Lactulose is a prescription liquid laxative that softens stools. It's often used to treat cats that suffer from megacolon, and it lessens complications from certain types of liver disease. According to WebMD , it's safe to use Metamucil for cats and is especially useful for cats that suffer from frequent constipation.
The site recommends adding one teaspoon per day to wet cat food, and that you can keep your cat on this regimen indefinitely without causing a problem. However, you should make sure your cat also has plenty of fresh water available when taking this laxative. Metamucil is readily available at any pharmacy department. Vetasyl is an over-the-counter constipation remedy that contains a combination of psyllium seed husks and barley malt extract powder.
It's a very natural product that doesn't contain any additional chemicals or preservatives. Like Metamucil, Vetasyl is sprinkled over wet cat food, and your cat should have a constant supply of fresh water in order for the laxative to work properly. As with anything else you'd feed your cat, read the ingredients label to make sure the laxative you choose doesn't contain anything you know your cat is allergic to.
Constipation can be uncomfortable at its mildest and life threatening at its worst, so call your vet to discuss using a laxative, and get his or her expert opinion whether this is the right treatment for your pet. Cats Cat Health and Health Problems 6 Safe Laxatives for Cats Constipation can become a serious and painful condition for any animal, so it's important to be aware of the best cat laxatives you can use to help your pet.
Stimulant Laxatives for Cats Stimulant laxatives are typically used to lubricate the digestive tract, so it's easier for the cat to pass a stool. Sentry HC Petromalt Sentry HC Petromalt uses a combination of mineral oil, petrolatum, glycerin, and other ingredients to break up hairballs and lubricate the digestive tract. Lax'aire Lax'aire contains petrolatum to lubricate the intestinal tract, and cod liver oil to act as a laxative.
Laxatone Laxatone is an over-the-counter product that's especially useful for treating constipation caused by ingesting fur. Canned pumpkin or natural pumpkin juice acts as a natural laxative.
Fortunately, you can use the fact that milk often causes diarrhea in cats to your advantage. Yes, superfoods for cats do exist. Things like cranberries, broccoli, spinach, and other leafy greens are extremely rich in fiber, which is just what constipated kitties need.
In fact, some pet parents use laxatives manufactured for human consumption, such as Miralax. There is a huge difference between laxatives and stool softeners, regardless of their brands and whether or not they require prescriptions from your vet.
Laxatives are stronger and have a more direct and forceful approach towards the digestive system. On the other hand, stool softeners are milder and act as lubricants. Does this mean laxatives are more efficient? Not necessarily! As WebMD points out, diabetes and other serious health problems can cause constipation.
Some of the components used in various laxatives pose danger to cats suffering from diabetes or allergies towards corn and other ingredients. However, I want to focus on one stool-softening supplement in particular. Our review process is unbiased and based on extensive research.
If you buy through the links on our site, we may earn a commission. So if you own a kitty and a canine, I definitely recommend this stool softener for your pets, as needed. Compared to most feline medicines, this supplement is quite affordable. Here are my personal top choices. A tried-and-true laxative for my furballs is Lax-Aire.
Long-time feline owners have probably already heard of it or even used it. The lube is easy to administer and you can even feed it to your pet from your finger. It uses petroleum as its primary laxative ingredient and treats all types of constipation, regardless of the cause. The only downside to it is that its petroleum contents make this medication non-suitable for everyday usage.
Its active ingredient is petroleum, so you must not exceed the dosage your vet will recommend for safety purposes. Normally, the poop is a rich brown color and should look well-formed. Liz Bales, VMD. Cats with constipation may have very dry, hard stools. Other signs of discomfort can be vocalizing or straining when using the litter box or going in and out multiple times before using it.
Your cat may strain but not be able to poop at all. Showing discomfort in the litter box can also be a sign of serious urinary tract issues , so you should contact a vet if you see these signs.
Constipation is really a symptom of other issues, so you may also see signs of the underlying cause. These may include:. Some issues are mild and treatable at home with dietary and lifestyle modifications, and some can be serious. This can be caused by underlying issues like stress and anxiety, inflammatory bowel disease, allergies, nerve problems, and even some kinds of cancer. Chronic diseases that can result in constipation in cats include kidney disease , diabetes , and hyperthyroidism.
Ruptured or impacted anal sacs may also cause your cat pain with defecation and may result in constipation. Cats eating dry food diets are predisposed to dehydration and constipation as well. If a cat is holding her stool longer than normal, constipation can occur as the intestines reabsorb too much water when the stool sits in them for too long. Reasons for this include obesity, stress and anxiety, pain from arthritis or anal gland issues, a blockage, or even some kinds of cancer.
Constipation is common in cats but can indicate serious disease, so it should be discussed with your vet. Constipation must be treated as soon as possible to reduce the risk of permanent damage due to prolonged distension of the colon. Effective treatment involves identifying and correcting the underlying disorder if possible , removing the impacted feces, and preventing recurrences.
Some types of enemas designed for people are actually very toxic to cats. Some cats with long-term constipation or obstipation may have megacolon , an enlarged intestine caused by a defect in the muscle strength of the colon.
Cats with chronic constipation or megacolon that have been unresponsive to medical treatment may respond to removal of the affected section of the large intestine.
Since dehydration contributes to constipation, drinking more water and staying well-hydrated helps prevent constipation. This dramatically increases their water intake and significantly reduces their risk of constipation.
You can also encourage your cat to drink more water by adding setting up more water bowls in different areas of your home, trying pet water fountains, leaving a faucet dripping, and flavoring the water with things cats like, such as clam juice, tuna juice, or beef broth. Food allergies can cause intestinal inflammation and constipation in cats.
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