My Cat Is Constipation–What Should I Do?

Cats constipation isn’t the most common issue, but it sometimes happens to felines. If your cat has constipation, you’ll want to know what the cause of it might be and how to treat it.

So your cat can get relief as soon as possible and, ideally, learn some tips that will help prevent constipation from occurring again! Here are three steps you can take to help your cat if he or it has constipation.

Change Their Diet

One of the most common causes of constipation in cats is a diet with insufficient fiber. This can be caused by feeding them too many treats or not having access to the grass outside. Cats need more roughage, like grass, carrots, and other vegetables, to pass stool more easily.

You may need to change their diet for up to two weeks before they start passing stool again. If this is just a one-time thing, try adding some canned pumpkin or bran cereal into their food once or twice a day.

Give Them Supplements

Cats can often have trouble passing stool; a condition called constipation. Sometimes it may be due to something as simple as not drinking enough water or eating the wrong food. But other times, it can be more severe and require treatment by your vet. Here are some things you can do to help your cat pass stool:

1) Feed them a high-quality diet that contains plenty of fiber.

2) Feed them canned pumpkins, which are especially good for constipation in cats with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

3) Offer them safe amounts of fresh, clean water.

Try Laxatives

I’m sorry to hear that your cat is constipated. Try giving them a laxative. Several types of laxatives you can give cats, some of which are available over the counter. Others require a prescription from your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can help you find the best option for your cat based on age, size, health history, and medical condition.

There are two types of over-the-counter laxatives: stool softeners and stimulant laxatives. If your cat has been constipated for less than three days, a stool softener may be enough to get things moving again without having to go through the rigmarole of getting a prescription or waiting for it in the mail.

Home Remedies

Try these home remedies to see if they help your cat feel better:

1) Change their diet to include more fiber, like pumpkin, and drink plenty of fluids.

2) Give them a small amount of canned pumpkin or prune juice.

3) Mix a teaspoon of Metamucil with water, wait for it to thicken into a paste, then put some on your finger and press it against the inside of your cat’s cheek. This will cause them to swallow some of the liquid, providing much-needed bulk in their stomach.

When to See the Vet

If you see signs of a blockage or your cat’s stool is thick, black, and tarry, it’s time to take your cat to the vet. If you’re unsure, however, there are some steps you can take at home. First thing in the morning, feed your cat a tablespoon of canned pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling). This should help provide relief for constipation and will also act as a natural laxative.

You can also offer water from the tap to help hydrate. Once these steps have been taken for 24 hours without success or if you see signs of a blockage or other issues mentioned above, it’s best to take your cat to the vet as soon as possible.