Home Treatment Cat Constipation

There are several things you can do to treat your cat's constipation at home. These include:

• Provide More Moisture
• Change Her Cat Food
• Add Fiber to Her Diet
• Temporarily Provide Foods that Help with Constipation
• Try Over the Counter Laxatives

Home Treatment Cat Constipation Options

1. Moisture

The simplest approach for treating cat constipation is to increase your cat's water intake. Cat's instinctually get their moisture from food and are not inclined to drink enough water. One approach is to either add water to dry cat food or switch to a canned food which contains significantly more water. If you continue to use a dry food, consider adding a fiber supplement (see below).

You can also try placing water dishes in those areas of your house where your cat likes to spend time. The closer your cat is to water, the more often she might drink.

2. High Fiber Cat Food for Constipation

Several commercially prepared cat food for constipation are high in fiber. Look for a product that has between 7% and 13% fiber (see the label). You can also try a Prescription commercial food that is available from your veterinarian. These include:

• Hill's Prescription Diet w/d
• Royal Canin High Fiber Veterinary Diet
• Purina Veterinary Diets OM
  

Many foods that are marked for weight loss or for senior dogs have a higher fiber content and are good for home treatment cat constipation. Fiber helps the sphincter muscles grab the feces and push it along. It also absorbs water which helps soften the stool.

3. Fiber Supplements for Home Treatment Cat Constipation

There are several types of fiber supplements that you can temporarily or permanently add to your cat's diet. Options include:

Source of Fiber	Dosage
Metamucil (psyllium husks) - the over the counter product	Mix 1/2 teaspoon 2x per day into your cat's food
Wheat Bran	1/2 teaspoon mixed into food 1x per day

You can also try a supplement that combines both psyllium (high fiber), oats, and other natural ingredients known to support gastrointestinal health. The product is called PetAlive Natural Moves and it is a good source for further information on constipation and natural approaches to the problem.

4. Foods Which Act as a Home Remedy for Cat Constipation

There are several cat food for constipation choices that have known properties for helping with feline constipation. These are:

Milk: While ordinarily milk can cause diarrhea in cats, a small amount of milk when your cat is constipated can help by providing additional moisture. Give your cat 1/2 cup per day. When the constipation ends, reduce the amount over 2 to 4 days.

Canned Pumpkin: Pumpkin helps with constipation since it is a natural source of fiber. Give your cat a tablespoon per day mixed with her ordinary food until the constipation ends.

Grape Nuts Cereal Flakes: This is the human cereal brand. The flakes are a good source of fiber. If your cat will eat them give her 1 to 3 teaspoons a day until the problem is resolved.

5. Laxatives

You can ask your veterinarian about over the counter laxatives. Only use these under your vets direction as there are risks involved with use beyond a two days (bowel damage). These include:

Laxative	Dosage (check with your veterinarian)
Mineral Oil	1 teaspoonful per 10 pounds of body weight. Only provide when mixed with food. Do not use for more than 2 days unless advised by a pet health professional.
White Petrolatum	1 teaspoon full per day per your veterinarians direction.
Infant Glycerine suppository	Ask your veterinarian
Docusate Sodium suppository	50mg to 100mg, dosage only at the direction of your veterinarian

References for Home Treatment Constipation:

Jean Hofve, DVM
Constipation in Cats

The Well Cat Book
Terri McGinnis

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