Can I sprinkle MiraLAX on dry cat food

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

Contributions sourced from

How to Mix Miralax for Cats (Guide & Tips)

If your cat has constipation and you are planning to use MiraLAX you may be wondering how you should be mixing this, right?

How to mix MiraLAX for cats

Its important to follow the Miralax instructions. But generally speaking, you should have 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of Miralax mixed in with your cats wet food. This can be adjusted based on the results, such as, is your cat eliminating as usual again? Then stop.

So, now you how to mix MiraLAX for cats. But, how does it work on cats? How long to see some results? Can you mix it with Gatorade? Keep reading for these answers and so much more.

What is MiraLAX?

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If you are considering using a constipation remedy and you have heard people talk about MiraLAX you may be wondering what is it.

MiraLAX is an off-the-shelf constipation remedy. Primarily its designed for humans but if your vet agrees with you it can be used for cats as well. But, it is a short-term solution for her constipation and should not be used long term.

So, now you know what MiraLAX is and why people use it. But, what makes it get rid of constipation?

How does MiraLAX work on your cat?

If you have MiraLAX for your cat you may be wondering how it works before you give it to her.

MiraLAX draws the water and fluids into your cats colon. This helps her to start her bowel movements and get rid of constipation. It is known to be quite effective but, this varies from cat to cat. However, if its not working after a week you know its not working properly and you need to seek professional advice.

So, now you know how MiraLAX works for your cat to ease constipation. But, how long before you see some results from it?

How long does it take for MiraLAX to work in cats?

So, now you understand what MiraLAX is, the benefits and, why people use it. So, by this time you may be wondering how long it takes for it to take effect.

You should expect MiraLAX to work within 24 hours. But this can depend on the size and weight of your cat. However, if you dont see any results after 7 days then its not working and you need to consult your vet for further advice.

So, you have learned how long it takes for it to work. But, can it be mixed with other food items or drink?

Can I mix MiraLAX with Gatorade?

How to mix MiraLAX for cats

You may have heard people talk about mixing Miralax with Gatorade to make it tastier and palatable, right? But, is this acceptable for cats?

Cats should not consume Miralax that has been mixed with Gatorade. This is because Gatorade is not intended for cats and is not good for them. For humans, yes, this is possible. And, some people use this method successfully.

So, now you know mixing MiraLAX with Gatorade can be effective for humans but not ideal for your cat. But, how long can you use MiraLAX for?.

Can you use MiraLAX for an extended period?

If you have a cat that constantly gets constipated you may be wondering if it is a good idea to use MiraLAX over and over again.

Miralax should not be used for an extended period. It is a short-term solution to constipation. Ideally, when constipation stops and she is pooping as normal, you should stop using it. Over usage could lead to diarrhea and dehydration.

So, now you know that cats should not be using MiraLAX for an extended period. But, after you have used it, what are the signs that your cat still has constipation?

How do you know if your cat is constipated?

If you believe your cat is still constipated but not sure you may be wondering what signs you can look out for.

The biggest sign that your cat is constipated is if she has stopped pooping as normal. However, there are other indications. Such as dry or hard stools, straining, going off her food, loss of appetite, or, even if she is walking a bit weird.

So, now you know there are several ways that you can gauge if your cat is constipated. But, is there any way to know how regular she should be pooping?

How often should your cat be pooping?

If you are suspicious that your cat is constipated but you are not sure you may be wondering how often she should be pooping, right? Is it similar to us humans or, different?

Cats should be pooping daily. To be more specific within 24 to 36 hours time frame. If it is going on longer than that then there is cause for concern. There is a good chance that your cat may be constipated. If this is the case you should seek some professional advice.

Also, look out for obvious signs such as dry stools. This can often be a bad indication that she has problems. So, now you know how often your cat should be pooping to give you an idea if she has a problem or constipation.

How long can a cat safely go without pooping?

So now you know the expectation of how regular your cat should be pooping. But, out of interest, how long can a cat go without pooping?

According to this site, cats can safely go without pooping for up to 4 to 5 days. Anything more than this is a concern. However, you should seek advice from your vet a lot earlier if you dont see any poop from your cat to be safe.

So, now you know how long a cat can safely go without pooping. But, how can you help your cat to stimulate some bowel movements?

How can I stimulate my cat to have a bowel movement?

If you are looking for other ways that you can stimulate your cats bowel movement, other than using MiraLAX or, any other constipation remedies, keep reading.

To stimulate bowel movement from your cat try to massage her belly softly. Another good technique is to use warm water. Submerge her in the warm water and make sure it covers her stomach and rear for the best effect.

So, now you know some techniques you can try to stimulate your cats bowel movement. But, what happens if this does not work?

What can I give my cat to help him poop?

If you are looking for other remedies to help your cats poop because she is not pooping then keep reading.

To help your cat poop offer her more fiber. This can be as simple as offering high fiber foods such as pumpkin or, you can look out for high fiber food designed to stimulate bowel movement and help with constipation.

Now you know what you can give your cat to help her poop.

How do I know if my cat has a blockage?

If you are concerned about your cat and wondering if she has constipation you may be wondering how you would know if she has a blockage, right?

There are some natural signs to see if your cat has a blockage. Such as her appearing to be physically weak, not eating as much as normal, stomach pain or, stomach swelling. She may also go off her food completely during this time.

So, now you know how you can identify a blockage in your cat so you can look into a constipation remedy such as MiraLAX.

Can pumpkin help with constipation?

Some say that pumpkins can be used for constipation. The theory is that it is only effective if it is used naturally rather than using pumpkin-based food, such as pumpkin used in a pie filler.

However, it may be difficult to get your cat to eat this pumpkin because some like it, others do not. And even if it does, its not guaranteed to work.

What causes constipation in cats?

Constipation in cats can be caused by several issues. One of the biggest issues is dehydration. Like us humans, if you do not provide enough water it can make it hard for your cat to pass the feces as normal.

If you have ever had constipation you will know that hydration is a big factor. I have personally had this and remember it followed a day when I was out for the day, at a family funeral, and deliberately restricted my water intake to control the number of toilet visits.

I later found out that this was a bad idea.

Are there any side effects of Miralax?

One of the known side effects, like any laxative, is diarrhea, if it is used in excess. Therefore, it is important to follow the instructions to avoid this happening.

Its great if your cat is finally unblocked, but if the issue goes the opposite way, not able to stop, it can introduce a new issue.

Does Miralax help with hairballs?

Miralax can be used for hairballs. It is a great stool softener and may help your cat free up the hairballs. It needs to be tested to see if it will work.

I say this because it is not designed specifically for this. So, if your main issue is hairballs, then a more specific remedy may be a better fit.

Can you put Miralax in cat water?

Miralax is better when it is mixed with your cats food, rather than water. It has no flavor so, when mixed with strong-smelling food, especially wet smelly food, it is ideal.

Cats are not big drinkers so the chances are they will not consume the water at all or very little to take a big enough dose. Whereas, in their food, they are likely to complete the meal.

Miralax for Cats: Uses, Dosage, & Side Effects

Miralax is a human medication often used for the treatment of constipation in cats. It comes in a tasteless, powder form, which is easy to give to cats and is readily available over the counter.

In this article, learn how Miralax works, the dosage and how to administer this to your cat, along with some common side effects.

Miralax for Cats Overview

Medication Type:

Osmotic laxative

Medication Form:

Powder form

Common Names:

Polyethylene glycol 3350

Effects:

Softens stools and treats constipation

Available Dosages:

Powder available in different sized bottles

Potential Side Effects:

Diarrhea, flatulence, dehydration

Precautions:

Use with caution in cats with dehydration, kidney disease, or sensitive stomaches

Contraindications:

Avoid using in cats that are unwell

About Miralax for Cats

Before we start discussing the use of Miralax in cats, we should know a little bit about Miralax. What is it? Miralax is a common over-the-counter medication used for the short-term treatment of constipation in humans. It contains the active ingredient polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG 3350) and is classed as an osmotic laxative.

Through the process of osmosis, these laxatives draw water into the intestines and retain it there. As a result, the intestines swell with water and this softens the impacted, hard, dry feces stuck in the intestines. In this way, it acts as a stool softener.

Increased water in the intestines also helps to increase hydration and gut motility (prokinetic), which prevents further constipation. These methods of action will help to produce bowel movements in mild-moderate cases of constipation.

As with humans, Miralax is used for the same purpose in cats to treat constipation. Constipation is a common issue in cats, particular in older cats.

Common underlying causes of constipation in cats include diet change, kidney disease, fur ingestion, medications, or pain (e.g., arthritis or joint issues). Your vet will need to investigate the underlying cause of your cats constipation to remove the causing factor if possible and to treat it.

Miralax provides a gentle and easy way to treat your cat if theyre suffering from constipation. The tasteless powder is easy to administer and is readily available in stores. It might relieve constipation and avoid your cat needing more intrusive procedures, such as an enema. Always use Miralax under the advice and recommendation of your veterinarian.

Dose for Cats

Miralax is a human medication. Therefore, there is no official Miralax dosage. I recommend discussing the proper dosage with your veterinarian. They know your cats case and medical history the best and are in a better position to advise on the dosage for them. The dosage of Miralax might change based on your cats age and underlying health conditions, and the severity of their constipation.

However, a general guideline for the dose in cats is to administer one-quarter teaspoon once to twice daily per cat.

This is a rough guideline for the dosage of Miralax, but as Ive mentioned, I strongly recommend discussing this with your veterinarian first. Constipation can be a very serious condition and you need to get your vets advice first before attempting to treat this at home. This medication wont be suitable for every case of constipation.

How To Administer Miralax to Cats

Because Miralax is a tasteless powder, it can easily be mixed into wet cat food.

Luckily for cat owners, Miralax comes in a tasteless powdered form. This makes it easier to administer to cats compared to other medications. Ensure that your cat is well hydrated prior to taking Miralax. Provide plenty of water bowls and water fountains to encourage drinking. To give your cat Miralax, simply mix their dose (based on your vets recommendation) into some of their favorite wet food.

Pick a wet food that they really like and mix the powder well to disguise it. Click herefor some tips on the best food to hide medication in.

Also Read:Best Cat Food For Constipation

Side Effects of Miralax for Cats

Miralax is generally a very safe medication to give to your cat, under the recommendation and advice of your vet. Side effects of this drug are minimal, but there are a few to consider.

As Miralax is an osmotic laxative, it draws water into the intestines. This might cause dehydration in the body, particularly in cats that have underlying conditions, such as kidney disease, or cats that are unwell and already dehydrated.

For this reason, Miralax should only be used if your cat is suffering from mild constipation and if your vet has advised it. Cats that are suffering from severe constipation are/or are very unwell will likely need veterinary treatment, which might include intravenous fluid therapy, x-rays to check for gastrointestinal obstruction, an enema to relieve the obstipation, and medications (e.g., cisapride). Severe constipation might cause an irreversible enlargement of the colon, called megacolon, which needs urgent veterinary care.

Laxatives have the ability to cause diarrhea or flatulence, particularly if too much is given. If this occurs, contact your veterinarian as they might need to prescribe a special diet, fiber, or medication to treat this. Use Miralax with care in cats that tend to have sensitive tummies, and keep a close eye on their litter box if theyre using Miralax.

Overdose and Emergencies

Miralax is a safe, over-the-counter medication and issues with overdoses are rare. In most cases, giving too much Miralax to your cat might cause diarrhea and gas. However, overdoses are possible with any drug and if you have any concern that your cat has overdosed, call your emergency veterinarian right away. You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (1-855-764-7661) for more information.

Potential Drug Interactions With Miralax

Miralax is a human drug and has been shown to be safe to use in the majority of cases, with potentially fewer side effects than other laxatives. According tohuman data, the drugs below are usually avoided with Miralax use in people unless advised otherwise by their doctor:

Bisacodyl
Licorice
Senna
Sodium picosulfate

In veterinary medicine, potential drug interactions with Miralax arent well known, but it is a relatively safe medication to use. Always discuss Miralax with your veterinarian before giving it to your cat. This is particularly important if your cat has any underlying health conditions or is on medication.

Your vet will assess your cats individual case and see if its appropriate to use this medication. They will check if it interacts with any other medication your cat might already be on (e.g., for diabetes or hyperthyroidism).

How To Store Miralax

Store Miralax in a child-proof container, away from extreme heat, moisture sunlight, or cold. Avoid freezing temperatures and keep it out of reach of children.

Dont use medication that is out of datediscard it.

Final Thoughts

Miralax can be used under the guidance of your veterinarian to relieve constipation in most cats.

Miralax is a human medication that can be used to treat mild to moderate cases of constipation in cats. Its relatively safe with few side effects and is easy to give to cats as it comes in a tasteless powder form.

Cats should pass feces in their litter box within eight to 12 hours after Miralax medication. Be cautious giving it to cats that might be dehydrated or suffering from kidney disease. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian before giving Miralax to your cat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Miralax safe for cats?

Yes, Miralax is a relatively safe and easy-to-administer medication for cats to treat constipation. Its readily available over the counter and comes in a tasteless powder form. Discuss the use of Miralax with your vet before using it for your cat.

What if I miss a dose of Miralax?

Miralax is a safe drug used to treat constipation. It can be given once or twice daily depending on your vets advice. If you miss a dose and your cat still has signs of constipation, call your vet for advice. They might advise you to give a dose of Miralax.