Hi everyone, hoping to get some insight from others who’ve dealt with similar issues.
I have an indoor-only cat (~13 years old, rescue) with asthma (on treatment and doing well) and a history of skin sensitivities/allergies. We use unscented, low-dust litter and keep the environment as clean as possible. She has lots of enrichment and activity. Slightly overweight but not a concern per our vet.
Main issue: chronic constipation / infrequent pooping. She often goes every 2–3 days. Recently went ~82 hours, which was really concerning.we have had her for over 11 years and always pooped every other day.
She has a history of anal grand issues also previously had a ruptured anal gland, which may or may not be related.
What we’re doing:
- Wet food only (no dry kibble)
- Hill’s digestive food
- Pumpkin (adjusting amounts)
- Small amount of psyllium (Metamucil), used very cautiously
- Lots of added water — her meals are basically a thick soup/stew to keep hydration high
- Probiotic daily
- Omega oil daily
I’m aware psyllium can worsen constipation without enough liquid, so I’ve been careful with dosing and hydration.
Despite all this, stools are still often firm and infrequent. Vets have done imaging and haven’t found a clear cause.
Otherwise she is:
- Eating well
- Active and playful
- No vomiting
- No obvious straining
I’m trying to be proactive and prevent this from becoming something more serious. it’s been a long journey expensive vet bills and trying many different food brands but with her age her constipation keeps getting worse.
I want to add she never seems to want to poop and not able to, nor any straining in her litter boxes. Vets are baffled, we have tried 4 Drs trying to find answers.
Has anyone experienced this with their cat?
Any advice on diet, supplements, or questions I should be asking the vet would be really appreciated.
Thank you!
