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my cat Enie howls in pain when defecating. He does not seem ...

Sent to Cat Experts June 17, 2006 6:01 p.m.

my cat Enie howls in pain when defecating. He does not seem in pain other then at that time. Please help, as it is very worrysome. What do you think this could be?

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $15

Answer
June 17, 2006 6:04 p.m. (2 minutes and 42 seconds later)

REPLIED

If he is constipated, the absolute best way to deal with this is to add 1 tsp of canned pumpkin to his next few meals. This will have a gentle laxative effect and will soften the stools.

If this does NOT help, you are dealing with a bigger problem and will need to see your vet.

Let me know if you want to discuss this more.

Tammy F. -- Cat Care Expert -- 99% Positive Feedback on 809 Cat Accepts
15+ years-Cat care, Veterinary shelter medicine/infectious disease, feral colony mgmt, cat rescue

Reply to Tammy Falkner
Sent June 17, 2006 6:08 p.m. (3 minutes and 29 seconds later)

my cats stool is soft, so he is not constipated. What kind of problem could this be??, before seeing a vet, would be nice to know what we could be facing.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
June 17, 2006 6:11 p.m. (3 minutes and 36 seconds later)

ACCEPTED

The most common cause of the kind of pain you are describing (if you know he's not constipated) is anal gland problems. Cats naturally strain when they poop and this empties the glands (as long as there is not a problem). If your cat is having soft stools, he might not be straining enough to empty the glands so they could be overly full. This will cause pain. They can also get infected and need antibiotics.

I would also be concerned that he has a urinary disorder (crystals or a UTI) and you are hearing him complain because the litter box is a source of pain.

Be sure that he is passing urine through the weekend and then see your vet as soon as you are able.

Tammy F. -- Cat Care Expert -- 99% Positive Feedback on 809 Cat Accepts
15+ years-Cat care, Veterinary shelter medicine/infectious disease, feral colony mgmt, cat rescue

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