constipation and my cat with cancer

My cat has terminal cancer and she's been eating less and less (though when the mood strikes her she gobbles up her treats, so it's not like she's completely rejecting all food). But it only just occurred to me today (after she wet my bed) that she hasn't pooped in almost a week. She hasn't eaten a lot but what comes in must go out, right? I've given her some Friskies hairball treats throughout the week but nothing has come out.

I know I should probably take her to vet, I'm just so worried about what they'll tell me (ie they can't do anything for her, they have to put her to sleep) and on top of that, I'm going out of town for a few days starting Tuesday. I texted my boss to see if I could take Mon morning off and she's been really supportive of my poor kitty thus far but I have work that if I don't do someone else will have to and I'm also worried they are going to hate me. ;/

Where is the question here? I guess how bad is it that she hasn't pooped (keeping in mind she hasn't eaten that much and she's drinking water and peeing)? I really hope I don't have to take her to an emergency vet since it's a Sunday night. I've spent about $2,000 just getting her diagnosed with "nothing we can do" cancer. She is my first kitty and I've had her less than 2 years (though she's 11) so really just looking to others with more experience, thanks.

I am so sorry for what you're going through. I have done the same thing. We had to put my beloved cat of thirteen years to sleep on April 23rd due to lymphoma in her kidneys. She was suffering too much and I couldnt bare to let her go through that. Did you ever think of asking your vet for steroids? They relieve pain and stimulate appetite, and it sounds like they could be beneficial in your situation. Steroids are about 30 dollars for 100 pills (here in Canada, at least). The most common cause of constipation in cats is dehydration, but you say your cat is drinking so we can rule that out. There are laxatives for cats that you can buy at your local pet store, but I have never had any experience with those. I would call your vet and ask what they would reccomend for her constipation. I found a website (http://www.grandmashomeremedies.com/home-remedies-for-cat-constipation.html) with some remedies that might help. I will keep you and your kitty in my prayers. I hope everything turns out okay.

Steroids helped my cat with liver tumours live several month with a good quality of life.  He got long-acting injections rather than pills, and every time I went to the vets they checked him and weighed him.  After the first shot I was only charged for the actual injection, apart from one visit!

Thanks guys. I'm taking her to the vet this afternoon. She is taking steroids (really small pills with some long name started with "s") but the vet had mentioned a shot before so I'll ask about that. I didn't realize steroids could stimulate her appetite, which would be really helpful so maybe if the shot is stronger it'll help.

Steroids have a bad name as long-term use leads to a number of problems, but they are terrific drugs for teminally ill cats - and people.  They took a day or so to kick in with my cat, and my vet said they didn't work for all cats.  He got a very short-acting shot first to see if they would help him.  I also found there were two types, one that had to go into a muscle (not easy in an emaciated cat) and one that was subcutaneous.  However the shorter-acting ones were the intramuscular ones.  The vet did really well and he hardly seemed to notice - she used a very fine needle.

Our Lazlo had issues with constipation when he was going through chemotherapy. We gave him laxatone when it first cropped up until he had a bowel movement (though an enema was considered at one point). After that, we gave him a tablespoon of plain pumpkin with one of his meals every day, and that helped keep him regular. Pumpkin is a safe fiber for cats that helps regulate water in the colon, and can help keep her regular. Many cats like it, and eat it plain or mixed with wet food or baby food just fine. :nod:

Even if your kitty is drinking, she may still be dehydrated. If I've gotten here in time, ask the vet about giving sub-Q fluids at home, if it's indicated.

You can also ask about an appetite stimulant in addition to the steroid. :nod:

Does your cat lick her lips a lot? If so, that's an indication of nausea. Depends on how the cancer is affecting her. But an anti-nausea medication may help too. Worth asking about if you see her licking her lips. Nausea is often a reason for not wanting to eat (though in your case it seems being backed up due to constipation is the problem).

I'm so sorry about your baby. Sending many vibes for her comfort!