So I have found my responses being mentioned quite often when people have questions about poop, (maybe not recently). So I thought I would make a comprehensive guide to your constipated kitten, mostly focusing on younger kittens. Here we go:
Causes:
Most often, when we find orphans or begin bottle feeding babies, they have already gotten used to mothers milk and their systems are already processing it. When we switch, the formula will constipate them. This is normal, and will work itself out in a few days.
Occasionally, we find a kitten who has a blockage in their intestines. This is very serious and the kitten needs immediate medical attention. Surgery may be needed to reverse this. But, do not panic, this doesn’t come up often. To check, simply get a thermometer and put vaseline on it. Insert it into the kittens anus straight, and push in about 1/2 an inch, or about 1 centimeter. If it doesn’t go in by gently pushing, do not force it. When removed, there should be a small amount of feces on the tip of the thermometer. If the thermometer wouldn’t go in a trip to the vet is warranted.
Another cause, alternatively, is too much fiber. This causes the stool to harden and become painful. Basically, while in the intestines, too much water is absorbed back into the body.
In older kittens, the most likely cause of constipation is corn in the foods, or a food sensitivity. Remember, cats are true carnivores. They do not thrive on diets rich in corn, soy, or other fillers. This is why I feed mine corn and soy free food. (It also helps the smell!)
There are many ways to treat it, but it is better to use a solution that is easier on the kitten. This list will go in order of what you should try before calling the vet:
-Dilute their formula an extra part with water. So instead of 1:2 ratio, use a 1:3 or 1:4 ratio. Use a 1:4 when dealing with a kitten who has hard stool, or very young kittens who just switched to formula. Use less water each day until at the 1:2 ratio for young kittens.
-Add 1-2 drops of oil to their formula. This can be canola, olive, or mineral oil. Use this when dealing with hard stool, along with dilution.
-Use 1 mL of canned pumpkin along with a 1:3 dilution. Do not use if the stool has been hard.
-Triangle Method, try to avoid doing this to very young kittens, as it can be a little rough for them.
-Use a thermometer and vaseline to stimulate the anus by gently inserting and removing the tip of the thermometer into the kittens anus.
-Give the kitten an enema with 1-2 mL of water or mineral oil.
If after all of this the kitten still hasn’t gone the kitten should see a vet immediately. If the kitten hasn’t eliminated after 5-7 days (5 for young kittens up to 2 weeks, 7 for older) it should see a vet immediately.
Usually kittens will resolve ongoing constipation issues when they are introduced to hard food or wet food. It is also important that we don’t irritate the kitten raw while trying to stimulate for poop. Only stimulate every other, or every 2 potty breaks, and use warm water with a cotton ball. Do not put anything on the anus if it is irritated, especially if the kitten can clean itself or has siblings.
Some severe warning signs that the kitten should see a vet are vomiting feces or having diarrhea with mucous in it. These are symptoms of the kitten backing up, and needs to see a vet immediately.
There is only so much we can do when it comes to pooping, and part of being good guardians for our furry babies is knowing when we should see a professional. Ongoing constipation issues that continue after weaning should also be brought up to a vet so they can recommend a change in diet or prescribe a laxative.
If you see anything I have missed or have gotten wrong, please feel free to add on or correct me. I am in no way a professional, and all of this is knowledge I have gathered while researching about pooping issues for my fosters or bottle babies.
Happy Pooping!