How to massage a cat for constipation

Cats, like humans, can experience digestive issues from time to time, and constipation is a common problem that can cause discomfort. If your cat is struggling with this issue, a gentle massage may help to stimulate their digestive system and provide relief. While it’s not a replacement for veterinary care, knowing how to massage your cat can offer comfort and potentially help them get things moving again.

It’s simple to massage a constipated cat, but it’s crucial to do it correctly to prevent injury. You can assist your cat’s digestion and lessen their discomfort with a little time and gentle care. Make sure your cat is relaxed and at ease before you start. A cat that is nervous or stressed out might not react well to massage.

This post will cover the fundamentals of giving your constipated cat a safe, effective massage as well as some advice on how to make the session as stress-free as possible for both of you. Let’s begin by discussing the best methods to employ and how to interact with your cat throughout this procedure.

General information about constipation in cats

• Enlargement errors (an unbalanced diet, a “natural” nutrition, a large amount of fat products in the menu, etc.d.);
• inflammatory, infectious and tumor processes in the intestines;
• neurological disorders;
• lack of motor activity;
• kidney and liver dysfunction;
• prostatitis in males;
• narrowing of the anus;
• ingress of a foreign body or hairball;
• diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
• perineal hernia;
• surgical interventions – for example, castration or sterilization;
• intestinal obstruction;
• age-related changes in the body, accompanied by a decrease in intestinal motility;
• infestation with worms;
• abdominal trauma;
• taking medications.

Absence of bowel movements or infrequent (once every 3–4 days) trips to the bathroom are the primary signs of constipation. Constipated cats become drowsy, refuse to eat or play, and may throw up or experience bloating and vomiting. The animal may try to relieve itself, but these attempts are usually ineffective and painful for the pet—the excrement either comes out in small amounts, appears solid and dry, or stays inside.

Animals suffering from constipation have extreme discomfort and become inebriated.

A very dangerous condition that can cause the body to become intoxicated and result in serious complications is the absence of normal stool for three days or longer.

Take note! Since constipation is a symptom of many different pathologies rather than a distinct illness, treating the underlying cause of the problem is necessary to fully resolve the constipation.

What to give a cat for constipation

"Duphalac" is among the approved laxatives for felines.

Using medications with a laxative effect is the most efficient way to treat constipation, but it is not completely safe. These medications have adverse effects and can occasionally be harmful to an animal’s health, so it is best to use them only after speaking with a veterinarian.

Table 1 lists cat remedies for constipation.

Candles with a vaseline oil base

Lactulose-based products (Lactusan, Duphalac)

• aloe;
• chamomile;
• mint;
• celandine;
• borax;
• rhubarb leaves.

They can be fed to pets in their natural state or, if desired, prepared decoctions and infusions should be gradually given to them.

An enema is another useful treatment for constipation; however, you will need a syringe or a special syringe for cats to administer it. 50–75 milliliters of warm, boiled water is sufficient to treat a mild bowel disorder; for optimal results, dilute the water with a small amount of Vaseline oil. After the liquid is injected into the rectum and the pet is covered with a towel or blanket, the pet should feel better.

Cat constipation can be effectively treated with an enema.

Administer "human" laxatives (provided they are not contraindicated by veterinarians) and alternative vegetable oils to cats experiencing constipation, as they may have an adverse effect on the kidney and liver’s functions.

Crucial! Laxatives, enemas, and home remedies should not be used in the event of chronic constipation or bowel movement disorders brought on by mechanical intestinal obstruction; instead, medical attention is necessary for these conditions.

Cat enema

How to massage a cat

Massage is a relaxing and therapeutic procedure that veterinarians often recommend for various diseases, including gastrointestinal disorders, in cats, both healthy and sick. It enhances the animal’s overall health, eases tense muscles, boosts immunity, stimulates the digestive system, and fosters a more intimate and nuanced bond between the owner and their companion. The most important thing is to perform the procedure accurately, considering all of its characteristics and contraindications.

For cats, massage is advised as a soothing or therapeutic procedure.

In what cases is massage prohibited

• dermatological diseases, skin lesions (injuries, burns, etc.).d.);
• acute conditions, including high temperature, dehydration, poisoning, exhaustion;
• inflammatory diseases of internal organs, bone pathologies and the musculoskeletal system;
• exhaustion of the body;
• pregnancy.

Light massages can be administered to older animals, such as kittens, but it is best to see a veterinarian first. A few weeks after birth, babies can be massaged; they will be well-prepared for this treatment because, in the early days of life, cats themselves perform massages with the assistance of their tongues. The cat initiates metabolic and intestinal processes in addition to performing hygienic procedures by licking her young. Extra caution should be used when manipulating a pet to avoid hurting them with strange or forceful movements.

It is important to consider any contraindications before administering a massage.

Massage for constipation: is it possible or not

1. Constipation accompanied by alarming signs. Symptoms to look out for include fever or hypothermia, vomiting, dehydration, intense abdominal pain (if the cat is screaming or rocking on the floor all the time), severe bloating.
2. Suspected neoplasms. Any mechanical impact in case of tumor diseases is strictly prohibited, even if the neoplasm is benign – the tumor can start bleeding, increase in size and transform into cancer.
3. Inflammatory bowel diseases. With colitis, gastritis and other inflammatory diseases, the animal requires comprehensive diagnostics and treatment, and home treatment methods can provoke serious complications.
4. Obstruction of the intestine by a foreign body. Particularly dangerous for the health and life of a cat are bone fragments – they can pierce the intestinal wall, as a result of which the animal will die from pain shock or internal hemorrhage.
5. Spasms of the large intestine. Spastic contractions of the large intestine in combination with massage threaten the pet with a rupture of the intestine with all the ensuing consequences.
6. Fractures of the pelvic bones. If the cat has ever had pelvic bone fractures in its life, before performing a massage it is necessary to take an X-ray – perhaps constipation is caused by adhesive disease or improper fusion of bones.
7. History of abdominal surgery. For animals that have undergone abdominal surgery less than six months ago, including cesarean section, mechanical impact on the abdominal cavity is contraindicated.

When used to treat these illnesses, massage will not have the desired effect, will hurt the animal, will aggravate the condition considerably, and may even be fatal.

It is not recommended to massage at a temperature

Take Care! For cats who have just given birth, massage is very helpful because it speeds up the body’s healing process and helps avoid mastitis and other illnesses. However, you should make sure the animal is in good condition and shows no symptoms of postpartum complications before performing the massage.

Massage technique

The surgery needs to be performed at least two hours after feeding, and the best time to do it is when the cat is relaxed and not preoccupied with anything important (playing, sleeping, getting licked, etc.). It is preferable to begin with gentle strokes or scratches before progressing to more forceful manipulations. It is preferable to stop the massage and try again in 30 to 40 minutes if the animal becomes restless or tries to escape.

Technique for performing a relaxing massage

1. All movements are performed with the palm of one or both hands – a massage done with the fingertips will be too weak and can cause discomfort.
2. The massage should be performed in the direction from the middle of the body to the limbs.
3. It is best to start with the neck, lightly fingering it with your fingers and not applying too much force.
4. Next, you should move on to the upper part of the body – work on the shoulders and front legs in a circular motion, and then massage the back to the hips in the same way.
5. Massage of the thighs should be very careful, using stroking movements, as they are one of the most sensitive areas of cats.
6. The tail can be massaged only if the cat does not twitch it, moving from the tip to the thighs.
7. Lastly, the head is worked on – first the crown, then the areas around the ears and temples.
8. At the end of the procedure, you should confidently, but without strong pressure, run your palm over the entire body of the pet several times.

A soothing massage typically lasts between ten and fifteen minutes, with roughly the same amount of time dedicated to each area.

If there are no restrictions, massage therapy can be administered to kittens as well.

Crucial! If an animal exhibits active resistance during a massage due to pain in any part of the body, you should identify the specific manipulations causing the discomfort and show the animal to the veterinarian.

Video – cat massage