Constipation in a kitten — what to do?

Excessive fat content in the milk

Cat’s milk is very nutritious and concentrated — this is a natural adaptation to the rapid growth of kittens. On average, the fat content of a cat’s milk is around 4–6%, but this figure can increase depending on diet, age, breed and the individual characteristics of the animal.

If a cat's milk becomes too fatty, the kitten's digestive system may not be able to fully digest it. As a result, the stool becomes denser, and bowel movements become less frequent and painful. This most often occurs when the cat receives an excess of fatty or inappropriate food, is dehydrated, or has metabolic problems.

In such cases, it is important to pay attention not only to the condition of the kitten, but also to the diet and well-being of the mother: if necessary, switch the kittens to a milk replacer, and provide the mother with premium or super-premium food intended for kittens, pregnant, or nursing cats.

Constipation associated with helminths

Another possible, though not always obvious, cause of constipation in very young kittens is helminths. Infection often occurs in utero or through the mother's milk, if the cat has not undergone regular deworming.

Parasites can mechanically irritate or partially block the intestinal lumen, disrupt its peristalsis and the overall function of the digestive system. In such cases, constipation may alternate with other symptoms: bloating, restlessness, and poor weight gain.

Insufficient feeding

Іноді власники, з найкращих намірів, обмежують кількість їжі, боячись перегодовування. Проте для кошеняти регулярне надходження поживних речовин є критично важливим. Коли їжі замало, кишечник уповільнює роботу, калові маси стають сухими й твердими — і виникає закреп. Sometimes owners, with the best intentions, restrict the amount of food, fearing overfeeding. However, for a kitten, a regular supply of nutrients is critically important. When there is not enough food, the intestines slow down, the stool becomes dry and hard — and constipation occurs.

Кошеня має їсти часто, невеликими порціями, відповідно до віку та ваги. Регулярне харчування — це не лише про зростання, а й про здорову моторику кишківника. A kitten should eat frequently, in small portions, according to its age and weight. Regular feeding is not only about growth, but also about healthy intestinal motility.

Незбалансоване харчування Unbalanced nutrition

Домашня, власноприготовлена їжа може бути чудовим варіантом, але лише за умови правильного балансу білків, жирів, мінералів і клітковини. Без цього травна система швидко реагує розладами, зокрема й закрепами. Home-cooked food can be an excellent option, but only with the right balance of proteins, fats, minerals, and fiber. Without this, the digestive system quickly responds with disorders, including constipation.

Щоб підтримати мікрофлору кишківника та процеси травлення, до такого раціону доцільно додавати симбіотики — поєднання пробіотиків і пребіотиків, які допомагають кишечнику працювати м’яко та фізіологічно. Це особливо корисно в період росту, зміни корму або після стресів. To support the intestinal microflora and digestive processes, it is advisable to add symbiotics to such a diet — a combination of probiotics and prebiotics that help the intestines work gently and physiologically. This is especially beneficial during periods of growth, diet changes, or after stress.

Трихобезоари Trichobezoars

Кошенята активно вилизуються, а під час линьки заковтують значну кількість шерсті. Якщо вона не виводиться природним шляхом, у шлунково-кишковому тракті формуються трихобезоари, які можуть ускладнювати проходження калових мас і викликати закреп. Kittens groom themselves actively and swallow a significant amount of fur during shedding. If it is not expelled naturally, trichobezoars form in the gastrointestinal tract, which can impede the passage of stool and cause constipation.

Це не дрібниця, а справжня турбота про комфорт маленького хижака. This is not a minor matter, but genuine care for the comfort of a little predator.

Недостатня ферментативна активність підшлункової залози Insufficient enzymatic activity of the pancreas

For some kittens, digestion can be complicated by a lack of enzymes or chronic inflammatory processes of the pancreas. In such cases, food is digested incompletely, intestinal motility is disrupted, which can manifest as both constipation and unstable stools.

To support digestion, it is advisable to use complexes that combine enzymes and probiotic cultures. They help reduce the load on the pancreas, improve the absorption of nutrients and maintain healthy intestinal microflora.

Foreign bodies in the gastrointestinal tract

Kittens explore the world with their mouths, and threads, rubber bands, pieces of toys or packaging can end up in the gastrointestinal tract. Constipation in such cases is often combined with vomiting, apathy, abdominal pain, and refusal to eat.

Change of home or moving

A new environment, smells, sounds, and unfamiliar corners can frighten the little one.

New litter box or filler

Even a small change to a familiar object can cause refusal to use the toilet or delayed defecation.

Other animals in the house

New cats, dogs, or even small animals cause tension and a sense of danger.

Loud sounds

Fireworks, construction noise, thunder, or loud human voices can cause severe stress.

Veterinary visit

An unfamiliar environment, smells, and handling can temporarily disrupt normal bowel function.