Laxation for Feline Constipation
Constipation is not something that is unique to people. In fact it is something that affects cats more than a lot of owners realize. In many cases, the constipation is not severe enough that an owner realizes that there is a problem, but in other incidences the cat may need help to restore normal bowel activities. Cats usually defecate once a day, while a constipated cat will only defecate every two to four days. If your cat is not going often you may need to help them out with a laxation treatment.
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Treating with Diet Change
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In many cases constipation may be a reaction to food. Veterinarians have found that in the majority of the cases of feline constipation the diet was primarily a dry food diet. It is worth trying to change your cats' food to a canned or wet food. The change in diet may also be a short term fix, but it usually will help to relieve the constipation.
Water
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Constipation is often due to dehydration. If you have a cat that just doesn't seem to drink much out of the water bowl, you may want to try one of the many water fountains that are available at your pet store. Cats usually like these as the water is kept circulating, offering a fresh drink any time. Simply encouraging water consumption through a water fountain is a great way to help relieve and treat constipation that is caused by dehydration.
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Miralax
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Miralax is a great treatment for cats that are constipated. Miralax is an over-the-counter product that is made for human consumption but is also safe to use in cats. Sprinkle 1/8 of a teaspoon on food twice a day, increasing up to ¼ teaspoon twice a day. This is a tasteless product that contains polyethylene glycol that is known to get the bowels moving.
Petroleum Jelly
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Petroleum jelly is the main ingredient of hair ball removal products, so it is safe to use with your cat. Most cats will actually lick the petroleum jelly off of your fingers or it can be mixed with canned cat food. Give the cat 1/3 to ½ teaspoon per day to help restore normal bowel activity.
Exercise
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It seems simple, but exercise is one of the best laxation treatments for cats as well as dogs and humans. Try getting your cat moving with toys or games and see if this doesn't help to get things moving. As cat's age or during hot months they may become more lazy, when they begin moving around again bowel activity often returns to normal.
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References
- Photo Credit House Cat image by phizics from Fotolia.com
