Expert: Jessica - 8/16/2009

Question
I have an orphaned kitten about 7 weeks old now.  I am thinking he may have a blockage from cat litter.  Is there any thing I can do to help this pass or is a vet the only option?

Answer
Hi Kali.  If the kitten truly has a litter obstruction, a vet is your only option.  Clay litters aren't digestible, and once the intestines become impacted, surgical removal is usually the only way to resolve the issue.  Clay clumping litters worsen the issue because they contain a sealant, sodium bentonite, which becomes sticky when wet, causing a serious clog.  Natural litters such as corn, wheat and even pine-based ones are more digestible but can still certainly cause a blockage if your kitty decided he was going to eat large amounts of them at a time, as kittens sometimes do as they explore their environments.  If your kitten hasn't had a bowel movement in the last 48 hours, you should get him to the vet.  The vet will be able to help determine whether your kitty is constipated or has a bowel obstruction and determine the appropriate treatment from there.

If you are using clay/clay clumping litter, I would highly recommend to switch to a pine, corn or wheat litter, such as Feline Pine, Swheat Scoop or World's Best Cat Litter.  I personally use Feline Pine Scoop.  Clay litters contain silica dust that is harmful to a cat's respiratory tract, and clumping litter contains that sealant I mentioned, which sticks to fur and may cause gastrointestinal problems as the cat swallows it.  If you had beeen using a clay/clay clumping litter and decided that you want to switch back, it's best to do it after the kitten reaches 6 months.  He's less likely to spend time playing in the litter box, tasting his litter, and should be less likely to step in wet clumping litter, getting it stuck to his feet.  This will reduce his risk of swallowing the litter and hopefully will cut back on how much dust he inhales.

Good luck with the baby!

Jessica