Does fiber help cats poop
5 Safe Laxatives for Cats: Help Your Constipated Pet
What is constipation?
If your cat is constipated, they will be passing poop less often, and their poop may be harder or drier than normal. The dry or firm consistency of the feces will cause your cat to strain when they go to the toilet, and they might even pass a bit of blood. Constipation can be caused by your cat being a bit dehydrated or having a blockage. Blockages are sometimes caused by hairballs, worms, dry feces, or even foreign material that they have eaten, which can make a cat throw up as well. Occasionally, constipation can be caused by gut tumors or a condition called megacolon where the bowel becomes very large and weak so it cannot push the stools through.
What can help your cats constipation?
Constipation tends to become a vicious cycle quite quickly. Feces that has been waiting in the colon or rectum for too long will become drier and drier as the body reabsorbs water from the stool. This causes it to become even harder to pass, and the blockage becomes more significant. The key to easing constipation is to prevent the stools from drying out and get them moving as soon as possible. You can do some things to help at home, but you might need to speak to your veterinarian about laxatives.
A constipated cat might go in and out of the litter box without passing anything. They might also strain, pass hard, dry balls of feces, or even pass some blood.
Tips for helping constipation at home
Water intake
If your cat is experiencing a bout of constipation, one of the most effective things you can do is increasing their water intake. Ensuring that their hydration is as good as possible will help prevent the stools from drying out and lubricate their passage through the bowel. There are many ways that you can encourage your cat to drink more water, including using water fountains, extra water bowls, and running taps. However, if your cat wont be persuaded to drink more, you can try feeding them wet food and even adding extra water to their food.
Litter boxes
Cats are very clean creatures, and if their litter box is dirty or they have to share it with other cats, they may choose to hold their feces. To avoid constipation, its essential that your furry friend feels free to go whenever he needs to. Therefore, keeping litter boxes clean and providing more than one litter box per cat is important to keep your cat toileting stress-free.
Reduce stress
Your cat might also avoid passing poop for as long as possible if they are feeling stressed. This could be from other cats, building work, a new baby, or anything that impacts your cats normal routine. Using anxiety-reducing sprays, diffusers, or plug-ins can help keep your cat feeling calm.
If your cat is prone to constipation, you can increase their water intake and reduce their stress to help stop flare-ups.
Laxatives
Microlax
Microlax contains Sorbitol and is administered as an enema into your cats bottom. It loosens any blockages and lubricates the bowel so that stools pass more easily. It is only available on prescription, though, so youll need to speak to your veterinarian if you think your cat might need it.
Katalax
Katalax contains soft paraffin, cod liver oil, and malt extract. Its handy for easing blockages caused by hairballs, but it also softens the stools, which can help with constipation. Katalax is an over-the-counter medication, so it doesnt need to be prescribed by a veterinarian.
Lactulose
Lactulose is a human laxative that contains a non-absorbable sugar, and it draws water into the bowel through osmosis. It can be used in cats under veterinary supervision but is off license because its not been approved by the licensing authority for use in cats.
Cat Malt
Cat Malt is a combination of liquid paraffin and malt extract. Like Katalax, it is helpful for hairballs and acts as a stool softener, and it can also be bought over the counter.
Laxapet
Laxapet contains fish oils, vitamins, and lecithin and is used for hairballs as well as constipation. It is available over the counter.
When to speak to a veterinarian
With laxatives and stool softeners available over the counter, it might be tempting to try treating your constipated cat yourself without a veterinarian.
Mild cases of constipation may resolve with over-the-counter laxatives, especially if you try to reduce your cats stress and increase their water intake. However, because constipation can quickly become a vicious cycle, its essential to seek veterinary advice sooner rather than later.
If your cat hasnt passed any feces at all for two days, you should contact a veterinarian. If your cat is straining and in distress, you should speak to a veterinarian right away. Its useful to remember that the symptoms of a blocked bladder can be very similar to constipation, and this is a medical emergency. Therefore, if you are uncertain whether your cat is passing urine, its best to get them checked over by a veterinarian.
Cat Constipation: Causes, Treatment, & Remedies
Constipation in cats is not something to take lightlyit can be a serious health concern.
Constipation occurs when cats pass hard, dry stool or have difficulty evacuating their stool. Obstipation is a severe form of constipation in which no stool passes for a period of days, resulting in a large buildup of feces in the colon.
Although many cats will occasionally become constipated, prolonged constipation requires veterinary intervention.
Constipation is very common in older cats and senior cats, but cats of any age can experience constipation.
Quick Overview: Cat Constipation
Common Symptoms: Little to no fecal production, straining to defecate, frequent litter box visits, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, lethargy.
Diagnosis: Hard stool can sometimes be found during physical exam. Physical exam is also needed to rule out a urinary bladder obstruction, which is much more serious and can mimic constipation symptoms. X-rays can help support the presence of firm stool present, bloodwork to evaluate underlying diseases that can predispose to constipation.
Requires Ongoing Medication: Sometimes
Vaccine Available: No
Treatment Options: In mild cases of constipation, an oral laxative like lactulose or miralax may be used. Advanced cases of constipation may require enemas to be performed at the vet's office. Obstipation, where a fecal blockage is present often require sedation or anesthesia for manual removal of feces or hospitalization. Other underlying causes of constipation may need to be treated. Prescription diets, fiber supplementation, or oral laxatives may need to be continued.
Home Remedies: Miralax, an over the counter powdered osmotic laxative may be used for mild cases of constipation, starting at 1/8 teaspoon once a day and increased in in 1/8 tsp increments up to twice a day. A vet visit is needed if no stool is seen after 24-48 hours or if other signs of concern develop.Is Your Cat Constipated? A Vet Explains How To Help
What Causes Constipation in Cats?
Cat constipation signs can sometimes be difficult to notice. There are many possible causes of constipation in cats.
Some of the most common causes of constipation in cats are:
- Anal gland infection
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Change in diet or inappropriate diet
- Dehydration
- Diabetes
- Foreign body ingestion
- Hairballs
- Hyperthyroidism
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Intestinal tumors
- Kidney disease
- Medication
- Megacolon
- Metabolic abnormalities
- Neurologic disease
- Obesity
- Prior pelvic fractures
Constipation can also result if a cat begins holding her poop because of behavioral or environmental reasons.
For instance, the cat may be avoiding the litter box because she is being ambushed by another household cat when she enters or exits. Maybe the litter box itself is not cleaned frequently enough and the cat doesnt want to use it.
Megacolon may also play a part in feline constipation.
A condition called megacolon can either be the primary cause of constipation or can develop as a secondary condition because of severe constipation. With megacolon, the muscles of the colon become stretched out and weak and are unable to move fecal matter through the colon and out of the body.
Megacolon is a very serious condition that can result in severe illness and even death if left untreated. Therefore, it is vital to seek veterinary attention if your cat experiences constipation that does not resolve quickly.
Signs & Symptoms of Cat Constipation
Some of the most obvious signs of constipation are less frequent defecation (finding less poop in the litterbox), finding small or dry poops, or in severe cases, finding no poop at all. In general, cats defecate one to three times a day. Constipation should be suspected in any cat that has not pooped in a couple of days.
Other Signs Of Constipation Include:
- Abdominal discomfort
- Blood or mucus in the stool
- Decreased appetite
- Dry, hard stool
- Defecating outside the litterbox
- Hiding
- Small amounts of diarrhea
- Straining when using the litter box
- Vocalizing (crying) when using the litter box
- Vomiting
How To Help a Constipated Cat?
If your cat is severely constipated (passing very little stool, has not pooped in several days), she requires veterinary care.
Colonic obstruction (where the colon becomes impacted with stool) can be mild (termed constipation) or it can be very serious (called obstipation). When feces remains in the cats body for too long, the cat will eventually become extremely sick. Left untreated, cats can even die from constipation.
When You Visit the Clinic, Your Veterinarian Will Perform a Physical Examination
The veterinarian will do a complete physical exam, including palpating the abdomen to feel for hard stool in the colon and checking for signs of dehydration (one of the most common causes of constipation). Some cats will even tolerate a rectal examination, though some cats will not think this is acceptable!
Additional Tests May Be Necessary
Depending on the severity of the constipation and whether it is something that has happened before, the veterinarian might wish to run additional tests, including blood work, urinalysis, and X-rays or ultrasound.
Fluid Therapy Is a Cornerstone of Constipation Treatment
The main treatment for your cats constipation is therapeutic rehydration with fluid therapy. Your veterinarian may choose to rehydrate your cat with subcutaneous fluids (administered under the skin) or intravenous fluids (given via an intravenous catheter).
Enemas and Laxatives May Be Administered
After hydration, laxatives may be prescribed to help the cat begin to pass the stool. Enemas can be used to directly hydrate and lubricate the stool that is stuck in the colon.
Over-the-counter enemas available in pharmacies should not be used in cats, since many contain ingredients that are toxic to cats. Many cats will tolerate enemas with minimal sedation, but a full disimpaction (manual extraction of feces) will require general anesthesia and is pursued only when other methods have failed.
Some cats with severe megacolon may require a surgery called a subtotal colectomy to remove the affected area of the colon to prevent painful recurrences. This is a major procedure that is reserved for only the most severe cases.
Once the constipation is addressed, your veterinarian will discuss measures you can take at home to prevent your cat from becoming constipated again, including encouraging more water intake, dietary changes, supplements, and possibly medications like stool softeners, laxatives or motility drugs (always use such medications under the guidance of a veterinarian).
Constipated Cat Remedies / Natural Remedies
Prolonged constipation may result in severe fecal impaction as shown in this X-ray.
Making some changes to your cats lifestyle can greatly reduce her chances of becoming constipated again. To keep things moving, you will want to keep your cat well-hydrated, make sure shes eating enough fiber, prevent hairballs, keep your cat at a good weight, and encourage exercise.
1. Increase Hydration
Hydration is the biggest component of resolving and preventing constipation in cats. To resolve mild constipation or to prevent constipation from recurring, encourage your cat to drink more water.
Cats are notoriously bad about drinking water, but there are some tricks you can try to get your cat to drink more.
Many cats like drinking from pet fountains because the water is always movingkeeping it interesting, cool, and fresh tasting. Many cats prefer cool water, so you can also try putting a few ice cubes in your cats water dish or purchase a cooling pet bowl designed to keep the water cold.
Another good way to entice your cat to drink more is to flavor her water by pouring a teaspoon of low-sodium chicken broth or juice from a can of tuna into her water dish.
Also Read: Best Cat Water Fountains
If your cat eats primarily dry food, gradually switching your cats food to canned food can increase her daily water consumption. Read more about the best cat food for constipation below.
2. Try Natural Remedies
Certain home remedies, including fiber supplements like psyllium (Metamucil) or canned pumpkin, can help keep things moving in your cats intestinal tract. These natural remedies for cat constipation are safe and easy to give your cat.
Not all cats need fiber, though, and in some cases excess fiber can cause more harm than good. Ask your veterinarian if your cat would benefit from psyllium or pumpkin and for advice on how much to give. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend a gentle laxative like Miralax.
Although some people think its a good idea to give a cat with constipation olive oil, coconut oil or even butter to relieve cat constipation, this is generally not recommended. The high fat content of oils and butter can
3. Prevent Hairballs
If your cat is prone to hairballs, consider using a hairball remedy. Hairball remedies come in a tasty gel formulation that cats find palatable. There are also special hairball treats designed to help move hair through the digestive tract. Brushing your cat more frequently can also cut down on the amount of hair she ingests during self-grooming.
4. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Overweight cats are more prone to constipation. If your cat is overweight, speak to your veterinarian about steps you can take to help her safely lose weight so she is leaner.
5. Increase Exercise
The more your cat moves, the better her bowels will function. Encourage her to get more exercise by adding more play sessions with toys like feather wands and laser lights (careful not to shine them into her eyes).
Cat Food for Constipation
Certain cat foods are designed to help promote colon health to keep things moving. A high-fiber diet or low-residue diet can help cats that experience chronic (recurring) constipation. Ask your veterinarian to recommend a specific brand of cat food for constipation.
Also Read: Best Cat Food For Constipation
Help for Cat Constipation
For some cats, constipation can be a recurring issue. If your cat experiences constipation, stay on top of her hydration and implement any other changes your veterinarian recommends to try to stave off future episodes.
