Remedies for a Constipated Cat

Feline constipation can happen to cats of any age, even newborn kittens. Symptoms of cat constipation include a cat not wanting to be touched around the abdomen, a distended abdomen and passing small, hard stools. The stools may be flecked with blood because the straining may break open rectal tissue.

  1. Home Remedies for Kittens

    • It is important that newborn kittens (under one month old) defecate every day, otherwise toxins such as phosphorus build up in the body, which can potentially kill the kitten. The mother will usually stimulate her kittens to urinate and defecate by licking under their tails. If the kitten is orphaned, then a cotton ball dipped in warm water can be used in place of a mother cat's tongue.

      If the kitten is constipated, first weigh the kitten. Smear a little petroleum jelly on the anal region, which is usually sore and inflamed in constipated kittens. This can help soothe the pain. According to KittenRescue.com, adding 3cc's of milk of magnesia per ounce of the kitten's weight to the kitten's formula should get the digestive system moving again. But if 24 hours goes by and the kitten still has not excreted, call the vet immediately.

    Home Remedies For Cats

    • Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook recommends Metamucil powder to treat cat constipation. Serve the powder with the cat's regular dinner. Add 1 to 3 tbsp. of the powder to canned wet food or moistened dry food and mix. If the cat refuses to eat the food, then try milk of magnesia. Weigh the cat. For every pound that the cat weighs, give half a teaspoon of milk of magnesia. Only give it once a day. The cat will need to be wrapped in a towel or held in a person's lap and the milk of magnesia given by eyedropper or pipette.

    Other Tips

    • Feeding the cat food that is higher in fiber can help prevent constipation. Also, be sure the cat is drinking enough water, which promotes a more comfortable passage of stools. To encourage the cat to drink more water, place several bowls around the home. Be sure the water bowl is not near the litter pan, as the smell of the litter pan deters the cat from drinking the water. According to veterinarian Dr. Bari Spielman, you should encourage constipated cats to become more active, as exercise can also help stimulate the bowels. Brush the cat regularly to prevent hairballs, which may block the digestive tract. If the cat stops eating, begins vomiting or seems to be depressed, or if the home remedies do not work in 24 hours, call the vet.