How to Help a Cat With Constipation

Constipation is the inability to pass feces. It can occur in cats as well as humans. For the most part, constipation occurs in cats from a poor diet, dehydration, lack of exercise, stress and the presence of an obstruction, such as a hairball. Constipation can be painful for a cat and it may even injure itself by pushing too hard to attempt to remove the fecal matter.

Things You'll Need

  • Polyethylene glycol
  • Slippery elm bark powder
  • Water
  • Powdered psyllium
  • Petroleum jelly
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Instructions

    • 1

      Give the cat 1/8 tsp. polyethylene glycol, which you can find in over-the-counter anti-constipation medications such as Miralax, twice a day until the constipation subsides. Increase the dosage to 1/4 tsp. for a larger cat or if the constipation has not ended after two to three days.

    • 2

      Add 1/2 tsp. slippery elm bark to the cat's food once a day. Place 1/4 cup cool water into the cat food to make the slippery elm bark more palatable for the cat. You can purchase slippery elm bark at many health food stores.

    • 3

      Offer the cat plenty of water. Dehydration may cause the constipation, and the extra fluids may help the bring an end to the cat's constipation.

    • 4

      Add 1 tbsp. powdered psyllium to the cat's food. The psyllium is a source of fiber that will help push the fecal matter through the cat's intestinal tract.

    • 5

      Offer the cat 1/3 tsp. petroleum jelly once a day until the constipation subsides. Cats often tolerate the taste of petroleum jelly, but you can add it to the cat's meal if it does not like the taste.