What Kind of Mineral Oil Can I Give My Kitten?

Ordinary mineral oil is a common remedy for constipation and bloating in cats and kittens. The oil is a typical ingredient in widely available hairball remedies. It has a more laxative effect than petroleum jelly. The oil softens and lubricates undigested hairballs so they can get through the digestive system more easily.

  1. Feeding

    • Unlike edible oils, mineral oil is not digested and absorbed, so the cat eliminates it from the digestive tract. For constipation, the dose for a young kitten amounts to 3 drops per ounce of body weight, mixed with warm kitten formula. You can feed the kitten through a clean plastic syringe, according to Foothill Felines Bengals. It also helps if you massage the anal and genital areas gently with a sterile ball of cotton or gauze dipped in warm water.

    Elimination

    • Many kittens can control their own bowel movements as early as 10 days old. They often do not have bowel movements after every feeding or even every day. Kittens have stools that are normally firm and yellowish. However, if a kitten shows signs of straining, you should check with your vet. According to Petsmart.com, you should not give any mineral oil directly by mouth, because the kitten could inhale it into its lungs and choke.

    Additional Treatment

    • For a constipated kitten, your vet may recommend that you feed it more concentrated formula in smaller and more frequent feedings, along with the mineral oil. If this treatment is not sufficient to stimulate bowel movements, your vet may have you bring the kitten in for a warm enema. You should not give mineral oil to your kitten for extended periods of time, because it can lower the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

    Other Information

    • You should always wash your hands before and after handling the kitten or giving it any food and liquid. Young kittens have immature immune systems that make them vulnerable to disease, especially if they were not fed on the mother cat's milk. If you took in a stray, abandoned or orphaned kitten, whether by yourself or through a shelter, you may have to be especially careful, because the kitten may not be healthy to begin with. It's always a good idea to consult your vet.