An occasional bout of constipation doesn't mean your cat needs to see a vet. Cats are fastidious groomers and often swallow enough hair to cause constipation. Some medications have constipation as a side effect. Your cat's colon is large enough to store over a week's worth of stool, so two or three days without a bowel movement doesn't necessarily mean anything serious.
If, however, your cat's constipation lasts several days, your veterinarian may prescribe medication to solve the problem. (Reference 1)
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Prescription Medication
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Many vets prescribe cisapride for constipated cats. This medication hasn't been approved for veterinary use in the U.S. and isn't commercially available.
You'll have to order it from a compounding pharmacy. To find one in your area, register at the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists website (References 1 and 2)
Cisapride is prepared as an oral suspension. There's no established strength for cats so your pet's dosage will depend on the strength of his prescription.
The United States Pharmacoepial Convention recommends giving your cat from 2.5 to 5 mg of solution every 8 to 12 hours. Don't exceed 1mg/2.2 lbs of your cat's weight in any eight hour period. Dose your cat 30 minutes before feeding him. (Reference 3)
If your cat hasn't responded to the cisapride in two or three days, talk to your vet about adjusting the dosage.
Hairball Medication
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Laxatone, from Tomlyn, is an over-the-counter medication for cats with hairball-related constipation. A blend of white petrolatum and mineral oil sweetened with molasses and corn syrup, Laxatone will lubricate your cat's digestive tract so she can pass any fecal material clogged with hair. It's available in regular and tuna flavors.
Give her from 1/2 to 1 teaspoon daily for two or three days. To get her interested, dab some Laxatone on her nose before dosing her. Once she's passed the hairball, give her maintenance doses of 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon two to three times weekly. (Resource 1)
Laxative and Stool Softener
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Lactulose is a synthetic sugar syrup produced from the milk sugar lactose. It softens stool by attracting water into kitty's bowel, and has proven helpful even in cats with chronic constipation. Lactulose also has a laxative effect.
Give your cat 0.5 mg/2.2lbs of body weight every 12 hours. Decrease his dosage if he develops diarrhea.(Resource 2)
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