My cat is constipated and in pain. Should I use an at-home enema?

Poor Marshmellow! It would not be safe to give her an enema at home. You can give her some canned pumpkin to see if this helps soften her stool but it really sounds like she needs to see a veterinarian for care. Your veterinarian can also discuss medication options like Lactulose or Miralax to soften her stool in the future and prevent constipation. In older cats constipation often occurs secondary to some other issue like kidney disease or inflammatory bowel disease so blood work would be a good idea for Marshmellow.

Enemas can definitely be uncomfortable and may cause Sanoe to be a bit out of sorts/have a sore GI tract for a while. You can try a bland meal of some boiled chicken warmed up (or if she was given a prescription food to eat, that moistened or warmed up) as smell usually entices a cat to eat, and moistening the food can help increase water intake without having to drink as much. If she doesn't start eating, or return to more normal behavior after a day, or she seems to be worsening, letting your vet know and bringing her back in for a recheck is best.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Instead of an enema, I would recommend you first try something that is less involved and likely to help which is giving him about 1 teaspoon of canned pumpkin with his meals. This usually helps with constipation in cats. Good luck and have a great day!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Nyla. I'm sorry to hear about her recent bout of constipation. She should have blood work to ensure there is not a medical problem contributing to her constipation. If not, I will typically use a prescription stool softener called lactulose. I also like a prescription diet known as Royal Canin Veterinarian Diet Feline Fiber Response. I hope this information helps!

It’s definitely concerning that Sarisin still has not defecated and is not eating despite treatment. I am wondering if any diagnostics have been performed - constipation can be secondary to ingestion of a foreign object or kidney disease. Blood work and x-rays might help determine why the current treatments aren’t working. I would definitely check in with your vet before giving an enema - not all enemas are safe for cats, and even a water enema can be difficult to administer. Hope your kitty is feeling better soon!

Poor girl. It is best to give her a mini bath since we don't know what kind of enema the vet gave her. If she tolerates it just give her a washcloth bath that will minimize her stress. Even if you don't use shampoo and water only, it is ok since you are just trying to remove the enema contents. I hope that your furry friend's constipation issues don't become a chronic issue moving forward. Best of luck and take care.

Hi, and thanks for your question. Mild constipation that lasts no more than two days can usually be resolved at home with increased fiber and hydration. Canned pumpkin (not pie filling, just the straight-up pumpkin) or liquid paraffin can be used, and should work straight away in the following 8 hours from administration. DO NOT TRY to give an enema as it could be dangerous and cause electrolyte imbalances and colon perforation. If constipation lasts more than 24 hours from administration of those or 48 hours in general, a check up at your local vet is required. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!