How to Treat Constipation in Felines

Like humans, cats suffer from occasional constipation.

A normal, healthy cat should produce one or two bowel movements per day with stools that are firm and full. If you find your cat straining at the litter box, defecating in inappropriate places or have simply not seen new bowel movements when cleaning the litter box, your cat may be suffering from constipation. As with humans, occasional constipation is no big deal. However, continued or chronic constipation may indicate a serious condition; bring your cat to your veterinarian if it does not return to normal after a day or two.

Things You'll Need

• Wet food
• Water dish
• Drinking glasses
• Petroleum jelly

Instructions

1. Increase your cat's water intake. The quickest and easiest way to accomplish this is to replace all dry food with wet food. Many cats are not enthusiastic water drinkers and rely on the moisture from food to balance their system.

2. Provide palatable water. Even water-loving cats won't touch a bowl of water that is dirty or old. Clean and refill your cat's water dish frequently.

3. Trick them into drinking more water. Many cats like the "mischief" of drinking from human water glasses. Place a few wide-mouthed drinking cups, filled with water, around the house.

4. Give your cat 1/2 tsp. of plain petroleum jelly daily, either as a treat or mixed well into its wet food -- many cats do enjoy the taste. Petroleum jelly's large inert molecules cannot be digested like other vegetable or animal-based oils, and help lubricate the intestine.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't attempt to give your cat a laxative or an enema without first consulting your veterinarian.

References

• WebMD: Constipation in Cats
• Little Big Cat: Constipated Cats