Home Remedies for Cat Constipation
Constipation is common among cats of all ages and lifestyles, although it can chronically affect older or overweight cats. Prevention is the best medicine, but once a cat is constipated, there are some tried-and-true natural and home remedies that should help "clear out" the problem.
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Healthy Play
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Exercise does more than help prevent constipation--it helps your cat maintain a healthy weight, reduce stress and improves the quality of both your lives.
Water
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Cats are notoriously poor water drinkers, and dry food is very low in moisture. Switching your cat to a canned or homemade diet provides more hydration that leads to better digestion.
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Fiber
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Just like humans, cats need fiber in order to pass healthy stools. Adding a small amount of bran or unflavored psyllium powder (like Metamucil) to the cat's food can be helpful.
Jelly
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The main ingredient in most hairball and over-the-counter feline constipation medicine is good old petroleum jelly. Giving your cat a 1/2 tsp. per day of plain petroleum jelly between meals can help "move" things along.
Go Herbal
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While many herbal supplement are dangerous to cats, slippery elm syrup can be added to wet food to help prevent constipation (see Resources below for recipes).
Pumpkin
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A tablespoon or two of plain fresh or canned pumpkin (not the pie mix) also provides moisture and fiber to a cat, and many enjoy this as a treat between feedings.
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