Constipated cat?
Discussion
This could be far more serious and be a blocked bladder. Unless he is elderly, had previous pelvic injuries or constipation before please phone your vets right now for advice.
If it is a blocked bladder (common in mid age males fed dry food and often (though not always overweight) he MUST be seen tonight. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE MORNING.
Many people mistake a blocked bladder for constipation. Even if it is constipated he is obviously distressed so I'd still be phoning your vets tonight.
If it is a blocked bladder (common in mid age males fed dry food and often (though not always overweight) he MUST be seen tonight. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE MORNING.
Many people mistake a blocked bladder for constipation. Even if it is constipated he is obviously distressed so I'd still be phoning your vets tonight.
Edited by bexVN on Tuesday 15th October 23:08
Well 
took him to the vets this morning and it was simply a mix of his long hair and crap that had created a plug stopping him from being able to go to the toilet. The vet wasn't happy with me and tbh it felt a bit like being told off in school! They had to give him a general in the end to knock him out so they could cut it all away around his backside and "trousers" ...
We've not owned a long haired cat before and he does get huge great tangles in his coat etc. Is there any good advice re the best way to look after him?
TX.
PS. Couple of pics of the young chap:
took him to the vets this morning and it was simply a mix of his long hair and crap that had created a plug stopping him from being able to go to the toilet. The vet wasn't happy with me and tbh it felt a bit like being told off in school! They had to give him a general in the end to knock him out so they could cut it all away around his backside and "trousers" ...We've not owned a long haired cat before and he does get huge great tangles in his coat etc. Is there any good advice re the best way to look after him?
TX.
PS. Couple of pics of the young chap:
I for one am very relieved that's all it was. You have no idea how often the thought to be constipated cat turns into a life threatening emergency because it's a blocked bladder.
How is he at allowing you to groom him because that will be your best answer ( I have a Maine coon and have to groom her 2-5 times a week depending on if she is moulting or not. I try and avoid scissors to easy to cut the skin.
Now he's been shaved it'd be good to get him used to a quick comb under the tail every day, even if not needed, preventing knots is much easier.
Start just doing a min (or less) giving him a treat for good reaction to having it done gradually increase time. A bit of grumbling can often be ignored but if tail flicking and ears flat it's time ti stop before you get swiped.
Finally a good comb. Furminators are excellent (just don't use to harshly!) but expensive (good investment though)
Good luck, sorry the vet seemed a bit harsh, I'm guessing it must've been quite bad!
How is he at allowing you to groom him because that will be your best answer ( I have a Maine coon and have to groom her 2-5 times a week depending on if she is moulting or not. I try and avoid scissors to easy to cut the skin.
Now he's been shaved it'd be good to get him used to a quick comb under the tail every day, even if not needed, preventing knots is much easier.
Start just doing a min (or less) giving him a treat for good reaction to having it done gradually increase time. A bit of grumbling can often be ignored but if tail flicking and ears flat it's time ti stop before you get swiped.
Finally a good comb. Furminators are excellent (just don't use to harshly!) but expensive (good investment though)
Good luck, sorry the vet seemed a bit harsh, I'm guessing it must've been quite bad!
Groom every day and leave lots of water bowls dotted about the house, so that he can't pass one without thinking "Aahh - a drink."
Thirst is a weak physiological signal in cats, and it could well be that he's not drinking enough, which will compound the problem.
If he isn't allowed outdoors to naturally eat grass, grow some wheatgrass indoors in a tray.
Thirst is a weak physiological signal in cats, and it could well be that he's not drinking enough, which will compound the problem.
If he isn't allowed outdoors to naturally eat grass, grow some wheatgrass indoors in a tray.
You just need to groom more frequently.
One thing we do with our long haired moggy is to clip the backside fur a bit. This is fairly easy because she is easy going and greedy, so cheese at the front means clippers at the back are fine. Obviously we introduced her to the clippers over a few weeks.
One thing we do with our long haired moggy is to clip the backside fur a bit. This is fairly easy because she is easy going and greedy, so cheese at the front means clippers at the back are fine. Obviously we introduced her to the clippers over a few weeks.
Mobile Chicane said:
Groom every day and leave lots of water bowls dotted about the house, so that he can't pass one without thinking "Aahh - a drink."
Thirst is a weak physiological signal in cats, and it could well be that he's not drinking enough, which will compound the problem.
If he isn't allowed outdoors to naturally eat grass, grow some wheatgrass indoors in a tray.
I don't think he was actually constipated, it was matted hair that was stopping him going, however you are right re the drinking etc multiple water bowls are a good idea.Thirst is a weak physiological signal in cats, and it could well be that he's not drinking enough, which will compound the problem.
If he isn't allowed outdoors to naturally eat grass, grow some wheatgrass indoors in a tray.
Warw1ckHunt said:
5ml of Liquid Paraffin mixed with food will help your cat pass solids/hairballs easier if he appears to be straining. Try not to use for prolonged periods as it can affect vitamin absorption. Available for pennies at your local chemist.
And should only be used under the guidance and ok of the cats vet. It also makes bowels lazier.OP can you clarify please, was your cat actually constipated. This is not how I read it, I read it that it was matted hair around his bum stopping him going not the actual mechanics of defaecating!
We have 2 long haired cats. They get groomed at least 4 times a week. One of them gets turned upside down and we trim his 'trousers' and under his tail or he gets clingons which distresses him (and us) greatly. We took him to the vet nurse for this originally, but she used clippers and cut his backside, so we do it ourselves now.
We give treats after grooming, which usually means they remind us if we forget!
We give treats after grooming, which usually means they remind us if we forget!
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