Be patient, as the transition to a new kind of food can take a few weeks. To remedy this situation, try to wean your pet from dry food and feed him only the canned variety. (Too little water can cause constipation). Hard kibble is moisture free, which can be a problem for your feline friend. Talk to your vet about this before you try it. But be careful, as giving too much may cause diarrhea in some animals. In small doses (about 1/2 teaspoon), aloe juice can help uncomplicated constipation, says Appel. One dose (usually 2 ml, depending on the preparation and your cat’s weight) can be given in the evening for overnight relief. Like ginger, this aromatic root has natural laxative properties. Ginger can be mixed into your pet’s food once a day to help set their digestive tract back in motion if you notice they seem stopped up. Check with your doctor about giving it in small amounts (about 1/4 teaspoon) for a short duration. GingerĬonsider ginger as an herbal remedy, says Appel. You can add this to your pet’s diet any time but especially if you notice that your cat is having difficulty with elimination. PumpkinĪ teaspoon of canned, pureed pumpkin once or twice a day may also help add the fiber your pet needs to go again. Try this after talking to your vet about your pet’s constipation. Adding a bit to your pet’s food each day can help regulate their bowel movements. Some to try are bran cereal or an over-the-counter product like psyllium (in stores, this is marketed as Metamucil). Fiber-rich foodsįor cats, fiber is very important and this substance is often lacking in domestic cat diets. Ask your cat’s doctor about appropriate additions and amounts. Help your feline ease elimination woes with these six natural remedies, but make sure to talk with your vet before introducing any new foods into their diet. To fix it, get your cat moving by offering cat toys and encouraging them to jump, roll and chase things around the house. Encourage exerciseĪ lack of movement means the muscles aren’t working in your cat’s colon and this can worsen constipation. Excess fur in your cat’s GI tract can cause this ailment, so try brushing your pet a few minutes a day or bringing them to the groomer if you don’t have the time. Most cats groom themselves rather well, but lending a helping hand can curb hairballs and lessen the chance of constipation. Strategies to try to help a constipated cat Increase water intakeĮnsure that your cat always has access to fresh water, as dehydration is big cause of constipation. For prevention, pet owners should be in close contact with their vets about the best diet for their cats. In general, elderly cats suffer this ailment more often than kittens, but a cat of any age or breed that eats a low-fiber diet or doesn’t drink enough water can develop it. Other reasons that prevent a cat from pooping might be “painful lesions, such as strictures, masses or perianal disease,” says Anthea Appel, a New York City-based naturopathic/homeopathic animal consultant. Jane Brunt, executive director of the CATalyst Council and past president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners. “The cat could also be suffering from a blockage present from birth or that developed due to injury or illness or a myriad of internal imbalances,” notes veterinarian Dr. It may be caused by a diet too low in fiber, a lack of clean, fresh water or hairballs or other small items in your cat’s digestive tract. The term “constipated” means that the cat has infrequent bowel movements or ones that are difficult to pass. Kim Bloomer, an animal naturopath and author of the site Aspenbloom Pet Care. “The root cause of cat constipation is often improper nutrition,” points out Dr. Sometimes, no matter how much straining and pushing there is, the necessary result isn’t happening! Just as with the condition in humans, cat constipation is rather common and diet plays an important role.
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