Can oatmeal help cat constipation

Can Cats Eat Oatmeal? 5 Reasons Why It Is A Healthy and Guilt-Free Snack

There are frequently asked questions that have been made by many cat owners. These questions surround the topic of cats being fed with oatmeal.

Isnt oatmeal an indulgence for humans only? To our surprise, the truth might be a little bit more unconventional.

Were here to tackle some of the frequently asked questions cat owners have voiced out all across the internet hemisphere:

Can cats eat oatmeal? What if I add in some milk? How much oatmeal can I give to cats? Can oatmeal provide all these health benefits for my cats' diet the way it has for humans? How frequently should my cat eat oatmeal?

Concerns are high on feeding cats the food thats been made specifically for humans. As a feline parent, it becomes your responsibility to learn the pros and cons of giving cats human food.

While you can do your own research, weve gathered all the information on the fundamental answers to including oatmeal to your cats' diet.

Can cats eat oatmeal?

Its a big yes! Cats can eat oatmeal in small quantities. It's one of the few human foods cats can consume in safe serving sizes. So, as a cat owner, you can add this to their diet by measuring a certain portion size to give to your fur baby. This means that oatmeal isnt given as a full meal.

Just like any other pet, cats have a distinct nutritional requirement from food. So, anything thats edible for humans may get cats prone to stomach sensitivities. Cats as a distinct species have a different digestive mechanism as compared to the human race.

Read Also: Can Cats Eat Human Food?

What portions sizes of oatmeal can cats eat?

Cats can eat oatmeal, yet they will only absorb a lot of carbohydrates with very little protein.

It, therefore, does provide a certain nutritional component. Yet this can only be used as a secondary meal alternative for the cat since its ideally set as a cat treat instead of a full meal.

Add in of protein and just of the carbohydrate-filled oatmeal. This is just as much oatmeal you need for your fur baby daily diet.

Can cats eat oatmeal with milk?

Surprise, surprise! Cats are lactose intolerant. So their intolerance to dairy makes it uncomfortable for them to consume oatmeal porridge with milk.

They shouldnt consume the oatmeal porridge that has been prepared with milk.

This news can get you wondering how you can prep oatmeal for cats now? This time, let this be a confirmation that you need not prepare your oatmeal porridge with milk to do away with their intolerance for anything dairy.

Instead, water can be a wonderful substitute for milk! To make oatmeal porridge, simply add in some water to make the oatmeal grains soft but not too watery.

Amp up the flavor by combining this with your choice of wet cat food that you normally serve in case if the water has diluted the oatmeal.

This texture makes it easier for your cats to chew, swallow, and then digest this special meal.

In this way, youre able to introduce the nutrients in the oatmeal slowly and surely to your cats so they become comfortable with their consumption.

Need not fret if you need to whip up some favorable meals for your fur baby! There are a plethora of homemade wet cat food recipes that can be found online. They are a practical way to reduce the cost of cat food.

To perk up their taste buds more, you can add a wee bit of salt. Cats have a low tolerance for salt levels. However, go easy on the amount of salt to avoid poisoning your cat.

Read Also: Can Cats Have Almond Milk? Is It Safe?

Nutritional benefits oatmeal for cats

So what can cats get from oatmeal? Cats can eat oatmeal for all these nutritional benefits:

1. A good source of iron

First off, oatmeal is a really good source of iron. Its an entirely good choice to boost the function of enzymes. Iron is required to make more blood for the body. Thanks to oatmeal, your cat no longer may suffer from anemia.

2. It has essential nutrients such as calcium and vitamin B6

Oatmeal contains other nutrients such as calcium and vitamin B6.

Your cat may need more calcium as it is required for the formation of bones. The formation of bones for your pets overall bone development is especially true for cats as kittens.

Meanwhile, this vitamin is required by the body to break down all protein into amino acids. Amino acids support your cat's overall functionality.

These nutrients do the work to help ensure their nerves and muscles are well-coordinated and are functioning properly.

3. Oatmeal has manganese for digestion and cholesterol levels

This hearty meal contains another nutrient called manganese. Itll help stabilize or control their levels of cholesterol.

4. High in fiber and low in levels of gluten

The great thing about oatmeal is its level of gluten component. Yes, oatmeal is low in gluten.

More so, this has just as much fiber to assist in clearing digestive issues in your cat. Both of which will help calm the digestive tract to regulate normal bowel movement.

Along with calming their digestive tract, oatmeal recipes properly prepared as foods for cats also help to stabilize their hormones.

5. An anti-inflammatory treat

A bonus about eating oatmeal is benefiting from its high diuretic properties. It has been considered to be anti-inflammatory, making it the best homemade cat food.

The side effects of oatmeal

Anything thats generally good comes with a few side effects when it gets consumed excessively.

Some types of oatmeal are not purely safe. Say for example any oatmeal brand that may contain chocolate or raisins. Unfortunately, anything with cocoa (chocolate) or raisins are generally unsafe for cats.

These two ingredients are very poisonous to our fur babies and may have been the cause of food poisoning.

Can cats eat oatmeal cookies?

Even when oatmeal cookies are undoubtedly the best thing weve learned to make out of oats, weve yet to know if this treat is any good to cats.

Oatmeal cookies have been made as nutritious as cooked oatmeal porridge. The difference is its crunchy texture and sweet taste. If ever youve whipped up or bought some oatmeal cookies, then you might be tempted to give just a tiny, little piece to your cat, yet can your cat eat those oatmeal cookies?

Unfortunately, the answer to this question is a hard no. Oatmeal cookies often contain raisins and chocolate, which have been deemed toxic to cats.

So please, let me say it again: Do not allow your cat to eat oatmeal cookies.

Can cats eat oatmeal as their daily diet?

Of course, although the nutritional value of a portion of oats needs to be administered given your cats overall dietary needs. For example, most cats do best when eating foods that are high in protein and while low on carbs.

Even though oats contain a relatively high amount of protein for a cereal grain, it is still quite high in carbohydrates. This means that the cat owner should limit this to a small portion of a felines diet.

How many calories does my cat need per day?

The daily calorie consumption for cats is up to 300 calories. A single oatmeal dessert contains about 100 calories. This is the recommended daily calorie intake for cats. Just go between 200 to 300 calories and youll be safe!

One single oatmeal cookie will likely contain up to 100 calories. This is almost half of the calorie count your cat needs.

If you would give your cats some oatmeal cookies, then your fur babies will likely exceed the normal daily calorie intake. No big deal if ever this has only happened once.

However, if your cat is used to being regularly given sugary treats, then weight gain is a developing problem for them that can lead to other diseases and many health problems such as obesity and diabetes.

Feeding your cat will mean a lot of consideration and limitation on the number of calories consumed.

The take-away

So, can cats eat oatmeal? As mentioned before Yes, they can!

I mean, here you are not having to enjoy your morning oatmeal porridge alone!

Give your kittens and cats a small portion of soaked oats for all the benefits it has.

Oatmeal is a huge source of vitamin B, protein, iron, calcium, manganese, fiber, and more! Yet, its got more carbohydrates than your cat needs.

With that being said, it should only be given to your feline friend as an occasional treat.

Just make sure that the cooked oatmeal you'll serve is prepared in a certain way, and portion sizes of the oatmeal are also taken into consideration.

Remember that giving too much will result in the development of health complications for the cat. Follow these steps, and your cat will be very healthy.

Hope this helped, and oh, may your furry loved one be able to get a bit of this good treat while you both eat breakfast together!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make oatmeal for cats?

Oat tea is another way to safely incorporate oats into your cat's diet. To make oat tea, steep about one tablespoon of organic oats for 15 to 20 minutes in a cup of hot water. Mix a small amount of the tea into your cat's canned food or apply enough to her kibble to thoroughly moisten it.

Is oatmeal safe for cats?

Good newsyou no longer have to enjoy your morning oatmeal alone! Plain oats are completely fine for kitties to eat; in fact, as a source of vitamin B, oatmeal can be found in some cat foods. That being said, like the other foods on this list, it should only be given to your kitty as an occasional treat.

What human foods can cats eat?

Cooked beef, chicken, turkey, and small amounts of lean deli meats are a great way to give them that. Raw or spoiled meat could make your cat sick. If you wouldn't eat it, don't give it to your pet.

What fruits are toxic to cats?

Steer clear of: Cherries are toxic to cats and dogs, and grapes and raisins can cause kidney damage. Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and grapefruit as well as persimmons can cause an upset stomach.

The Best Foods to Relieve Constipation

Eating foods high in fiber, like certain fruits and vegetables, may help relieve constipation. These foods may soften, accelerate, and increase your stool frequency.

Constipation can be painful and uncomfortable and may happen to anyone.

Nearly 16 in 100 adults in the United States experience constipation, which may have symptoms like:

• passing stools less than three times per week
• straining, lumpy, or hard stools
• feeling blocked
• being unable to pass a stool

Increasing your dietary fiber intake may be a natural and effective remedy to help relieve your symptoms of constipation.

Here are 17 foods that could help relieve constipation divided into categories.

Many fruits naturally contain fiber, but some contain more than others. They may also contain other ingredients that can help support frequent bowel movements.

• Prunes (dried plums): One 1/4 cup (40 gram (g)) serving contains nearly 3 g of fiber, which helps add bulk to stool. The soluble and insoluble fibers in prunes also help retain water and produce fatty acids that increase stool weight. Some people may experience a laxative effect from the sugar alcohol sorbitol found in prunes.
• Apples: One medium apple with the skin on (about 200 g) contains 4.8 g of fiber. They also contain pectin, which may have many benefits, such as increasing stool frequency, decreasing stool hardness and duration, and decreasing the need for laxatives.
• Pears: One medium-sized pear (178 g) contains 5.5 g of fiber. Pears contain sorbitol and fructose, which may act as a mild laxative. The liver absorbs fructose, so any excess may draw water into your intestines and aid in bowel movements. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects.
• Kiwis: One kiwi (75 g) contains about 2.3 g of fiber. Kiwis may help relieve constipation by improving stool consistency, decreasing stool duration, and decreasing abdominal pain, strain, and discomfort. This may also be due to the enzyme actinidin, which might have positive effects on gut motility and bowel habits.
• Figs: One 1/2 cup (50 g) serving of dried figs contains 7.3 g of fiber. Research suggests consuming figs regularly may not only help with stool frequency but may help alleviate abdominal discomfort such as pain or bloating.
• Citrus fruits: One orange (154 g) contains 3.7 g of fiber, while one grapefruit (308 g) contains nearly 5 g. Citrus fruit peels are rich in pectin and a flavanol called naringenin, which may help reduce constipation. Studies with mice suggest this may have laxative effects, though more research with humans is necessary.

Like with fruit, some vegetables are more fibrous than others. The following options are known for having a bit more, and eating them can help reduce constipation.

• Spinach and other greens: Greens like spinach, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli are full of fiber, which might help add bulk and weight to stools, making it easier to pass. 100 g of cooked spinach has 1.6 g fiber. Just 5 Brussels sprouts contain 3.5 g of fiber, while broccoli has 2.4 g of fiber in just one cup (91 g).
• Jerusalem artichoke and chicory: Jerusalem artichokes and chicory are part of the sunflower family and contain inulin, a fiber that promotes gut health. A study with 44 adults showed that taking 0.4 oz or 12 g of chicory-derived inulin per day can improve stool frequency and softness.
• Artichoke: One medium raw artichoke (128 g) also contains 6.9 g of fiber. These have a prebiotic effect, which may help increase stool frequency. Prebiotics are indigestible carbohydrates that feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut, known as probiotics.
• Rhubarb: One cup (122 g) of rhubarb contains 2.2 g of dietary fiber. The plant contains sennoside A, a compound that decreases aquaporin 3 (AQP3), a protein regulating the movement of water in the intestines. Less AQP3 means less water is moved from the colon back into the bloodstream, leaving stools softer and promoting bowel movements.
• Sweet potatoes: One medium sweet potato (150 g) contains 3.6 g of fiber. This root vegetable mostly contains insoluble fiber in the form of cellulose and lignin. But, they also contain pectin, a soluble fiber, suggesting it may have a positive effect on bowel movements.

Seeds and legumes are other great sources of fiber. In particular, consider trying the following if youre experiencing constipation.

• Beans, peas, and lentils: One cup (182 g) of cooked navy beans contains a whopping 19.1 g of fiber, while one 1/2 cup (99 g) of cooked lentils contains 7.8 g. With their mix of both insoluble and soluble fiber, they may help alleviate constipation by adding bulk and weight to stools and by softening them to facilitate passage.
• Chia seeds:These seeds are one of the most fiber-dense foods available, containing nearly 28% of fiber by weight. Just 1 ounce (28 g) contains 9.8 g of fiber. The insoluble fiber in chia forms a gel in the gut when mixed with water, helping to soften and pass stools. Chia can also absorb up to 12 times its weight in water, which helps add bulk to stools.
• Flaxseeds: One tablespoon (9 g) of whole flaxseeds contains 2.5 g of soluble and insoluble fiber. In one study, 53 people with type 2 diabetes ate either flaxseed or placebo cookies. After 12 weeks, the flaxseed group had reduced constipation and improved blood sugar and fat levels. However, speak to your doctor before trying flaxseed if youre pregnant or lactating.

Grains also contain a lot of fiber. That said, stay away from processed grains like white bread. On the other hand, most dairy wont necessarily help constipation, but it can help if its fermented.

• Rye bread: Two medium slices (64 g) of whole-grain rye bread contain 3.7 g of dietary fiber. Rye bread may help relieve constipation due to its high soluble fiber content, which absorbs water and promotes the formation of larger and softer stools, making them easier to pass.
• Oat bran: This is the fiber-rich outer casing of the oat grain. One 1/3 cup (31 g) of raw oat bran contains 4.8 g of fiber, compared with 2.7 g in quick oats. Although more research is needed, there is some evidence to suggest that eating oat bran can have a positive effect on bowel movements.
• Kefir: This fermented milk beverage is a probiotic, which means it contains bacteria and yeasts that benefit your health when ingested. For example, one study in 45 people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) found that drinking 13.5 oz (400 milliliters (mL)) of kefir twice daily improved the composition of the gut microbiome and decreased abdominal pain.

If youre experiencing constipation, certain foods and beverages may make your symptoms worse.

These may include:

What food is good for constipation?

Foods that are high in fiber may help soften, accelerate, and increase your stool frequency.

There are two types of fiber, which may each have different effects on your bowel movements.

Insoluble fiber may help increase the bulk and frequency of your stool, while soluble fiber may help soften your stool.

How do I get rid of constipation fast?

Foods that are high in fiber may help quickly relieve constipation, such as:

• rhubarb
• sweet potatoes
• spinach
• broccoli
• kefir
• artichoke
• chia seeds

What simple trick can help empty my bowel?

Other than eating foods that promote easy bowel movements, you can also try taking fiber supplements and staying hydrated. In more severe cases, you may need an over-the-counter laxative, an enema, or a suppository.

Learn more: Tips and home remedies for fast constipation relief.

Foods that are high in fiber may help relieve constipation.

A high fiber diet helps add bulk and weight to stools, soften them, and stimulate bowel movements.

However, high fiber diets could make constipation worse for some people.

If youre experiencing recurring bouts of constipation, its important to speak with a doctor to come up with a proper treatment plan for you.

Additionally, drinking plenty of water will help keep your bowel movements frequent and your stool soft.