Cat constipation

molly92

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Yes, there are a lot, BUT these are just for mild constipation and preventing constipation in prone cats. If a cat has not had a bowel movement for more than 48 hours, its appetite is decreased, it cries out in pain while straining, it is vomiting, and/or it is lethargic, then it needs to be taken to a vet. Those are signs of serious constipation that is too blocked for home remedies to fix, and the longer the cat goes without veterinarian treatment, the more dangerous it becomes (and the more expensive the vet bill can get). Also be aware that constipation can have multiple causes, and even "natural" remedies that are helpful in some situations can be damaging to the colon in others, so getting a vet's opinion is always prudent. (That being said, if a vet blindly prescribes "more fiber" without explaining to you why your cat specifically needs more fiber, or they recommend a dry food, try a different vet.)

Every constipated cat can benefit from more water, more exercise, and more brushing. If they're eating kibble, change to wet food. If they're eating wet food, mix in some extra water. More exercise and movement gets the bowels moving more, and brushing your cat more frequently removes hair that would otherwise be swallowed during grooming and could be contributing to blocking up the intestines. 

Canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) can be given safely in small amounts, but if it doesn't work don't add more than a spoonful per meal without asking a vet first. Pumpkin is mostly soluble fiber, which is useful because it absorbs water and makes stool softer, and it also feeds good bacteria in the gut. It can also make the stool larger, which is why too much can create stools that are too large to pass and make constipation worse and long term can create megacolon. Another good soluble fiber is acacia powder (usually sold to people as a weight loss supplement), which is nice because it's tasteless if your cat hates pumpkin. Insoluble fibers are found in other plants, and these should not be given because cats are not set up to digest them, and while they can "push"' stuff through the digestive system, they do so very quickly which leads to nutrients not getting absorbed, and they add bulk to stool without softening it creating painful bowel movements and/or further constipation.

Miralax is an OTC stool softener that can be safely given to cats in their wet food. It draws water into the stool to make it softer. The usual dosage is 1/8 tsp once or twice a day, increasing to 1/4 tsp 2X a day if necessary.

Lactulose isn't a home remedy, but it's what vets often prescribe and it works similarly to Miralax. Sometimes one works better for a cat that doesn't respond to the other.

Slipper elm bark is a supplement you can buy in health stores that lubricates the digestive system. I have heard that it works for many constipated cats. It technically "worked" for my cat, but it made her very uncomfortable so I don't use it.

Probiotics can help. Exactly why I'm not sure, but it seems constipated cats have something off about their intestinal flora that's keeping everything from working smoothly. When feeding fiber doesn't replenish the natural colonies enough, probiotics do.

Some home remedies recommend giving olive oil or vaseline to cats for constipation. While these would probably be safe for an acute situation, I would be leery of giving these ingredients to a cat for the long term.
 

laura mae

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Molly92 gives excellent advice.  A vet can do an enema which will relieve kitty. As Molly points out, home remedies after the cat has been unable to pass stool will create a worse problem. The last thing you want to do is create a situation where there is looser stool behind the blockage. Get that cleared by a vet and then investigate options to try to keep kitty regular.

Adding more water is a big key. Always canned food and no kibble.  If your kitty happens to be a dry food only fiend, you can try adding some unseasoned broth to the food, or plain meat baby food. Geber plain turkey, chicken, beef or pork (no seasonings) is often something that most cats like. Soft foods will help keep kitty's  system moving along.
 
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david1234

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Taking her to vet tomm. We tried the Mirlax 1/8 teaspoon in her broth and she drank it right up.
 
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