How to Cure Cat Constipation

Cat constipation is a common malady that affects middle-aged and older cats most frequently. However, cats of all ages can be affected. It can be caused by changes in the diet, improper diet, or perhaps that bird your cat feasted on in the backyard. Symptoms of cat constipation include few to no bowel movements, straining while attempting to defecate, or a significant decrease in the amount of stools. While chronic constipation can be serious, an occasional bout of cat constipation can usually be cured with items from your pantry and medicine cabinet.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Benefiber
• Olive oil
• Tuna fish

1. 

   Offer your cat beans, fibrous vegetables and fruits such as pumpkin, and other soft cooked veggies to relieve cat constipation. Some cats may refuse, and others will eat them willingly. If your cat will consume them, the fiber contained within may help the bowels evacuate more easily.

2. 

   Use Benefiber, or another tasteless fiber supplement containing guar gum. Mix it in the water dish to relieve cat constipation. Your cat will not be aware of the substance, since it has no taste. Just as it does in humans, it will loosen the stools and help your cat have a bowel movement.

3. 

   Use olive oil to help relieve cat constipation. The oil will lubricate the bowels and help induce a bowel movement. Combine a little olive oil with tuna, or use tuna already packed in oil.

4. 

   Keep the litter box clean. Many cats are finicky and will not use a dirty litter box, and some cats will actually go to the extreme of not relieving themselves at all if it's dirty. To cover all of your bases in the case of cat constipation, make sure the litter box is nice and clean, and ready for your cat's next bowel movement.

5. 

   See a veterinarian if none of these remedies have cured your cat constipation. A vet may be able to prescribe special medicine, or use special procedures to relieve your cat's bowels. If you suspect there is a chance of blockage, or a more serious condition, a vet will be able to help.

Tips & Warnings

• If cat constipation lasts for more than a few days, you observe bloody diarrhea-like stools, the cat becomes weak or lethargic, or begins vomiting; a bowel obstruction may be the culprit. This can be a fatal condition, so see a veterinarian immediately.