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Causes
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Cat constipation is often caused by hairballs blocking the intestinal tract, causing the cat's digestive system to block up and become unable to pass feces. If your cat is elderly or shows other signs of distress, check with your vet before trying to treat the cat at home. She may have a more serious condition. If the constipation is frequent, your cat may have megacolon, a condition in which the large intestine is no longer able to propel feces out of your cat's digestive system, according to Arnold Plotnick, DVM. Medications, stress and pelvic injuries can also contribute to feline constipation.
Product Information
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Petromalt is a hairball remedy made by Sentry pet care to reduce the amount of hairballs cats get by easing the hair's passage through your cat's digestive system. Petromalt is available in gel and kibble treat formulas, and many cats like the flavor and will eat it voluntarily.
How it Works
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Petromalt's primary ingredient is liquid petrolatum, more commonly known as mineral oil. Mineral oil is a lubricant and stool softener, meaning it coats the hairballs and stools to smooth them for easier passage, plus it helps the stools retain water, keeping them softer as they move through the colon.
Dosage
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The standard dosage for hairballs is one to three treatments of Petromalt per week, which is enough to keep hairballs passing through your cat's digestive system. To treat constipation, give your cat a daily dose of Petromalt in the amount recommended on the product packaging. The constipation should clear up within a few days. Exact dosage will depend on whether your cat is an adult or kitten.
Warnings
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When treating your cat with Petromalt, make sure to keep the litter box clean and easily accessible. When your cat's constipation is relieved, he may have an urgent need to defecate, and if the box is not readily available he will use whatever is handy.
Do not exceed the product's recommended dose unless instructed to by a licensed veterinarian. Excessive stool softening can lead to diarrhea, which can cause a dangerous amount of fluid loss in your cat. Do not give Petromalt to kittens under four weeks old.
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Petromalt for Cat Constipation
Having a constipated cat can be worrisome for cat owners. You may notice the constipation when you go to clean a near-empty litter box, or you may see other indicators, such as the cat crying in the litter box or seeming lethargic or like he is in pain. While constipation can have a variety of causes, many of them can be relieved by proper use of feline laxatives such as Petromalt.