Ask the Vet | Cat Constipation Home Remedies

Constipation is often only noticed when your cat eliminate feces once every 2 or 3 days. If the constipation is not a symptom of a more serious disease, it may be treated using some available home remedies. Most of these remedies should help your pet and relieve constipation within 1 or 2 days after administration of the remedy.

Canned Pumpkin
Canned pumpkin is a great source of fiber and may help a constipated cat get a normal bowel movement.
Make sure that the canned pumpkin does not contain sugar or spices; canned pumpkin for pies should be avoided.
Administer 1 or 2 tablespoons of canned pumpkin per day. The cat may not fancy the taste at the beginning, but you should insist that the he swallows the ingredient.

Warm Milk
There are a lot of cats that are lactose intolerant and their normal reaction is diarrhea; in constipated cats, a bit of warm milk may only help. Mix the warm milk with the cat’s normal food. 1 or 2 tablespoons should be enough; don’t give your cat too much milk as this may result in severe diarrhea.
Olive or Fish Oil
Olive and fish oil have the capacity to help the digestion and relieve constipation. You may use these ingredients on the food of your cat or simply give a few drops of pure oil using a syringe.
Don’t give more than half a tablespoon of fish or olive oil to your cat at once, as this may cause diarrhea.

Oat Bran
Oat bran may also be a home remedy for feline constipation. Use ½ or 1 teaspoon of oat bran on the cat’s food per day and this should relieve the constipation.

Water
A constipated cat may also be dehydrated, which may aggravate the constipation. Make sure your cat drinks plenty of water and this may help treating the constipation. Place several water bowls in your home, so that the cat can drink as much as he wants. Make sure that the water is always fresh.

Metamucil
Metamucil is a common dietary fiber and may be administered to a constipated cat to facilitate bowel movement. This supplement should be ground and added to the cat’s canned food. Give your cat ½ to 1 teaspoons of Metamucil per day.

Exercise
A bit of exercise may also help a constipated cat. Sedentary cats and older cats that are less active are more prone to constipation. Make sure your cat moves around or play with your cat to keep him active and prevent constipation.
Make sure that your cat is only constipated and doesn’t display other symptoms that may be associated with more serious illnesses (i.e. urinary blockage or a urinary tract disease); some alarming symptoms include lethargy, straining to urinate, lack of appetite or the licking of the genital area. If your cat doesn’t respond well to the home remedies, visit your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Hope this info helps
Till next week,
Dr Ruan

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