Ileus in Cats: What It Is and How To Prevent It

Is your cat not having regular bowel movements? Perhaps they’ve started vomiting or are not eating because food is not moving through their gut like it should. 

Your cat may be suffering from ileus, a condition where the muscles in the intestines stop working to move food through the gastrointestinal tract. 

What Is Ileus in Cats?

To understand ileus in cats, let’s review what happens when a cat eats. 

Food that is swallowed becomes a gruel-like substance called ingesta in the stomach as natural enzymes and stomach acid begin the breakdown process. 

That ingesta travels from the stomach to the intestines. The intestines are made up of smooth muscle that undergoes rhythmic contractions called peristalsis. These muscle contractions move food from the start of the intestines all the way to the rectum. The ingesta is eventually turned into feces in the intestines, where it is stored in the rectum until the cat has a bowel movement. When peristalsis stops and things quit moving, it’s called ileus. 

Pets experiencing ileus start to develop a backup of ingesta and fluid. 

This can lead to excessive gas and stretching of the bowel. Affected cats may vomit when food isn’t able to travel through the GI tract. Often they will stop eating when there is no room for more food. Pet parents may notice that bowel movements stop. 

The more backed up a cat becomes, the more the bowel stretches. This stretching can cause nerve damage and have long-term serious side effects, such as incontinence. 

Because of this, ileus in cats is considered a medical emergency. 

Symptoms of Ileus in Cats

Common symptoms of ileus in cats include: 

• Decreased bowel movements 

• Vomiting 

• Decreased appetite 

• Anorexia (not eating) 

• Belly pain or discomfort 

• Lethargy 

• Elevated third eyelids 

• Tacky gums 

Causes of Ileus in Cats

Ileus in cats can be caused by anything that slows down gastrointestinal motility, the contractions that move food through the digestive tract. 

Eating non-food items; having large hairballs, underlying disease, or advanced age; and having no tail are all common causes of ileus in cats. 

Young cats may eat string or toys and other objects that are not food. These items can become stuck, causing an intestinal blockage and subsequent ileus. This can lead to severe intestinal damage and even death if it’s not addressed surgically right away. 

On the other end of the age spectrum, senior cats are much more prone to constipation than younger cats. This can occur secondary to an underlying disease, like chronic kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or lymphoma. 

If a hairball is large enough, it can delay gut motility and lead to an intestinal blockage and ileus. 

Sometimes senior cats can experience ileus even if they are not diagnosed with an underlying disease process. A slowing metabolism and decreased activity with age can cause intermittent constipation that leads to ileus. 

Cats born without a tail, a condition associated with Manx syndrome, can have poor nerve development that interferes with normal bowel movements. These cats can struggle with chronic ileus. 

Some cats may also experience temporary ileus following anesthesia or as a side effect of medications like opioids. 

How Veterinarians Diagnose Ileus in Cats

Ileus in cats is usually diagnosed with X-rays. 

Affected cats will often have stool and gas backing up behind the part of the intestines that is not working properly. 

Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam, palpate your cat’s belly, and assess their hydration status. They will likely also recommend blood work to screen for underlying disease. 

Be sure to let your vet know when your cat’s last bowel movement was and whether it looked normal. If you are able, bring a fecal sample with you to the appointment. 

Treatment of Ileus in Cats

Ileus in cats is treated by addressing the underlying cause. Sometimes ileus can be cured, such as when foreign material blocking the intestines is removed. Other times, the condition must be managed long-term. 

If your cat has a foreign body (something stuck in their intestines), surgery is usually the best option for removal. In some cases, foreign objects can be removed with endoscopy. 

If your cat is dehydrated or constipated, they will likely be given fluids to help hydrate the body and lubricate the gut. They may also be treated with promotility medications, such as metoclopramide or cisapride. 

If your cat struggles with hairballs or constipation related to low fiber intake and a sedentary senior lifestyle, your vet may recommend fiber supplementation. 

This is often done with veterinary diets like Hill’s Gastrointestinal Biome/Fiber Care or Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Fiber Response. 

Temporary ileus seen after a cat has had anesthesia and surgery should resolve on its own after 24-36 hours.

If your cat still hasn’t had a bowel movement 36 hours after surgery, contact your veterinarian. 

Recovery and Management of Ileus in Cats

Cats recovering from ileus should be monitored closely when they return home. Scoop the litter box morning and night so you can observe all output. Closely monitor your cat’s appetite and ensure they are getting adequate hydration. 

Some cats may benefit from probiotics to support healthy gut flora after a disturbance in the GI tract. 

Cats recovering from ileus may also benefit from a supplement that promotes drinking, like Purina Hydra Care, to help maintain hydration. 

Consider feeding canned food to increase your cat’s fluid intake. 

Most canned cat food is about 70% water, making it a helpful way to improve hydration. 

An oral laxative gel, like Laxatone, can also help keep your cat regular and prevent hairballs from backing up. 

Smaller, more frequent meals may also help cats recovering from ileus. 

Prevention of Ileus in Cats

To help prevent ileus, make sure your cat does not have access to string or other objects they might swallow. Cats, especially young kittens, are often tempted to eat objects such as thread, ribbon, tinsel, and even dental floss. Avoid leaving these items where your cat can get at them. 

If you have a middle-aged or senior cat, consider getting blood work annually. This can help detect changes in organ function early, allowing you to address dehydration or constipation before they become serious problems. 

Consider feeding your cat a combination of canned and dry food early in life so it’s easier to transition to more canned food if needed as they age. 

Brush your cat frequently to minimize loose hair they may ingest while grooming.