Is there a stool softener for cats

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

Contributions sourced from

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 Stool Softener The 15 best products compared

Over 1 million readers trust us every year

Written by

September 13, 2023 / Reading time: 1 minute

This is why you can trust us

We adhere to are independent and thus not for sale. The article may contain references to products of our partners. Here's an explanation .

Over 1 million readers trust us every year

Written byEdited by

September 13, 2023 / Reading time: 1 minute

This is why you can trust us

We adhere to are independent and thus not for sale. The article may contain references to products of our partners. Here's an explanation .

Cat Stool Softener the most important at a glance

Cat stool softeners are products designed to ease constipation in cats, promoting easy bowel movements by retaining water in feces. They are available in various types including oral solutions, chewable tablets, granules, or capsules. Similar amongst all these products is that they often use pet-safe, natural ingredients like Psyllium Husk, Docusate Sodium, or Lactulose to soften stools, and they are recommended by vets for occasional or chronic constipation. Differences often lie in the method of delivery, flavor, dosage requirements, and occasionally, intended age or weight of the cat. Some products require vet prescriptions, while others can be purchased over-the-counter. It is essential to carefully follow the manufacturers instructions or vets directions and monitor your pet for any adverse reactions.

Bestsellers in Cat Stool Softener

A list of bestsellers under the category Cat Stool Softener you can find here. Here you can see which products other users have bought especially often.

Bestseller No. 1

Pet Wellbeing Smooth BM Gold for Cats - Gentle Constipation Relief for Felines - Natural Herbal Supplement 2 oz (59 ml)

BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE. Are you concerned about your cat's quality of life? Outward signs of discomfort, anxiety, and stress can have a devastating impact on our pet family. We're here to help.
CONSTIPATION. Promotes gentle, easy elimination and softer stools. Our expert veterinarians have selected the traditional herbal blend known as Triphala (three fruits) to help alleviate your cat's constipation.
ELIMINATION. Will not cause over-purging or runny stools. Gentle and non-irritating. Supports healthy liver and digestive function, encourages healthy bowel tone, and promotes regular peristalsis.
COMFORT. Alleviates discomfort of occasional constipation by easing the passage of hard stools and promoting regular bowel movements and softer stools.
VETERINARIAN-FORMULATED. MADE IN USA. MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE. TRUSTED CARE SINCE 2001. Developed by our caring, in-house holistic veterinarians with your pet's health and wellbeing in mind. All of our vet-created supplements are manufactured in the USA in FDA-registered, GMP-certified facilities. Made with only the highest quality ingredients and tested for purity.

SaleBestseller No. 2 Cat Constipation Relief - Cat Laxative - Cat Laxative Constipation Relief - Constipation Relief for Cats -Constipation Relief for Cat - Cat Constipation - 1 fl oz

COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT: We provide a premium product that will help your pet to be healthy and feel great with the power of nature and a balanced composition.
ALL NATURAL: the newest and improved formula! No artificial additives! Just our Cat Constipation Relief - in liquid form!
GENTLE CARE: Our tinctures powerful composition helps to gently provide a laxative effect and bring constipation relief.
FOR EVERY CAT, ALL BREEDS & SIZES: Our supplement was developed to ensure the digestibility for every pet - the liquid quickly enters the circulation and has a supportive effect.
USA MADE, SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: we are proud to provide the customer a premium product, with only the highest quality ingredients! If you are not 100% satisfied with your order, please message us for a full refund!

Bestseller No. 3

Woof 'n' Purr Constipation Relief for Cat - Cat Constipation Relief - Cat Laxative - Cat Laxative Constipation Relief - Constipation Relief for Cats - Cat Stool Softener - 1 fl oz - (1)

Fast-acting formula: Our cat constipation relief tincture offers rapid relief, providing quick relief for your feline friend's discomfort.
Gentle and natural: Formulated with gentle, natural ingredients, our tincture soothes your cat's digestive system without harsh chemicals or additives.
Convenient dosage: With an easy-to-administer dropper, our tincture makes it simple to give your cat the precise dosage needed for effective relief, saving you time and hassle.
Reliable solution: Trusted by cat owners worldwide, our tincture is great for addressing cat constipation, ensuring your pet's health and well-being.
Happy cat, happy home: Say goodbye to the stress of dealing with your cat's discomfort and enjoy a happier, more comfortable feline companion with our reliable constipation relief for cats! If you are not fully satisfied with your order, then please message us for a full refund.

Bestseller No. 4

BestLife4Pets - Cats Constipation Relief and Stool Softeners - Natural Health Supplements to Help Digestion, Gas Relief and Constipation - Allergy Laxatives for Cats- Pills

SAFE, NATURAL STOOL EASE: BestLife4Pets plant and mineral-based constipation relief cat supplement helps with digestion and keeps cats regular. No need for habit forming laxative medication, special fiber treats or cat food, painful enema or hairball treatments as our homeopathic treatment does the job naturally from the inside out and without upsetting their tummy.
PERFECT POOP SUPPORT: Feline acute and even chronic constipation can stem from poor digestion, hard stools, anxiety, hairballs, IBS, allergies, and even a weak immune system which is why our homeopathic cat constipation and anal gland support treatment provides multi-system support to help food pass through the colon easily without crying and straining in the litter box.
EASY TO USE: These tiny, odorless, tasteless pills can be given whole, mixed with food, crushed or dissolved in water. Our cat stool softener and constipation relief pet supplement is an odor-free formula that will escape detection by even the friskiest feline noses, making it easy to give with no fuss (even to feral cats).
SAFE FOR LONG TERM USE: Free of alcohol, preservatives, artificial flavors and additives, our pet digestive aid and hard stool relief treatment is non irritating, can be safely taken long term for as long as needed, and will not cause any nasty side effects or runny stools. Suitable for cats of all breeds, from senior cats to kittens and even pregnant felines.
60 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE: Pets are family so we want you and your furry friend to be fully content. If you're not happy with our all-natural, feline constipation support remedy you can return it within 60 days of purchase for a full refund. So, dont think twice and give your pets the chance to poop without pain with our constipation and anal gland support treatment for cats!

Bestseller No. 5 Weruva Pumpkin Patch Up!, Pumpkin Puree Pet Food Supplement for Dogs & Cats, 1.05 Ounce (Pack of 12), Orange (0805)

Pumpkin supplement for dogs & CATS featuring GMO-Free pumpkins
Pumpkins are naturally rich in soluble & insoluble fibers which help support gut Motility & stool quality
Grain-free, Potato-Free, gluten-free, GMO-Free, MSG-Free, Starch-Free, carrageenan free, vegetarian
Only two ingredients in a convenient, easy-to-open non-bpa pouch & pureed for easy mixing
Family owned for Over 10 years & Made in a Human-Food Facility with Superior Safety Standards & Quality Control

Bestseller No. 6 Vetoquinol Laxatone: Oral Hairball Lubricant Gel for Cats Tuna-Flavored, 4.25oz

Gentle and easy-to-use digestive lubricant for helping prevent and eliminate hairballs in cats
Delicious tuna oral hairball lubricant gel easily helps cats pass hairballs in litter box
Our Laxatone coats swallowed hair to help it pass through the digestive tract easily
For best results, apply a small amount of feline hairball gel on your cat's nose or paws daily
Your furry friend will love their hairball lubricant since it's tasty & helps them feel better

Bestseller No. 8 Pet Naturals Daily Probiotic for Cats, 30 Chews - Digestive and Immune Support Supplement for Cats

Daily Probiotic guarantees 100 million CFUs to the gut and supports digestive regularity in cats of all ages.
Probiotics are recommended for immune support, increased times of stress such as boarding, travel and new changes to the environment as well as when a pet has been placed on antibiotics.
Probiotics help normalize digestive functions to reduce gassiness, diarrhea, constipation and blockages.
Our Daily Probiotic comes a in a tasty duck flavored chew that even finicky cats will love.
All Pet Naturals products are veterinarian formulated, NASC approved and manufactured in the USA.

Bestseller No. 9

Animal Essentials Colon Rescue- Herbal Formula for Dogs & Cats, Healthy Gastrointestinal Tract, Sweet Taste, 100% Organic Human Grade Herbs, Veterinarian Recommended Animal Wellness Tonic - 2 Fl Oz

COLON SUPPORT - Made with certified organic herbs, our sweet tasting glycerin based herbal GI support tincture is designed to help cleanse and support your pets colon
PROPRIETARY HERBAL BLEND - Our Colon Rescue Herbal GI Support is a proprietary blend containing extracts of Marshmallow Root, Slippery Elm Inner Bark, Plantain, and Licorice
HEALTHY GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT - This soothing blend of time honored herbs promotes a healthy tract while supporting normal management of inflammation and other irritations of the digestive tract
ALL NATURAL - Every herbal Tincture we produce is formulated to support and enhance what your pets body is naturally designed to do - Stay Healthy!
PLANTS PETS PASSION - Founded by Greg Tilford, a respected figure in natural pet care, has worked with 600+ veterinarians worldwide, making it his mission to heal as many animals as possible

Our Winner:

Winner in comparison

Pet Wellbeing Smooth BM Gold for Cats - Gentle Constipation Relief for Felines - Natural Herbal Supplement 2 oz (59 ml)

BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE. Are you concerned about your cat's quality of life? Outward signs of discomfort, anxiety, and stress can have a devastating impact on our pet family. We're here to help.
CONSTIPATION. Promotes gentle, easy elimination and softer stools. Our expert veterinarians have selected the traditional herbal blend known as Triphala (three fruits) to help alleviate your cat's constipation.
ELIMINATION. Will not cause over-purging or runny stools. Gentle and non-irritating. Supports healthy liver and digestive function, encourages healthy bowel tone, and promotes regular peristalsis.
COMFORT. Alleviates discomfort of occasional constipation by easing the passage of hard stools and promoting regular bowel movements and softer stools.
VETERINARIAN-FORMULATED. MADE IN USA. MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE. TRUSTED CARE SINCE 2001. Developed by our caring, in-house holistic veterinarians with your pet's health and wellbeing in mind. All of our vet-created supplements are manufactured in the USA in FDA-registered, GMP-certified facilities. Made with only the highest quality ingredients and tested for purity.

Current offers for Cat Stool Softener

You want to buy the best products in Cat Stool Softener? In this bestseller list you will find new offers every day. Here you will find a large selection of current products in the category Cat Stool Softener.

Written byKyle EvansMember of our editorial team

Kyle excels in helping you choose the best gear and products for your wildlife adventures. With his expertise in outdoor equipment and animal behavior, he provides valuable insights into what you need for a successful expedition. When not testing and reviewing gear, he enjoys hiking, exploring new trails, and sharing his experiences with fellow nature enthusiasts.

Edited byLauren CookeMember of our editorial team