So maybe you intend on traveling or heading out for a few days. Most probably you would want to know how your cats digestive system work, how long can they hold their poop or if you need to carry a litter box. Well, in this article I’m going to to share with you what I’ve learned from the research I’ve done.
So how long can cats or kittens hold their poop and pee ?
In general cats can hold their poop or pee for 24-48 hour while kittens can hold on for about 12- 24 hours. However not all cats are able to hold on for so long due to other determining factors. Keep in mind that any routine change or external stresses may cause the cat to defecate or pee immediately without warning.
Cats “poop and pee holding” potential depends on a variety of factors such as
- Cats Bladder and Gut health.
- Infections and blockages in urinary and gut tract.
- Cats health and activity level.
- Age of the cat.
- External stresses and changes.
- The cats diet and meal portions.
- Lifestyle.
Traveling, preventing “poopy situations” .
If you intend on traveling and if you are worried about your cats bathroom visits. You should carry a litter box or at least a travel portable litterbox. Some people decide not to carry a litter box when traveling near distances, however traveling is known for making felines feel anxious and uncomfortable. In this state your cat may defecate or pee. This is totally stress related and you must prepare for it, especially if it’s your cats first time traveling.
Some tips when traveling with cats.
- Stop feeding 4-6 hours before the travel.
- Carry a litterbox, on every travel or car ride.
- Bring disposable bags, pet diapers and wipes.
- Carry motion sickness meds.
- Tag along toys and gadgets to distract your cat from the traveling.
- Provide snacks
- Take bathroom breaks after every 2-3 hours of driving.
Is it normal for a cat to not poop everyday ?
Many feline parents get scared or worried when they notice the irregular pattern of their cats digestive system. Some cats may poop everyday while some cats poop once in two days. This is completely normal and safe interms of the cats health.
Some cats that consume more fibre in their diet may need to poop more often like twice a day. Cats that lack fiber and have a bad diet or poor gut health may defecate alot less frequently. Normally cats have two bowel movements in a day. Anything more or less is nothing to worry about unless the problem persists.
An healthy cat should defecate atleast once a day, however this is not precise. For example cats that consume more food may poop more often since their gut gets full faster, while cats that consume less food it may take a while for their digestive tract to fill up and may defecate every other day. If your cat haven’t pooped in more than 48-72 hours you might want to keep track and observe the litterbox.
When to be worried ?
- If your cat haven’t pooped for more than 3-4 days.
- If your cat poops blood.
- Excessive fur digestion.
- If your cat is in pain and behaving strangely.
- Refuses food and water.
- Excessive vomiting.
- Signs of constipation.
- Changes in the color and texture of the cats faeces.
If your feline presents with any of the above symptoms and behaviors, its required that you visit your local vet immediately for a consult and further testing. While it’s not always serious, it’s better to be safe rather than sorry.
In extreme cases the cat could have a blockage or a complete bowel obstruction which will require surgery if the condition isnt resolved. In most cases the diagnosis is constipation which can be treated with a few changes to diet and water intake.
Ways to help a constipated cat to poop ?
If your fur friend is constipated or having difficulty trying to defecate. There are a few ways to help. Before you try any of these techniques consult with your vet to make sure it’s safe to do so and to confirm that it is constipation that you dealing with rather than a more severe digestive problem.
Main sign of constipation are dry, hard stool. Aswell as strain, discomfort and irregular behavior. Constipation is caused by too much dry food, not enough water, chronic disease or it could be a symptom to another medical issue.
Lifestyle changes that help with constipation in cats.
- Increase water consumption.
- Try a new diet.
- Add more fiber to your felines diet.
- Cat must maintain an healthy weight.
- Help your cat live an healthy lifestyle.
- Include more wet food to your cats diet.
- Try a few over the counter laxative. Consult with a vet first.
- Start your feline with a supplement to help assist.
Natural and medical remedies to help with cat constipation.
- Pureed pumpkin can help to introduce fiber in your cats diet. This must be given once or twice a week.
- Ginger is a natural remedy to help with the cats digestive tracts. Include this in small amounts to your cats diet.
- Miralax (PEG 3350) is commonly used in cats to treat constipation, and Colace (docusate) is a good alternative. Never use human medicine for your feline.
- Vetasyl is a psyllium supplement made specifically for pets. You can open the capsule and mix it with moist food.
- Probiotics are a great way to promote and regulate the bacteria in the gut, which will be helpful in treating constipation.
Can I give my cat oil to help with constipation?
Castor Oil.
After trying all remedies and medical treatments your vet may recommend the use of castor oil. Castor oil is a vegetable oil pressed from castor beans. This oil is a powerful laxative and have anti inflammatory properties.
Normally the castor oil is put into the cats food bowl and is mixed with the cats food. The cat is required to eat all of its food with fresh fresh water afterwards.
The oil lubricates, soften and relieves the tightness of the digestive tract or helps to improve the moisture in the waste in the gut.
Olive Oil.
For a mild case of constipation,VetInfo advises one-half to one tablespoon of olive oil, or five to ten drops if you use a dropper. Add the oil to your cat’s food. Do not force oil into your cat’s mouth. Try and use clever ways and tricks to include the oil to your cats diet.
You want to involve the olive oil to your cats diet without any visible traces. By combining it with food and treats you can introducing this lubricant without your cat noticing.
If your cat suffers with recurring constipation, than olive oil is not a suitable treatment since it could lead to diarrhea. In this case administer small doses, which should display no side effects.
Finally
If you have exhausted every option and alternative, without any results, I think it would be time to seek medical help. In some cases constipation is only a symptom to a greater medical problem. If left untreated it could be fatal.
