Constipated cats may benefit from receiving an enema as part of their treatment, yet administering one may prove challenging and stressful for both pet and owner alike.
Giving your cat an enema can be done safely at home if prepared and managed in a calm fashion. This article will outline everything you need to know in order to do so successfully.
Table of Contents
Choosing the Right Enema Solution
Your first thought might be daunting when it comes to administering an enema to your cat, but with proper preparation and technique you can safely and successfully perform one at home. Just like humans, cats often suffer from constipation and require an enema in order to release dried-out stool that has become trapped within their colons.
Before beginning an enema procedure on your cat, it is crucial that they are calm and at ease. Offering treats or gentle pets may help reassure them. Furthermore, choosing an ideal spot like a bathtub will reduce any unnecessary mess during this procedure and will make cleanup much simpler afterward.
Once the nozzle of your enema solution has been lubricated, use either water-based lubricants such as mineral oil or Vaseline jelly to lubricate its tip and insert into your cat’s rectum – being careful not to push too hard as this could cause discomfort or injury; insert only several inches deep.
Once the nozzle is secure, slowly pump in your enema solution. Although it may take some time before your cat begins defecating again, you should see results within an hour or so.
When selecting an enema solution for cats, it’s wise to opt for one specifically tailored towards them. One such example is Feline Pet-Ema (r), which contains dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate in glycerin to soften and facilitate bowel movements while simultaneously providing comforting lubrication of the rectum for reduced discomfort during use.
Preparing for the Enema
An enema can be stressful for cats. To ensure an easier experience, make sure the bathroom or other suitable location is familiar to your cat, and have someone else present to keep her secure and calm during the procedure. An enema usually takes around one hour for its full effects to show; if no results appear by then, repeating may be necessary.
Step one in administering an enema solution for your cat involves creating the liquid in its prescribed amount and temperature; too cold or hot temperatures could lead to discomfort and pain for your feline companion. Finally, ensure your enema nozzle is coated in petroleum jelly or another water-based lubricant so it can easily fit inside their rectum.
Once lubricant has been applied, it’s time to administer an enema. Begin by lifting up your cat’s tail and gradually insert the syringe into their rectum – being careful not to press too hard as pushing too forcefully may cause rectal trauma and serious medical complications for your pet. For maximum effectiveness, aim for three inches (7.6 cm).
Your cat may benefit from various enema solutions depending on its type of constipation. Common examples include warm water (not too hot), mineral oil, lactulose and DSS solutions; you could even consider bisacodyl as a powerful over-the-counter medication option.
Most enemas can be administered at home with proper supervision by you or a vet; it’s important to follow their instructions exactly and monitor your pet closely after the enema so you can take immediate action if needed.
Getting Your Cat in the Right Position
Symptoms of constipation in cats may include straining to defecate and straining to use the litter box, suggesting they require an enema. Before trying one on their own at home however, always consult your veterinarian first to make sure it will be both safe and necessary to address their situation.
Before giving an enema, it’s essential that you gather all necessary supplies and position your cat correctly. You will require a clean enema bag, water-based lubricant such as petroleum jelly or water, a cat-safe syringe and possibly help from another individual in holding still during this procedure.
Start by gently lifting and placing the cat’s tail back onto its back. Try to find an area on either the floor or bed where you can position your cat with easy access to their rectum. It is often helpful for an additional person to help hold onto them for safety during an enema treatment so that you can focus solely on performing an enema treatment without fearing they’ll escape or fight back against you!
Once your cat is in position, lubricate the end of the syringe with some vaseline jelly or other form of lubricant to ease its use. Insert it slowly into his or her rectum until you feel resistance or stop pushing an inch or two at a time until resistance appears – this ensures it does not enter too deeply, potentially causing pain and discomfort for your feline friend.
Once the syringe is set up, begin massaging your cat’s abdomen in a circular motion to encourage bowel movement and relieve constipation. This should only take several minutes. If the initial treatment does not work immediately, repeat in one or two hours as directed by your veterinarian.
Getting the Enema Nozzle Inserted
Help from another person when administering an enema may be ideal, particularly if your cat is particularly anxious or upset. They’ll be responsible for keeping her still and keeping her focused, which should make the procedure less stressful for both of you. When speaking softly and soothingly with her, however, firm voices may sometimes be necessary if the cat reacts aggressively against having its nozzle inserted.
Once your cat is in place, someone assisting should use either water-based lubricant or petroleum jelly to lubricate the end of the enema nozzle before slowly inserting its tip into your cat’s rectum and slowly pushing down into their colon – without pushing too hard as that could result in rectal injury and potentially serious complications.
If an enema does not work after 5 to 10 minutes, massage the abdominal area using both hands gently with your fingers. Be wary not to touch any hardened feces as this could hurt the cat; thus it would be wiser to massage gently around this area with fingers rather than pushing.
Another alternative is using a pheromone spray or diffuser, which releases synthetic versions of the natural pheromones that cats naturally emit to mark their territory and feel secure. Pheromone products may help calm a cat during an enema procedure; however, these will not replace training and technique; contact your veterinarian for advice regarding which option would work best with your specific cat.
Monitoring Your Cat After the Enema
An enema is an uncomfortable experience for your cat, so having someone assist with administering the solution and keeping her calm during this procedure is recommended. Also, select an environment such as your bathroom that allows for efficient clean-up afterwards and ensures that she remains within a smaller space during this process to reduce stress levels.
Once you’ve selected an ideal location and assembled all of the equipment necessary, it is time to prepare your cat for an enema procedure. Start by wrapping her in a towel. Put one end over her back, around her side, tuck it under her feet before folding the other end over her abdomen and fastening with clips so as to stop any potential movement during enema time.
After positioning your cat, it is time to lubricate and insert the enema nozzle. Be mindful not to push too deeply into their rectum as this could cause discomfort or injury.
Once the nozzle is in, carefully push enema solution through your cat’s colon and monitor him or her closely for any signs of bleeding or discomfort. If this occurs, stop immediately and contact a vet as soon as possible.