What foods are laxatives for cats
Best Cat Food for Constipation
The best cat food for constipation promotes a healthy stool consistency. These foods are rich in hydrating moisture, made with easily digestible ingredients, and offer balanced fiber levels to ensure smooth and regular digestion.
When a cat is constipated, stool turns to stone, and bowel movements become increasingly frustrating. All the while, the digestive system continues merrily on, creating more waste to fill up the small intestine and double your cats discomfort.
In this guide, youll learn what features make a product appropriate for cats struggling with constipation. Weve also assembled a list of our top picks for the best cat foods for constipation on the market.
At a Glance: The Best Cat Food for Constipation in 2024
Overall Best
10.0
Picked by 31 people today!
- Rich in animal-sourced protein
- Cod liver oil provides omega-3 fatty acids
- Good source of hydration for your cat
Runner Up
9.8
Picked by 31 people today!
- Contains a single source of animal protein
- Rich in hydrating moisture
- Limited list of digestible ingredients
Budget Pick
9.4
Picked by 21 people today!
- Hydrating canned food
- Popular among cats with digestive issues
- Contains pumpkin
Best Ethically-Sourced
9.3
Picked by 18 people today!
- Made with ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients
- Contains a single source of animal protein
- Rich in moisture to support hydration and digestion
Best Wet
9.2
Picked by 31 people today!
- Formulated to support digestive health
- Rich in animal-sourced protein and fat
- Salmon oil provides anti-inflammatory omega-3s
Best Dry
9.1
Picked by 31 people today!
- Numerous sources of quality animal protein
- Much lowers carb content than typical dry food
- Free from artificial additives and fillers
Best for Picky Cats
9.0
Picked by 25 people today!
- Made with a single source of novel protein
- Easily digestible with low carbohydrate content
- Full of moisture to support your cats hydration
Best for Sensitive Stomach
9.0
Picked by 21 people today!
- Made with a short list of easily digestible ingredients
- Relies on animal-sourced protein and fat
- Doesnt contain carrageenan or gums
Best for Seniors
8.9
Picked by 18 people today!
- Rich source of animal protein
- Short list of easily digestible main ingredients
- Fairly low carbohydrate content
Top Picks Explained
In this video, Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM, discusses the signs of constipation in cats and how to treat it. The products recommended below were chosen with Dr. Wootens advice in mind.
Why Trust Cats.com
The products recommended below were carefully selected and tested by several members of our team with their own cats at home. Prior to selecting products for testing, we consulted our panel of veterinary advisors to learn more about the dietary management of constipation in cats. Relying on in-depth research and veterinary advice, we made our selections and purchased the products at full retail price.
Our in-home testing process involves a detailed analysis of each products nutritional makeup as well as research into the brands history. We also read customer reviews to gauge cat owner satisfaction with the products. Our cats provide their opinions on the foods taste, texture, and general appeal while we make observations about the aroma, appearance, consistency, and packaging.
Our Veterinary Advisors:
The Top 9 Best Cat Foods for Constipation
For its meat-centric formula and rich moisture content, Smalls Fresh Ground Bird is our top pick for the best cat food for constipation. But it isnt the perfect pick for every cat. Your cat is unique and your choice should account for their individual needs and preferences.
We consider a variety of factors when evaluating and recommending cat foods. Our rankings are based on objective analysis of the product along with the results of in-house testing. To help you find the right product for your cat, weve categorized our picks by food type, price range, and other key markers.
What to Look for in Cat Food for Constipation
When waste arrives in the small intestine, it has a sludgy consistency. As it moves further along the gastrointestinal tract (GI), the large intestine draws out water, turning the sludge into stool. Once the waste firms up, it makes its way to the rectum and out of the body.
But if anything goes wrongif the process went too slowly, the body absorbed too much water, or theres something blocking the way the stool wont move out smoothly. A change in diet may help resolve ongoing issues with constipation and prevent it from recurring.
Heres what to look for in cat food for constipation.
High Moisture Content
Although well-hydrated cats can be constipated, dehydration is a contributing factor in feline constipation. Jean Hofve, DVM, says In more than 18 years of experience as a feline veterinarian, I have not personally seen constipation problems in cats who do not eat dry food.
Consider that dry food is 10-12% moisture and that your cats natural prey is at least 70% water. Combined with your cats low thirst drive, this is a recipe for chronic dehydration and all its ripple effects throughout the body, including constipation. High-moisture diets encourage water retention in the stool, making it easier to pass.
Easily Digestible Ingredients
Your cats body is designed to process meat, so the closer their diet is to whole prey, the easier it will be for your cat to digest. A species-appropriate diet for cats includes muscle meat, organs, and bones with plenty of hydrating moisture. Animal by-products, vaguely named meals, and high levels of carbohydrates may negatively impact a products digestibility.
Its also wise to stick to a recipe that contains a short list of ingredients. The longer the ingredients list, the more opportunity there is for something in the food to trigger a reaction or cause irritation. Keep it simple to ensure optimal digestibility.
Adequate Fiber Content
You might feel that cats dont require fiber after all, cats are obligate carnivores that eat meat. But remember that cats consume herbivorous prey which often carry a pocket of partially digested plant matter in their own tiny GI tract.
While we think of natural prey as an ultra-efficient form of nutrition for cats, its not completely digestible. Prey animals have hair, skin, teeth, and claws. Commercially-sold diets include substitutes for these natural sources of fiber and indigestible matter, but raw cat food or homemade diets seldom do.
There is no magic number when it comes to the fiber content of your cats diet. Excessive fiber is just as likely to cause digestive issues as inadequate intake. It may be a matter of trial and error to find the right balance in your specific cats diet.
Supplements to Support Digestion
For cats being fed low-fiber diets, adding a fiber supplement may help ease constipation. Insoluble fiber sources like beans, potatoes, and cellulose help prevent constipation by adding bulk to your cats stool. Soluble fiber (like pumpkin puree or psyllium husks) acts as a prebiotic that helps fuel probiotic activity in your cats gut to promote healthy digestion.
Cat food that contains probiotics may help resolve constipation by promoting a healthier, more balanced environment in the digestive tract. Digestive enzymes in cat food and supplements may be beneficial as well, helping the body break down food more efficiently to ensure a smoother trip through the gastrointestinal tract.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does grain-free food help with constipation in cats?
It depends. A high-moisture diet focused on animal ingredients with low carbohydrate content is the best for constipated cats. Grain-free diets can be low in carbohydrates, but they often arent. These foods often include legumes like beans and peas which, though grain-free, can be difficult for cats to digest.
What does megacolon cat poop look like?
Megacolon sometimes develops in cases of severe constipation when the muscles of the colon become stretched out. Stools produced by cats with a megacolon may appear smaller than normal. The cat may pass a large amount of hard, dry stool once or several times a week instead of smaller amounts more frequently.
What is the best diet for a cat with a megacolon?
A cat with a megacolon may have trouble passing stool because the muscles of the colon have been weakened. Easily digestible diets are key. A low-residue diet will minimize the effort required to digest the food. Increasing your cats fiber intake may help as well by adding bulk to the stool.
What foods are natural laxatives for cats?
Fiber-rich foods like canned pumpkin may help ease difficult bowel movements. If your cat is on a dry food diet, feeding small amounts of wet food may also help. Do not give your cat fish oil or other liquid oils as a laxative. Theres no scientific evidence that oil is an effective method for relieving constipation in cats. In fact, it may cause diarrhea.
6 Safe Laxatives for Cats
Constipation can become a serious and painful condition for any animal, so it's important to be aware of the best cat laxatives you can use to help your pet. The following laxatives are approved for felines, but you should consult your vet before starting your cat on one and contact them right away if your cat appears to be in distress. If your cat is dealing with recurring digestive symptoms, get your hands on LovetoKnow's vet-written eBook called "Happy Tummy Cat" for a roadmap to understanding and recovery.
Lubricant Laxatives for Cats
Lubricant laxatives are used to lubricate the digestive tract, making it easier for the cat to pass a stool. This type of laxative is commonly used when hairballs lead to constipation.
Sentry HC Petromalt
Sentry HC Petromalt uses a combination of mineral oil, petrolatum, glycerin, and other ingredients to break up hairballs and lubricate the digestive tract. This product also contains corn syrup, so it may not be appropriate for cats that are allergic to corn or have diabetes.
Lax'aire
Lax'aire contains petrolatum to lubricate the intestinal tract and cod liver oil to act as a laxative. Additional ingredients include soybean oil and peptonized iron. Cats tend to like the taste of the cod liver oil, so it's easy to administer.
Laxatone
Laxatone is an over-the-counter product that's especially useful for treating constipation caused by ingesting fur. The tuna, catnip, and maple-flavored varieties of this laxative contain a combination of white petroleum USP, light mineral oil, and soybean oil, among other ingredients, to relieve constipation.
Cat owners who prefer to avoid giving their cats petroleum products may prefer Laxatone Natural. This formula contains soybean, vegetable, cod liver, and flaxseed oils, as well as beeswax to lubricate and ease constipation.
Bulk-Forming Laxatives for Cats
Bulk-forming laxatives absorb water and help soften dry, hard feces, so they pass with ease. The extra bulk also helps the cat pass stools more often, which keeps them regular and lowers the chance of becoming constipated.
Lactulose
Lactulose is a prescription liquid laxative that softens stools. It's often used to treat cats that suffer from megacolon, and it can lessen complications from certain types of liver disease.
Metamucil for Cats
According to PetMD, it's safe to use Metamucil for cats and is especially useful for cats that suffer from frequent constipation. The site recommends adding 1 to 2 teaspoons per day to wet cat food, and most cats can be kept on this regimen indefinitely without causing a problem. However, you must make sure your cat also has plenty of fresh water available when taking this laxative. Metamucil is readily available at any pharmacy department.
Vetasyl
Vetasyl is an over-the-counter constipation remedy that contains a combination of psyllium seed husks and barley malt extract powder. It's a very natural product that doesn't contain any additional chemicals or preservatives. Like Metamucil, Vetasyl is sprinkled over wet cat food, and your cat should have a constant supply of fresh water in order for the laxative to work properly.
Check the Ingredients and Consult Your Vet
As with anything else you'd feed your cat, read the ingredients label to make sure the laxative you choose doesn't contain anything that could be toxic to cats or that you know your cat is allergic to. Constipation can be uncomfortable at its mildest and life threatening at its worst, so call your vet to discuss using a laxative. Chronic or persistent constipation can also be a sign of a more serious problem, so it's important to get their expert opinion on whether this is the right treatment for your pet.
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