Milk as a natural laxative?

I recently consulted an e-vet about my cat's constipation problems, and she proceeded to tell me to switch foods which I have done with great results. She also mentioned that when Mitties is occasionally plugged up, that milk is the best natural laxative. She recommended 1-3 oz. a day regulated by the stool's consistency. What do you think? Mitties is extremely picky and won't even touch milk, much to my surprise. So it's not easy getting 3 ounces of milk down her by force. I seem to have better luck with a shot of mineral oil. I know most cats are lactose intolerant and this is why it causes a laxative effect. Opinions?

Originally Posted by TickyTat

I recently consulted an e-vet about my cat's constipation problems, and she proceeded to tell me to switch foods which I have done with great results. She also mentioned that when Mitties is occasionally plugged up, that milk is the best natural laxative. She recommended 1-3 oz. a day regulated by the stool's consistency. What do you think? Mitties is extremely picky and won't even touch milk, much to my surprise. So it's not easy getting 3 ounces of milk down her by force. I seem to have better luck with a shot of mineral oil. I know most cats are lactose intolerant and this is why it causes a laxative effect. Opinions?

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If she doesn't like milk and the mineral oil works, hwy not just stick with the mineral oil??
Does she eat wet food? If so, have you tried mixing your laxative of choice with her food?

To be lactose intolerant and then drink milk is very very painful from what I understand. For a vet to tell you to give it to a cat that chances are is lactose intolerant is horrible IMO.

Originally Posted by Pami

To be lactose intolerant and then drink milk is very very painful from what I understand. For a vet to tell you to give it to a cat that chances are is lactose intolerant is horrible IMO.

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Yes, I agree. Everything I've heard says do not give milk to cats, even though they love it. I wouldn't want to give her cramps or anything painful. The mineral oil seems to be working so we'll just stick with what works.

And yes, I've tried mixing her mineral oil into her wet food (she gets dry in morning, wet at night) and she is too clever and won't touch it once it's been tainted by the mineral oil. Oh well, a quick shot down the throat is much easier, even though she acts like I'm abusing her!

I will PM Sharky this post and see if she can help you with a more natural ingredient for your sweetie girl.

Slippery elm( consult a veton doseage )


Pumpkin plain( not the pie filling with other stuff)

Extra teapoon of oil the cat will eat

hairball goop... I prefer vet basis since it is not petrolum based but any will do... call vet as constipation dose is usually higher than hairball dose

Originally Posted by sharky

hairball goop... I prefer vet basis since it is not petrolum based but any will do... call vet as constipation dose is usually higher than hairball dose

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I was just going to suggest malt paste, as it works for most cats. If you put a glob of it on a front paw, your cat should lick it off.

Thanks! I will research the Slippery Elm as I've heard good things. She won't touch the pumpkin.... what other kind of oil could I give? I was told tuna or salmon oil.... but where do you get that? I know that Mineral Oil is really not the best thing to give.

Tuna oil if you find it tell me ... I get tuna juice ....

Salmon oil is at most heath food or pet stores... cod liver oil also is good

I like the salmon oil capsules, some prefer the stuff in a bottle. The capsules are @ the health food store or most drug stores. I pierce the capsule with a corkscrew...seems to be the most effective tool for me.

I haven't tried the vet basis, although I'd like to. I still have some tuna flavored laxatone which seems to pass the taste test the best (mine don't like the malt kind). They'll usually just lick the tuna flavor up off a plate. Hesitant cats get a little sprinkle of brewer's yeast on their laxatone. That stuff is magic...turns yucky stuff into a delicacy!

I would be careful syringing the mineral oil, as there is a risk of kitty inhaling it into her lungs.

I'll paste the quote...it's buried on this page

http://marvistavet.com/html/constipa...megacolon.html

An old fashioned remedy has been the oral administration of mineral oil. It is best to avoid this temptation as mineral oil, being a light fluid without flavor, is easily inhaled accidentally into the respiratory tract. Since it is a mineral based compound, it cannot ever be removed by the body and the immune system will forever attempt to wall it off with inflammatory granulomas.

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Just went to research Vetbasis Hairball Gel and read the testimonials... I'm sold! I bought a tube immediately and will let you know the results. I really hate giving the mineral oil and want to stop ASAP! Thanks to all for the advice... stay tuned!