Inexperienced cat owners often have many questions about their pet's health, nutrition, and behavior. This is especially true of cases when a person acquired or picked up a very small animal, because caring for him is more difficult than for an adult. One of the most common problems for new owners is constipation in the animal (that is, when the kitten does not go to the toilet “in the big way” for several days). When should you start to sound the alarm and what should be done in this case?
Very small kittens often cannot empty their intestines and bladder on their own. To do this, the mother, after feeding, licks the tongues of the cubs of the cubs with her tongue, starting the organs in this way. And if she is not nearby, such care falls on the shoulders of a person. So, if the
newborn kitten does not go to the toilet “in a big way” after feeding, you should help him: take a cotton swab, moisten it with warm water and gently, do not massage the baby’s tummy in a
circular motion clockwise.
When the animal has grown, has opened its eyes, eats and drinks on its own, problems with constipation can occur due to three main reasons:
- stress;
- improper diet;
- problems with the work of the intestines.
Consider these options in more detail.
The first reason why a kitten rarely goes to the toilet can be a stressful situation: weaning, moving to a new place, moving furniture, having small children nearby. In this case, the animal may refuse to go to the tray “for the most part” for a long time - up to 5 days. And this can be considered the norm. In this case, the kitten will be relieved of stress best of all, as well as the attention, love and affection given to your pet. If after 5 days the situation has not changed, you should definitely consult with your veterinarian.
Also, the kitten does not go to the toilet “in a big way” if its food is not selected correctly. In this case, the stomach does not have time to process food. If the animal has just appeared in your house, try to provide it at least for the first time with the same menu as the previous owners. And in any case, either feed the kitten with good quality industrial feeds, or choose a balanced natural diet. In the second option, the composition of the cat menu must include boiled meat, vegetables, cereals.
The third reason why a kitten goes to the toilet a little or does not go at all is constipation. This may be a congenital problem or acquired, but in any case, if the pet has not visited the tray for more than 7 days, and his tummy is tight and hard, it is most likely a matter of constipation. Also a symptom of this disease can be a mournful meow, unsuccessful attempts to sit down near the toilet. This behavior signals that it is time to run to the doctor, because prolonged constipation can be fatal for a small kitten.
How to help the pet if the kitten does not go to the toilet “in a big way”? The most famous remedy is castor or liquid paraffin. It should be poured into the mouth of the kitten in the amount of half a teaspoon per day. Usually, after its use, the animal’s stool softens and leaves on its own. Do not be alarmed; after an oil infusion, the animal will drink plenty of fluids. Human medicines like Espumisan and Festal can also help.