ukpets logo
Pet Classifieds Pet Classifieds
  • For Sale
  • For Adoption
  • For Stud
  • Wanted
Post An Ad
Pet Care Blog
  • All Pet Care
  • Training Tips
  • Health / Grooming
  • General Advice
  • Interesting Articles
Tools Tools
  • Dogs
  • All Dog Breeds
  • Breed Finder Quiz
  • Compare Dog Breeds
  • Cats
  • All Cat Breeds
  • Breed Finder Quiz
  • Compare Cat Breeds
Account Account
Register
Sign In
Connect With Us:
  • Classifieds
  • Blog
Advanced Search Post an Ad
£0£2000+

Cat Constipation: Causes and Treatments

Share this: Facebook Twitter Email

Cat constipation occurs when the feline has difficulty in defaecating and at times not defaecating at all. When this happens, the wastes continuously build up within the bowel and colon. As a result, the faeces will become compacted and hardened, making it difficult to defaecate. This stage is now called as ‘obstipation.’

cat sleeping

Which breeds are prone to cat constipation? Constipation affects any cat breeds regardless of gender. However, it occurs more frequently in older cats. According to Dr Scott Gellman from Chestnut Hill Cat Clinic in Philadelphia, ‘Older cats are frequently arthritic and it can be painful to defaecate in the litter tray regularly, thus they will hold their stool longer, drying it out, and causing constipation.’

In other cases, constipation can be an indication of a more serious medical condition, including:

  • Kidney complications
  • Diabetes
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Anal sacs complications

Unfortunately, it is apparent that constipation in cats can be very uncomfortable, unpleasant, and painful. That being said, it is important to understand this condition and learn some home remedies that will ease the pain and discomfort.

What are the symptoms of a constipated cat?

Your cat is constipated when she starts having the following signs:

  • Depression
  • Defaecating anywhere outside the litter tray
  • Going in and about to the litter tray without success
  • Less or no defaecation
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Hard and dry faeces
  • Small quantities of stool
  • Small amounts of liquid stool
  • Stool with mucus or blood
  • Cat constipation and vomiting

How can I help my cat with constipation? Here are some remedies to treat cat constipation.

1. Canned pumpkin

canned pumpkinLuckily, most cats came to like the taste of pumpkin. Pumpkin contains a natural laxative for cat constipation. You may provide her with canned pumpkin. It is easy to prepare as it is already mashed. Examine the content of the canned pumpkin and ensure that it does not contain sugar or spices.

Tip: Avoid canned pumpkins made for pies.

Prepare one or two tablespoons of canned pumpkin in a day. Introduce it gradually to your feline through mixing it with some canned cat food.

2. Olive oil

olive oilProviding olive oil to your cat is one of the natural cures for constipation. It functions as a lubricant and helps soften the faeces, and provides relief to your cat in pain. Moreover, it is important to be firm in giving measured dosage as this can cause diarrhoea when fed in excessive amounts. The ideal dosage should not be more than half a tablespoon of olive oil. It can be mixed along with your feline’s food or can be given with the use of a syringe.

3. Coconut oil

coconut oilThe use of coconut oil is not only for humans. It is just as beneficial to cats as it is to humans. It eases constipation by aiding the flow of the stool smoothly and softening the stool itself. The ideal dosage should only be half a teaspoon, which can be given along with her kibbles or wet food.

4. Ginger

gingerGinger can be an effective herbal remedy. It helps her digestive tract to function well. Consult your vet about its specific dosage. It is usually given in small amounts, about a quarter of a teaspoon. Gradually introduce it by mixing it with her pet food.

5. Water

cat drinkingDehydration can lead to cat constipation. As such, ensure that your healthy feline is getting enough water. Ensure that fresh water is readily available at all times. You may put a little water to dry cat food.

6. Metamucil

metamucilAn affected cat should be given a diet rich in fibre. There are several commercial products that are high in fibre such as bran cereal and Metamucil. You may add about half to one teaspoon to her food bowl in a day. This helps regulate her bowel movement.

7. Regular brushing

cat Cats are relatively prone to overgrooming. Click here to know how to deal with an overgrooming cat. That being said, they are more likely to ingest hairballs. Follow a schedule of brushing to minimise overgrooming.

8. Exercise

cat playing ballSedentary, less-active, older cats are at risk of constipation. The lack of exercise results in weak muscles that might affect the function of your cat’s colon. Prevent constipation by allowing her to move or play around the area. Provide toys and encourage her to play, jump, and chase things either indoors or outdoors.

Do you know other tips that are effective aside from the list? Tell us in the comments below! Read more tips on our pet health blog posts.

Share this: Facebook Twitter Email

Emily Taylor

Related Stories

Which One Is the Best Cat Litter for Your Cat?
Which One Is the Best Cat Litter for Your Cat?
Blood in Cat Poop: Should I Worry?
Blood in Cat Poop: Should I Worry?
How to Litter Train a Kitten Fast
How to Litter Train a Kitten Fast
Latest Stories
  • Why Are Grapes Bad for Dogs?
  • How Big Does a Cane Corso Get?
  • 6 Natural and Cruelty-Free Cat Deterrents for Your Garden
  • Are Blueberries Good For Dogs? Top 7 Health Benefits
  • How Long Do Gerbils Live?4 Ways to Prolong a Gerbil’s Lifespan
  • 6 Healthy Homemade Puppuccino Recipes
  • Do Cats Have Periods When in Heat?
  • Featured Story

    Why Are Grapes Bad for Dogs?
    Why Are Grapes Bad for Dogs?

    Why are grapes bad for dogs? Dogs and grapes do not mix because of the fruit's unidentified toxic compound in canines. The lack of information makes … [Read More...]

    Latest Pets for Sale
    4
    Pug for Rehoming
    Lovely pug puppies looking for there forever home

    Bradford

    1,600

    2
    Corn Snake Advertisement UK Pets
    Corn snake with vivarium for sale

    Manchester

    150

    5
    Cocker Spaniel Advertisement UK Pets
    Golden Cocker Spaniel Pups for Sale

    Stratford-upon-Avon

    2,200

    5
    Mixed Breed For Sale in the UK
    Beautiful Bullkita, Greyhound, Collie cross puppies for sale

    Hartlepool

    275

    View All
    Post Pet Advertisements
    For Free!
    Sign Up Now
    UK Pets Tools Dogs
    • Dog Breed Selector Quiz
    • Dog Breeds (A-Z)
    • Dog Breed Groups
    • Compare Dog Breeds
    • Dog Names
    Cats
    • Cat Breed Selector Quiz
    • Cat Breeds (A-Z)
    • Compare Cat Breeds
    • Cat Names
       Services
    •    Pet Sitters
    •    Pet Transport
    •    Pet portraits
    •    Pet Cremation
    •    Dog Walker
    •    Dog Training
    •    Dog Grooming
    •    Dog Photography
    •    Dog Kennels
    •    Hydrotherapy For Dogs
    •    Catteries
    Dogs & Puppies for Sale
    • Mixed Breed Dogs & Puppies for Sale
    • French Bulldogs for Sale
    • American Bullies for Sale
    • Labrador Retrievers for Sale
    • Cockapoos for Sale
    • Cocker Spaniels for Sale
    Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • Mixed Breed Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • British Shorthair Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • Ragdoll Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • Bengal Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • Sphynx Cats & Kittens for Sale
    • Maine Coon Cats & Kittens for Sale
    Other Pets for Sale
    • Birds for Sale
    • Rabbits for Sale
    ukpets logo
    • About Us
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy & Cookie Usage
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Pet Insurance
    • Post Free Pet Ads
    Copyright © 2023 UKPets. All rights reserved.