Does MiraLAX work for impacted stool in cats

How Long Does It Take For MiraLax To Work In Cats?

Constipation in cats is fairly common. For the most part, its easy to help them get over it with a little help from a laxative like MiraLax, a home remedy like olive oil, or even a little massage and plenty of water.

Personally, Ive found MiraLax to be very effective in resolving mild constipation in my cats on a number of occasions. Often helping them poop within 24 hours, sometimes 48 hours.

How long does it take for MiraLax to work in cats? Generally speaking, MiraLax should work within 24-48 hours and youll notice your cats constipation has passed. If not, the issue is more serious and you need to take them to a vet.

If you think your cat is constipated, or know they are and want to treat them with a laxative like MiraLax, heres everything you need to know.

Signs That Your Cat Is Constipated

Some of the more common and obvious signs that a cat is constipated include:

• Not pooping for more than 24 hours
• Straining or meowing in pain from the litter box
• Passing dry, hard poop
• Passing a small amount of liquid while pooping
• Acting very lethargic
• Not eating
• Vomiting
• General signs of looking and acting unwell

It can be a little bit scary the first time you deal with a constipated cat. You might want to seek the advice of your vet if you can. But if thats not an option, or if youre dealing with persistent mild constipation, a laxative should work fine.

What Is MiraLax?

MiraLax is the name of a drug used to treat mild and occasional constipation. Its a laxative, and works by helping add more water into a cats bowels to soften stool and help relieve blockages.

Its available to buy over the counter, no prescription needed. It has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S. so I have no issues using it for myself or my cats.

Is Miralax Safe for Cats?

MiraLax is designed for humans first, and a lot of foods and medicines that are for human consumption are not safe for cats. So, youre right to look into this and check its safe.

Its always a good idea to at least give your vets office a quick call before giving any products to your cat for medicinal use. So if you can do that, go ahead.

Ive heard vets recommending it, however, so I have no issues giving it to my cat. PetMD also recommends using MiraLax for constipated cats, as do many other credible sources.

How to Mix MiraLax for Cats

MiraLax comes in a powder form. When we take it, we mix it with drinks or water. For a cat to take it, you have to add it to wet food to be sure that theyre eating it.

The correct dosage is to add a quarter of a teaspoon to their wet food once a day. Keep an eye on them make sure theyre eating it all up. If youve given medicine of any form to a cat before you will know how crafty some of them can be.

How Long Does It Take For MiraLax To Work In Cats?

You should expect to notice it working within 1 to 2 days. For mild constipation, after your cat has eaten that first dose with their food, Id expect them to be passing feces within 24 hours. At least, thats always been the case for me.

Dont panic if you havent seen any results in 24 hours and need to give them a second dose. If two doses and 48 hours pass by and you havent noticed that pooped, this is when its starting to get serious and Id call the vet.

Other Cat Constipation Remedies to Consider

If, for some reason you do not want to give your cat MiraLax, there are some other products and home remedies to try.

Ive seen success using Olive Oil before, and I wrote an article about how much olive oil to give a constipated cat if you want to look into this as an option.

Ive read that coconut oil is also a safe and effective home remedy. Ive not tried it though, so I cant say from experience if it works or not.

Canned pumpkin is another thing that PetMD recommends as its high in fibre which helps to get the digestive system moving.

Other medicated products to look into (all recommended by PetMD) include Laxatone and Metamucil. Again, I have no personal experience with these, so I recommend you do some research of your own.

The thing to be aware of is that plenty of fresh water is the key to reducing constipation problems. Its worth investigating if theres any way you can encourage your cat to drink a little more if they get constipated.

This means placing water bowls in different locations around the house and changing their water more often. Maybe even trying a drinking fountain as a lot of cats prefer these and will use them more than a standard bowl.

Related: Can cats drink from water bottles? When used in the right situation, water bottles can help encourage your cat to drink more.

Where to Buy MiraLax for Cats?

Because MiraLax is available over the counter, you can buy it at most of the large retailers that stock health products. You can browse all the different sizes and products at WalMart here if thats where you like to shop.

Or, if you like the quick 1-click experience at Amazon, here you go:

In Summary

MiraLax is perfectly safe and fine to use with cats that are mildly constipated. With that said, whats important here is that you put your cats health and well-being first.

Dont risk anything. if you have any concerns, get your cat checked out by a vet. When giving them MiraLax to help with constipation, never give them more than the recommended dosage and dont leave this issue for more than 48 hours.

Owning cats and dealing with mild medical issues like constipation is a learning experience for all of us. Generally speaking, there are some lifestyle changes we can make to ensure they dont get constipated as often.

It might be down to the fact that youre giving them too much dry food, so thats worth looking into. As Ive already mentioned, is worth looking at ways to encourage them to drink as much as possible too.

Keep a close eye on them if you start noticing persistent constipation issues. Cats have sensitive stomachs, but theres usually an underlying cause.

Heres some FAQs on the topic that might be helpful:

Can You Use MiraLax for Cats with Megacolon?

Megacolon is a term used to describe an incompetent colon. This can occur due to chronic constipation and results in a cat retaining feces too large for them to pass.

Kiki Bracker, a veterinarian writing for MSPCA.org wrote that MiraLax is a good choice of laxative for cats that are constipated and suffering from megacolon.

Its a serious condition and an extra complication, so Id recommend seeking advice from a vet in person too.

Can You Use MiraLax for Cats with Kidney Disease?

Its advised that you should not use MiraLax if you have kidney disease, so its natural to wonder if the same applies to cats.

This is something youre going to have to run past your vet because it could come down to some factors specific to your cat. My advice is to give them a call first before giving your cat a laxative.

Can You Use MiraLax for Cats with CRF?

CRF stands for Chronic Renal Failure, which is a term used to describe a form of kidney disease. So, the answer is the same as for the last question. You shouldnt give your cat MiraLax, or any other laxatives without getting the OK from a qualified pet care professional.

How Much MiraLax Can I Give My Cat?

The MiraLax dosage for cats is to of a teaspoon once a day. Ive always found it really easy to add to their food as it has almost no taste, so mixed in with a wet food its going to go unnoticed.

Never go over the recommended amount. Always read the label and be aware of any side effects to look out for, and if the symptoms persist for two or more days, take your cat to a vet.

Miralax For Cats With Constipation

Miralax is a laxative powder that is added to your constipated cats drinking water. When your cat digests this drug it binds to the water in their gut, preventing it from leaving their intestines. Your cats poop becomes larger and softer inside them, contracting the bowel and making the poop pass more easily. This medication is routinely prescribed by veterinarians as a treatment for feline blockages, and works well to relieve discomfort in your constipated cat.

Contents

Today Ill share why Miralax for cats is so popular, what it does, how it works and what makes it safe and effective. But Ill also let you know what side effects to look out for, and when to stop using it and go back to the pet doctor.

What is Miralax for Cats?

Miralax for cats is a laxative, which usually comes in a powdered sachet that you add to their drinking water. It is a stool softener that makes them easier to pass.

How Often Should Cats Poop?

The general consensus is that cats poop, on average, once a day. However, there is plenty of room for healthy variation. This may be due to age, diet, or simply the fact that all cats are unique.

In fact, attempting to monitor the frequency of your cats bowel movements is rarely the most effective way of telling whether theyre constipated. Outdoor cats might do poops that you dont observe. And indoor cats might only manage to partly evacuate their bowels during a toilet trip, so that unpassed feces continue accumulating in their bowel.

Cat Constipation Symptoms

If your cat is showing any or all of the following signs, they might be suffering from constipation:

• frequent unsuccessful trips to the toilet
• loss of appetite
• vomiting
• weight loss
• lack of energy
• poor coat condition

What To Give Your Constipated Cat

The best treatment for constipation depends upon why theyre suffering in the first place.

Cats With Megacolon

Some research suggests that most cats (around two thirds) who experience constipation had pre-existing megacolon. Megacolon is a progressive disorder where the bowel is too large. Because of this, the muscles in the bowel wall dont work properly. For these felines, constipation is a symptom of an underlying structural problem.

Blockages

The next most common cause of constipation is a tumor or healed injury blocking the exit, so to speak. These cats need the obstruction to be removed in order to achieve normal bowel movements again.

Less Common Causes

Still further, less common causes of cat constipation include:

• dehydration
• unwillingness to use their litter box because it is dirty, being shared by another cat, etc
• loss of nervous control over the bowel
• and side effects of medication.

Your veterinarian is best placed to determine why they are constipated. Then they will recommend a course of treatment which solves the underlying problem if possible, and shifts the existing blockage. This might involve laxatives, an enema or a new diet. And very occasionally it may involve surgery to empty or remove the affected section of bowel.

What Laxatives Are Safe For Your Cat?

Several prescription and over the counter laxatives are considered safe for cats. But none of them should be used without a vets say-so.

For a long time, Lactulose has probably been the best known laxative used for cats. Your pet might also have been prescribed the active ingredient in Miralax under its generic name PEG 3350, before it was available over the counter. These days it is one of the most commonly recommended laxatives for cats. This is because it is easy to administer, and almost completely flavorless.

How To Use Miralax For Cats

This drug is sold as a water soluble powder, either in a tub, or single dose (for humans!) sachets. The powder can be dissolved in your cats drinking water, or a wet food meal. Adding it to your cats food is usually a more reliable way to ensure they consume the right dose, since cats rarely empty their water bowl.

If your constipated cat has lost their appetite, you can try adding Miralax to a warm broth instead of plain water. For some cases of constipation, your vet might prefer to admit them as an inpatient. They can then administer via a nasal drip. This is a good way to make sure they receive the correct does promptly, and monitor their response to it.

How Does Miralax Work In Cats?

The active ingredient in Miralax is polyethylene glycol 3350, or PEG 3350. PEG 3350 is hydrophilic which means it attracts and bonds water molecules. One molecule of PEG can bind up to 100 molecules of water!

When cats take this drug it binds to water in the gut and stops that water being absorbed out of the intestine. This makes their poop larger, and softer. The increase in volume stimulates the muscles in the bowel to contract and start moving their contents normally again. And being softer, it is more easily passed.

Miralax Dosage For Cats

Your veterinarian will recommend how much to add to her meals, how often, and how long for. Theyll base their recommendation on factors like how severely constipated your cat is. And how far their stools are from the optimum consistency.

Vets report that the effective dose varies widely from cat to cat, so individualised dosing is essential. As a general guide, cats only need about to of a teaspoon, twice a day. This is much less than the contents of a single dose sachet. Those sachets contain single doses for humans!

How Long Does It Take For Miralax To Work In Cats?

This can vary a lot, from a couple of hours to a few days. Most owners notice their cat experiencing some relief within 6-12 hours of their first dose. One study found that the average time taken for Miralax to take effect in cats receiving it via nasal drip was eight hours.If it is not working after 3 days then you will need to go back to your animal doctor for further advice.

Can I Give My Cat Miralax Daily?

Give your cat Miralax once a day unless advised otherwise by your veterinarian. Continuous treatment of constipation caused by megacolon using laxatives gradually loses its effectiveness. Remember that is most cases of constipation.

Which is why its so important to see a vet, and establish why your cat is constipated in the first place. Because tackling the underlying cause is the only way to permanently solve the problem.

If your cat has chronic, or long term constipation, your vet might recommend a combination approaches. This could include frequent laxatives, drugs to stimulate muscle function in the gut, and a specialist high fiber diet.

How Can I Get Miralax For Cats?

The Miralax cats take is the same product widely available over the counter at pharmacies and grocery stores. If your vet recommends it, youll be able to go and pick it up yourself, without a prescription. You can then administer it to your cat at home, with their normal meal.

Is Miralax Safe For Your Cat?

Miralax for cats is a safe, effective and palatable treatment for constipation when used under veterinary supervision. It might be insufficient to treat a large and severely impacted volume of constipation, and administered too frequently it can make a chronic constipation problem worse.

It cant solve constipation where the volume of retained poop is too much to expel normally. If this happens, your vet might recommend manually removing the blockage under general anaesthetic.

Side Effects Of Miralax In Cats

Miralax works by binding water in the gut. This stops it being absorbed through the gut wall into the rest of the body. Due to this, it can cause or exacerbate dehydration. Cats taking it should be encouraged to drink plenty of fresh water

Good ways of doing this include adding tasty, meat or fish broths to their wet food. Drinking fountains work well too.

Like any laxative, a large dose can also go a little too far, and cause diarrhea. Call your vet if you believe your cat is experiencing any side effects. (Besides the pleasant relief of finally being able to use the litter box!)

Avoid Home Remedies for Cat Constipation

Although it might be tempting to try to treat your cats constipation with home remedies, the best course of action is to see your veterinarian. You dont know the cause of their lack of bowel movements, and it could be something that needs immediate and effective action.

Has Your Cat Ever Needed Miralax?

Did you find it straightforward and effective to use? Have you got any tips for making it as palatable as possible, and encouraging cats to take on plenty of fluids during treatment? Let us know in the comments box!