How to treat constipation in cats with kidney disease

If your cat is suffering from kidney disease, constipation is a common and uncomfortable symptom. Treating constipation promotes healthy digestion, preventing waste build-up and dehydration. While there is no quick fix for constipation, long-term diet changes, laxatives and medication will help your cat overcome this symptom and feel better on his road to health.

Things You'll Need

  • Canned cat food
  • Mild laxative or enema
  • Lactulose (available by prescription)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Add fiber to your cat's daily diet. Choose cat foods formulated for urinary tract health or those that advertise added fiber, and give your cat more canned, rather than dry, food for the bonus moisture. Give your cat extra water to accompany the fiber, as water enables the fiber to work its magic on your cat's digestion.

    • 2

      Administer laxatives specially formulated for cats for temporary relief; many can be purchased over-the-counter and administered from home. Give your cat plenty of water before using the laxative to prevent dehydration. If your cat is more severely affected, consider an enema. Your veterinarian should administer the first enema, but if necessary, you can administer subsequent enemas from home by having an assistant hold your cat while you carefully insert a saline enema (water enema) into your cat's rectum.

    • 3

      Take your cat to the veterinarian immediately if constipation has brought his digestion to a standstill. Ask the vet to remove the impacted stool before proceeding with long-term treatments to ensure their effectiveness.

    • 4

      Ask your veterinarian about a prescription for Lactulose, a treatment that not only relieves your cat's constipation, but also reduces the amount of waste that builds up in your cat's body from kidney failure. This is not as effective on cats already taking antibiotics, nor is it suitable for cats with hypercalcaemia (elevated calcium levels), as it raises calcium levels.

    • 5

      Consider surgery if your cat's constipation is extreme and threatens his immediate health. Surgery can eliminate colon blockages and help prevent future constipation.