Kitten Constipation
What to do about kitten constipation
Kitten constipation is pretty common, especially among hand-reared kittens and premature kittens. The reason is because mother cats stimulate the anal region of their kittens frequently. If something happened to the mother cat soon after her kittens were born, then this is something you will have to start doing. If you allow feces to build up inside the kittens’ anuses, it can turn toxic and kill them.
Premature kittens often have constipation because their organs and bodies are not fully developed. They need to be fed every hour or two with diluted kitten formula. Premature kittens, like other kittens, should have a bowel movement at least once every two days. They especially need to have their anus stimulated often to avoid kitten constipation.
To stimulate your kitten’s anus, you can try a warm wet cotton ball first, although it may be too rough for some kittens’ bottoms, especially the premature ones. The best way to stimulate your kitten’s bottom is with your index finger. Trim your nails and then start running warm water at the sink. When it’s the right temperature, put the kitten’s bottom in the stream and gently stimulate her anus. You’ll know you’re not doing it right if the kitten doesn’t have a bowel movement after you do it.
So how do you know if kitten constipation is a problem? Normal kitten feces is easily passed and looked similar to brown toothpaste. If the feces are small, hard lumps, then your kitten is starting to get constipated. You’ll also know your kitten is constipated if he strains to have a bowel movement. Constipated kittens also tend to have a hard abdomen that’s distended and may be tender to the touch.
If your kitten has not had a bowel movement for more than two days, then try a small dose of liquid paraffin or another feline laxative. Use only about a half milliliter of paraffin with each feeding for one to two days. Avoid paraffin if the kitten is especially young. Instead, rub some white petroleum jelly into the kitten’s anus. Be sure to warm it up in the microwave a tiny bit before you rub it in.
One important factor in keeping kitten constipation away is how much exercise your kittens get. Keeping them in a box or cage will prevent them from getting the exercise they need to help their digestive system function properly. Be sure you let them out plenty of times per day to play, romp, and work those digestive muscles.
Another thing to watch is how much water your kittens drink. We all think cats and kittens drink milk all the time, but it’s important not to forget the water. Water keeps the kitten’s bowels hydrated and helps them pass stool more easily.
If the kitten constipation keeps coming back or never seems to go away, then it could be a symptom of a more serious problem. You should seek the advice of a veterinarian if you can’t seem to get rid of your kitten’s constipation.