9 Tips to Help Your Constipated Cat Feel Better Fast
The holidays are over, and it’s time to head back to work. But the stress of your busy schedule can make it difficult for your pet to get back into his routine. If your cat isn’t taking care of his business after the holiday party, this could be caused by constipation. Follow these tips to help your constipated cat feel better fast and get back on track.
1) First Thing: Contact your vet
If your cat is constipated, the first step should be to contact your veterinarian. They can help you decide how urgently it needs medical attention and whether there are any other causes of constipation. They will also be able to give you more specific tips about what you can do at home. In addition, if your vet prescribes medication for your cat, they may give you some samples or a prescription that will get them on their way towards feeling better immediately.
2) Watch for signs of discomfort
Constipation is a common ailment in both humans and cats. It can be caused by various factors, including diet, stress, or medication. If your cat has been constipated for less than 24 hours, you should try feeding them wet food instead of dry food or mix in canned pumpkin into their diet. If your cat is constipated for more than 24 hours, it may need medical attention, and you should call your veterinarian.
3) Provide Plenty of Fresh Water
Drinking plenty of fresh, clean water is one of the most important things you can do for your cat. It helps keep them hydrated and may also help with constipation. Cats should drink about four ounces of water per pound of body weight per day. If your cat needs more than that, it might indicate that they are dehydrated or have kidney problems.
4) Give Probiotics
One of the most common reasons for constipation in cats is a lack of probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help maintain healthy gastrointestinal function, including regular bowel movements and healthy gut flora. There are several ways you can give probiotic supplements to your cat. You can mix them with their food, add them directly onto their tongue, or rub it on the inside of their ear.
5) Add Fiber to Diet
Adding fibre to your cat’s diet is one of the best ways of helping them regain their regularity. Fibre helps create a smoother, softer stool that can pass more easily. Here are some good options for adding fibre to your cat’s diet:
-Add pumpkin or pumpkin puree (fresh or canned) as an ingredient in their food. About 1⁄2 cup per day should do the trick.
-Add a tablespoon of psyllium husks (available at most pharmacies and health food stores) to their wet food once a day
-Feed your cat cooked oatmeal. One tablespoon per day should be enough, but if you want, you can also add it to their wet food or mix it with water so they can lick it off a spoon
6) Give Herbs and Other Tinctures
The best way for a cat with constipation is to treat it naturally. Several herbs and other tinctures can give; each one is appropriate for different situations. Here are nine tips on what you can do to help your constipated cat feel better fast:
- Give them pumpkin puree or canned pumpkin
- Offer them slippery elm powder mixed in water or apple sauce
- Offer them psyllium husk powder mixed in water
- Offer them a teaspoon of brewer’s yeast dissolved in warm water
- Give yogurt that contains probiotics, especially if they have problems with lactose intolerance
- Feed them boiled chicken broth
- Make sure they’re getting enough exercise
7) Causes of Cat Constipation
Several things can cause constipation in cats. If your cat has recently been spayed or neutered, it is very common for them to experience constipation, which should go away within a few days. It is also possible that your cat may have a hairball stuck in its stomach, which can cause them to feel backed up.
There are other causes as well. Cats deficient in water may experience constipation as the body tries to conserve fluids and decrease the frequency of urination and defecation.
8) Boost activity and enrichment
One way to help a constipated cat is by increasing their activity levels and enriching their lives. For instance, you can get them an interactive toy or puzzle feeder (or make one at home) that they can play with for 10-15 minutes daily. You should also pay attention to how much food your cat eats and if the food changes in consistency. If your cat isn’t eating enough, you may want to increase its food intake or try feeding it wet food instead of dry.
9) Reduce tension and anxiety
If your cat has trouble moving its bowels, the following tips can help them feel better fast. Try some or all of these:
- Give them a warm bath or apply heat pads to their lower abdomen. This will relax their muscles and provide warmth for the intestines.
- Provide a litter box with an added layer of litter on top, so it’s easier for them to get in and out. If they’re not currently using their litter box because they don’t want to move, you may need to create one that’s more easily accessible (like one with low sides).
- Add fibre supplements like canned pumpkin, Metamucil, or released strained vegetables into their food (this will help make stools softer and easier to pass).