Is this constipation?

I've noticed that Ruth has made several trips to the litter box this morning, but I don't they've been productive. She's also licking her bottom more than usual. Could she be constipatied? She seems to be feeling fine and has been terrorizing Kitty Bear as usual What else should I be lookiing for? Ruth is not quite 2 years old and I've never seen this type of behavior from her in the past. Her apetite is good and she's drinking plenty of water. I'd appreciate any suggestions.

Originally Posted by RuthiesMom

I've noticed that Ruth has made several trips to the litter box this morning, but I don't they've been productive. She's also licking her bottom more than usual. Could she be constipatied? She seems to be feeling fine and has been terrorizing Kitty Bear as usual

What else should I be lookiing for? Ruth is not quite 2 years old and I've never seen this type of behavior from her in the past. Her apetite is good and she's drinking plenty of water. I'd appreciate any suggestions.

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here are some things u can add to her regular food or water to help get those feces going: sometimes it helps to add more protein to her diet like some canned salmon, tofu (soft), raw egg....u can actually cook these 3 items as scrambled eggs and she'll love it! in order to settle her tummy and clean out toxins that happen with being "backed up" add chamomile tea to her water supply (luke warm) make sure its real chamomile, no combos or black tea.

It sounds like she could be constipated, have a problem with her anal glands, or have a possible urinary tract infection.
If this continues through today, I would take her to the vet for a proper diagnosis.

I agree with Sandie, if the behavior continues please get her to the vet. If her anal glands are impacted, they will need to be expressed. Is she scooting her rump on the carpet? Or peeing mutliple times in just small amounts? Both of those symptoms lend toward health issues and not constipation.

She's not scooting her rump and she's not peeing except as usual. When she leaves the litter box (which is covered), she is not covering anything. While she is in the box, I notice that her eyes close just a little as if she might be having trouble moving her bowels. Thanks for the advice and we'll keep an eye on her today and see what tomorrow brings.

Looks like Ruth might have a Urinary Tract Infection. I guess she was trying to pee and not poop. We took the lid off her litter box so we could "inspect" what she leaves. So, it's a call to the vets in the morning to get her in. In the meantime, is there anything I can do for her? As I said, she doesn't seem to be in any discomfort other than many trips to the litter box. She's eating and playing and getting into trouble just like always.

I am glad you had a chance to really look. It's good that you caught this early. There is not anything you can do for her at home, just make sure she sees the vet first thing tomorrow. Let us know how everything goes, and how she is doing.

Thanks Sandie, I'll keep you posted. Ruth seems to be as active as usual and doesn't seem to be in any discomfort. For this, I am glad. Right now, she is playing fetch with her fuzzy mouse.

if shes just trying to pee, not poop, just chamomile tea can get that infection out

Please do not ever try a homeopathic remedy without consulting a veterinarian. There are many vets out there who use homeopathic remedys along with conventional medicine. In order to even diagnose the urinary tract infection, they will need a urine sample.

Amen to that, especially for a UTI! They can go bad so quickly! And though I am not discounting that holistic and homeopathic cures can and do work in some instances, they work in conjuction with other treatments and your vet needs to know that you are trying them before you do. I quite often depart from conventional meds when they aren't doing the trick, but I always let my vet know that I am doing this before I do it, and if he argues with me, I listen and go with his recommendation. I strongly urge you to do the same, and get your kitty to the vet for the right medication to stop this problem-


Good luck!

I just got Ruth home from the Vet's. The poor girl had to stay there most of the day as they were trying to get a urine specimen. The Vet told me she didn't think Ruth had an infection, since cat's urine usually kills any bacteria and her first guess was her food was causing the problem.

About 4 hours later she called me to tell me she was wrong and Ruth did, in fact, have a bladder infection. She had to perform a Cytocentesis in order to get the urine. Poor Ruthie!

She is now on Orbax 22.7 mg twice a day for 5 days. She should be feeling better by tomorrow, I'm told. I was shown how to give Ruth her pills. I'll be nervous about that until I do it a time or two. The Vet will call in a day or so and see how Ruth is doing. If all goes well, she won't have to go back for a follow up appointment.

Kitty Bear is glad Ruth is back, and is even trying to get Ruth to chase her!

I am glad that Ruthie is getting treated with the right meds. I haven't heard that before that cat's urine kills bacteria but it just doesn't sound right to me. I have had cats and kittens sick with a load of bacteria in their urine.

It sounded pretty odd to me, too. I did manage to get Ruth's meds into her this morning. I think it was harder for me than for her I have a feeling it's going to be a long week for both of us as far as pills are concerned. I'm just really glad that Ruth hasn't acted "sick" during all of this. I'm hoping by this afternoon, she'll be her old peeing self .

Looks like Ruth is peeing better than she was Sunday. The poor thing is so tired! My husband says she has been sleeping most of the day. She's up now, and playing with her purple mousie.

I'm so happy Ruth has a diagnosis and is feeling better. Not to worry, it can take a week or more to see the symptoms go away. Once the antibiotics are finished all should be just fine. They say that cats don't get urinary tract infections very often, but I sure have seen alot of them come through the clinic I work for.

Vibes to Ruth for a speedy recovery!

Thanks, Sam, for your good vibes. I was worried that we weren't seeing more of an improvement today. Ruth still seems to be having trouble peeing. Sandie, you came through with just the information that I needed today about it taking a week or so for the symptoms to go away. Getting the pills into Ruth has been a struggle, but I've been successful. I know we'll both be glad when Ruth has taken all the pills. She only has to take them for 5 days. I'm hoping that will do the trick.