A very clean litter box can be useful in prevention. But once diagnosed, your cat will likely need a specific dietary regimen.

By Karen Commings

At the end of your cat’s intestinal tract is a muscular, tube-shaped structure called the colon, one function of which is the elimination of solid waste (feces). If the colon becomes dilated or enlarged, a condition called megacolon can result, and the cat loses the ability to defecate. Because toxins can build up from the feces in the colon, megacolon is a potentially life-threatening condition.

Unlike dry food, canned food contains a high percentage of water, which may help your cat to fight megacolon.

Common signs of megacolon include passing smaller than normal stools or defecating less frequently, straining to defecate or the inability to defecate. Some cats may lose their appetites, lose weight, vomit, become anemic or dehydrated and appear depressed. Megacolon may occur congenitally or be due…

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