Cat Constipation Remedies

There are a number of cat constipation remedies, Constipation can be very painful for your cat, and can also be a sign of a serious problem, particularly if your cat is unable to defecate at all. Before trying any of these remedies be sure to check with your veterinarian to be sure that there aren't any blockages or foreign objects keeping the feces from exiting the body.

Be sure to check with your veterinarian before trying any of these cat constipation remedies.

Cat Constipation Remedies

There are many cat constipation remedies, some very simple and some more involved. The best remedy for your cat depends on the cause and severity of the condition.

Moisture

Cat's tend to get their water through food vs. drinking it out of a dish. Canned food has 80% more water than dry food. This simple switch and providing your cat fresh water may be all that you need.

If your cat eats canned food, a switch to dry might also help as dry foods tend to have more fiber.

Dietary Change

Sometimes dietary changes are all that is needed. Cats that eat moist food are less likely to develop constipation than those that eat dry food. Cats don’t drink much water, so moisture in the food helps keep stool soft. A diet high in fiber may also help. Light foods, senior foods, and foods designed to prevent hair balls are higher in fiber than regular food. There are also high fiber foods available from your vet such as Hill's Prescription Diet w/d, Royal Canin HiFactor Formula and Purina OM Feline Formula.

Dietary Supplements

There are several sources of fiber that help with cat constipation. One product to research made specifically for this purpose is Natural Moves . It contains Psyllium nigrum husk which is a very high source of dietary fiber and has been used for centuries to support regular bowel movements.

You could also try wheat bran (1 tablespoon per day) or Metamucil (1 teapsoon per day mixed with canned or wet food).

Natural Laxatives

Certain foods act as natural laxatives. These include:

• Canned Pumpkin: 1 teaspoon, 2x per day
• Grape Nut Flakes: 1 to 3 teaspoons, several times per day
• Milk: Try feeding your cat 1/4 cup, 2x per day
  

Over the Counter Medications

Several products that are sold in the drugstore might help. These include:

• Mineral Oil: 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight
• White Petrolatum : 1 teaspoonful
• Docusate Sodium: 50 to 100 mg orally
• Infant Glycerine: insert into the rectum

They should only be needed for 1 to 2 days. Only use under the direction of your veterinarian.

Cut Anal Hair

If you have a long hair cat, any matted hair near the anus can cause your cat to avoid defecation. Try clipping the hair (be careful, cat skin is very thin) and then clean the area.

Clean the Litter Box

Environmental changes may also help. For instance, a dirty litter box can cause cats to avoid the box and hold stool in. Something as simple as keeping the box clean may solve the problem. Stress can also cause constipation. Stressors may include a new person or pet in the household,

Suppositories

For more severe or persistent cases of constipation, your veterinarian may prescribe medication to keep the stool soft and to aid the motility of the intestines. Your vet may also prescribe suppositories for your cat. In more severe cases, enemas may be prescribed. Your vet can show you how to administer these at home.

References for Cat Constipation Remedies:

Jean Hofve, DVM
Constipation in Cats

The Well Cat Book
Terri McGinnis

The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Dogs and Cats
Prevention Magazine

 

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