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THERAPEUTIC NUTRITION
Useful information about the needs of cats and dogs with nutritionally sensitive health conditions.
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Feline Constipation and Megacolon
Constipation is a relatively common problem in cats. While many cats have one or two episodes without further problems, chronic and/or severe constipation can progress to
Dehydration is the most common cause of constipation in cats, although other conditions (e.g., obstruction of the colon, electrolyte imbalances and neuromuscular disease) can cause or contribute to constipation. Whenever possible, it is important to identify and correct or manage the underlying cause of constipation because it will influence the specific treatment plan.
Nutrition plays an important role in the management of feline constipation, obstipation and megacolon. The dietary factors of greatest concern are water, dietary fiber and diet digestibility.
Key Messages
- Increased dietary fiber and moisture are the key nutrients to modify when managing mild to moderate cases of constipation in cats.
- Many constipated cats experience dehydration, which results in increased water absorption from the colon and leaves dry, hard feces. Options for increasing water intake to help maintain appropriate hydration and soften stool include:
- Feeding wet food (e.g., cans/tins, pouches/sachets)
- Adding water to dry kibble
- Increasing the number and type of water stations in the home
- Offering a nutrient-enriched, flavored water supplement
- Increased dietary fiber ꟷ ideally, a combination of soluble and insoluble fiber ꟷ may benefit cats with constipation. Soluble fiber increases stool moisture content, while insoluble fiber increases fecal bulk, resulting in improved peristalsis and reflex contraction of the colon. Good hydration is critically important when dietary fiber is increased.
- Cats with megacolon should be fed a highly digestible diet to reduce the amount of feces.
- A change in food, if needed, should be performed gradually to help encourage acceptance.
"Maintaining hydration is important in managing constipated cats. Feeding a food with a high moisture content is one option to increasing your cat's hydration. Another option is to encourage your cat to drink more water by increasing the number and type of water stations around your home or increasing the palatability of water. We may also need to consider changing your cat's food to one that has a [higher/lower] fiber content so that stools are regularly passed."
To Share With Pet Owner:
Hydration in Pets
Water is vital to health. How much water should pets drink, are there differences between cats and dogs, and how can pets be encouraged to drink?
View Hot Topic
6 min to 10 min
Fiber in Pet Food
High fiber diets are often recommended for people to support a healthy digestion. What is the role of fiber in pet foods?
View Hot Topic
6 min to 10 min
Switching Pet Foods - Cats
Gradually transitioning onto a new diet minimizes the risk of stomach upset.
View Brief
1 min to 5 min
Additional Resources
Benjamin, S. E., & Dobratz, K. J. (2020). Retrospective evaluation of risk factors and treatment outcome predictors in cats presenting to the emergency room for constipation. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 22(2), 153–160. doi:10.1177/1098612X19832663
Chandler, M. (2013). Focus on nutrition: Dietary management of gastrointestinal disease. Compendium: Continuing Education for the Veterinarian, 35(6), E1–3.
Davenport, D. J., Remillard, R. L., & Carroll, M. (2010). Constipation/obstipation/megacolon. In M. S. Hand, C. D. Thatcher, R. L. Remillard, P. Roudebush, & B. J. Novotny (Eds.), Small animal clinical nutrition (5th ed., pp. 1117–1126). Mark Morris Institute.
Linder, D. E. (2017). Featuring fiber: Understanding types of fiber and clinical uses. Today’s Veterinary Practice, 7(1), 69–74. https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/acvn-nutrition-notesfeaturing-fiber-understanding-types-fiber-clinical-uses