Home Remedies for Cat's Constipation

While most cats have bowel movements once per day, occasional constipation can affect regularity and cause pain and discomfort to the cat. Causes of feline constipation include neurological problems, pelvic injury, bowel obstructions and inflammatory bowel disease, veterinarian Jean Hofve says on the Little Big Cat website. The occasional bout of constipation is treatable with some home remedies, but a cat with recurring constipation should see a veterinarian for a checkup.

  1. Petroleum Jelly

    • Petroleum jelly given orally helps relieve constipation in cats. Giving a cat one-third to one-half teaspoon each day, either alone or in food, may help a constipated cat's bowel movements along, Hofve says. Each cat is different so some may like the taste, while others might refuse it. Petroleum jelly interferes with nutrient absorption, so make sure you give it to a cat with an empty stomach.

    Dietary Fiber

    • Fiber helps speed along bowel movements in cats as well as humans. Switching to a high-fiber cat food might help, but an alternative is to add fiber to the cat's current diet. Good sources of fiber include canned pumpkin and bran cereal, according to veterinarians from Mar Vista Animal Medical Center in Los Angeles. Dietary fiber supplements are also available.

    Water

    • Dehydration is one of the leading causes of constipation in cats. Ensuring the cat gets plenty of water may help prevent future bouts of constipation. Canned food has 80 percent more water than dry food, according to the Cat Health Guide. Switching your cat's regular bowl to a flowing water fountain will persuade it to drink more water, as will placing multiple water bowls around the house.

    Slippery Elm

    • Slippery elm is an herb proven to be safe and nontoxic to cats. Slippery elm is available in powdered form or in pre-packed capsules. The herb acts directly in the gastro-intestinal tract by coating, soothing and lubricating the digestive tract's mucus membrane, Hofve says. Its high-fiber content makes it effective in treating constipation.