Natural Constipation Treatments for a Cat

At some point in your cat's life, it is likely he will develop a bout of constipation. Constipation will cause a decrease in the number of bowel movements your cat experiences, but is usually not a serious condition and can easily be treated at home with natural remedies. However, before beginning any treatment you should discuss the options with your vet.

  1. Water

    • A common cause of constipation in cats is dehydration. Make sure your cat has plenty of clean, fresh drinking water at all times. Combating dehydration may be enough to clear up the constipation. If you have multiple animals in the house using one water bowl, make sure you check it frequently to ensure there is always water available. Also, add additional water bowls throughout your home, such as near windows or favorite resting spots for your cat.

    Fiber

    • Just as a high fiber diet can keep people regular, so can fiber help your cat's constipation. There are two types of fiber. Soluble fibers work to slow digestion so the body can absorb more beneficial things from the food. Non-soluble fiber helps a body pass stool, according to WebMd.

      Adding non-soluble fiber to your cat's diet often helps relieve the symptoms of constipation. You can use Metamucil or bran for this. Another option is to use canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix), which may be more appealing for cats. With either method, provide one tablespoon per day.

    Milk

    • Milk can act as a natural laxative for cats. According to VetInfo.com, cat's are lactose intolerant and drinking milk causes diarrhea. If you have tried other methods to clear your cat's constipation without success, discuss using milk as a laxative with your vet. If your vet agrees, give your cat a saucer of milk. Since your cat's intestines will not be able to digest the lactose in the milk, your cat should end up with a small bout of diarrhea, which will soften the stool, allowing the constipation to pass.