheets on the bathroom floor. It is definitely a good idea to wear clean plastic gloves. It is essential to comply with all hygiene rules also to protect yourself
Part 3 of 3: Administering the Enema
Step 1. Wrap the cat in a towel
Unfold one and place the cat in the center; lift a flap of the cloth over the animal's back and then drop it on its opposite side by tucking the end under the paws. Repeat the procedure with the other flap, performing the same movements but in the opposite direction. At this point, your furry friend should be wrapped like a burrito.
If you are alone, hold the cat close to you so that its muzzle is facing away from your dominant hand. Speak to him in a quiet, comforting voice the entire time, doing so helps him stay calm throughout the procedure
Step 2. Run the enema
Lift the cat's tail and gently insert the tip of the syringe or tube 5-7cm into the rectum. The tube should be connected to a 20ml syringe. Alternatively, you can insert the rubber tube until it touches a mound of hard stool. Do not push the tool too hard and do not inject the liquid quickly, as this could cause rectal trauma or lacerations with serious veterinary complications.
If you are using mineral oil, slowly insert 15-20ml. If you have opted for lukewarm water, inject 50-75ml. If you have purchased a specific product, at the beginning add 6 ml at the rate of 1 ml every 3 seconds. After an hour repeat the procedure, always injecting 6 ml of solution
Step 3. Palpate the cat's abdomen
Place a hand on its belly, between its hind legs, then squeeze gently until you feel the hardened stool. Massage the area by carefully pinching it between your thumb and other fingers. In some cases, the stool comes out very quickly, within 5-10 minutes.
Cats with very hardened stools may need an hour or two before being able to evacuate. You can give him another enema, but if that doesn't work either, call your vet
Step 4. Observe the cat for any complications
If you notice a few bright red blood spots or streaks, you don't need to be particularly worried. However, if there is a lot of blood or continuous bleeding from the rectum, then there may be an injury. In this case, take your cat to the vet right away.
Monitor your cat for a few hours after the enema. Sometimes, enemas can cause vomiting and diarrhea, in which case the animal would be very dehydrated and would need fluids
Advice
Remember that the vet is always the best person to administer an enema to the cat and to decide which product to use. Never hesitate to call him or visit his clinic when your feline friend is suffering from constipation for more than three days
Warnings
- If the enemas you administered did not bring the desired effects, call your vet.
- Some cats develop a condition called "megacolon". This is an abnormal dilation of the colon caused by excessive accumulation of stool. You need to take your pet to the vet as several treatments may be required. In severe cases, surgery is required.
- Never use an enema for human use on a cat: the consequences would be lethal for the animal.
