How can something that sounds so cool be so stinky? (pun intended) Constipation can be a common problem in cats, especially as they grow older. Infrequent defecation and prolonged difficulty defecating along with vomiting and anorexia is usually how it presents. Idiopathic megacolon is one of the culprits of this lack or difficulty with bowel movements. Other causes include: dehydration, renal failure, foreign body obstruction, cancer, electrolyte abnormalities, hypothyroidism, and the list goes on. Idiopathic megacolon is thought to arise from neurological dysfunctions and disorders of the smooth muscle in their gastrointestinal tracts.

Blood work and urinalysis help us rule out some of those other causes such as dehydration or metabolic disorders. X-rays help us to check to see if there are any foreign bodies or structural deformities (broken pelvis etc) as well as visualize the extent of the disease (how dilated those intestines actually are).

Once we have relieved the issue at hand (enemas and digital extraction,…still want to be a vet) we must consider whether the patient requires medical management at home.

In the early stages of idiopathic megacolon, bulking agents such as psyllium fiber or canned pumpkin may help stimulate the colonic smooth muscle contractions. Unfortunately at the later stages of this condition fiber may make things worse as the muscles do not appear to be as responsive to stretch receptors (at this point low residue diets are recommended). Next in the play book are laxatives, hyperosmotic and lubricating are the two types I find most commonly used. One helps to draw moisture and promote motility where the other helps to minimize the absorption of water keeping the fecal matter moist and soft. Prokinetic drugs are sometimes recommended as a third pillar of treatment for these patients. There are surgeries described to help repair this condition, I have not personally seen many of these in practice and most of my patients have done well on medical management.

Bottom line- if your cat doesn’t poop regularly or looks to be in pain when they do defecate. If they defecate outside of the box, or stop eating. SEE YOUR VET.