Even our 4-legged friends can suffer from constipation. It begins with occasional episodes, which however can become increasingly frequent.
The difficulty or inability to expel faeces causes strong discomfort in the cat, but even for us owners it can be very frustrating to see Micio complaining in the litter box due to an unsuccessful effort. So it is normal to wonder how to help the cat poop? When it becomes necessary to administer a laxative for cats? Is it possible to try other remedies first? Let’s find out in this article!
When can’t the cat poop?
All cats can suffer from constipation, even if i adult male cats they seem to be more prone to this problem. Constipation can have many causes, including:
Frequent episodes of constipation they should not be underestimated, as they can predispose or exacerbate some important pathologies, such as the megacolon of the cat.
For this reason, constipation in cats must be tackled with the right approach, which sometimes requires the use of a laxative for cats.
How to tell if the cat is constipated?
If your kitty whines in the litter box, tries unsuccessfully to defecate, or has small, hard stools, she’s probably having problems with constipation.
It is not infrequent to find the presence of small traces of living blood due to exertion. In this case, and if Puss shows symptoms of depression, swelling, or if hasn’t passed stools for 2-3 days it is advisable to report it as soon as possible to your trusted veterinarian, so that he can evaluate the case and decide whether to prescribe a laxative for cats.
What types of laxatives for cats are there?
The laxative for cats is the remedy for constipation and constipation but must be purchased only after a veterinary consultation to avoid unwanted effects and incorrect dosages.
Some of these, milder in composition, are available as over-the-counter drugs and therefore they do not require a prescriptionwhile for others it is necessary to present the veterinary prescription in the pharmacy.
In liquid form, in paste for cats or in tablets, laxatives for cats are classified into 4 main types according to the mode of action:
Lubricants
The lubricating and liquid laxative for cats par excellence consists of liquid paraffin combined with petroleum jelly. It can be administered together with baby food, but the dosage and the time of use must be established by the veterinarian.
It is very useful for emptying the intestine following surgery, as a preparation for some diagnostic tests of the abdomen (such as CT and RX) and can be used for short periods in constipated cats. It creates a lubricating film that envelops the intestinal contents, facilitating their expulsion.
Stimulants
Stimulating laxatives for cats act directly on the walls of the intestinal lumen and not on the fecal mass. They favor peristalsis movements and contractions in order to re-establish a correct passage of the faeces and allow the cat to go to the bowel without difficulty.
Mass forming
This type of laxative for cats is formulated using components rich in fibre, which is only partially digested by the cat: the fiber stimulates intestinal mobility and creates a mass capable of “pushing” stagnant feces towards the outlet.
Osmotics and emollients
Laxatives for cats of this type exploit the osmotic properties of some molecules, such as lattulosio. Once in the intestine this substance is able to recall water which will be absorbed by the faeces, which will thus become softer and easier to expel. Again, veterinary approval is required for prescription.
Some of these laxatives are manufactured for human use and like all medicines, they can have effects contraindications. Furthermore, they must be used for a limited time: the risk is that of administering substances to which the cat is allergic, or if the treatment is prolonged too much, of habituating the body of the cat making him dependent on the drug itself for the success of defecation.
For this reason, never rely on do-it-yourself, but always ask for confirmation from professionals in the sector.
Natural laxative for cats
There are also some natural remedies that can be purchased in pharmacies or herbal medicine and administered to the cat, always in the ways and dosages recommended by the vet.
Choosing foods rich in fiber can help the cat go to the bowel: adding a teaspoon of cooked and chopped pumpkin (not seasoned) to the ration is a possible home remedy that helps fight constipation.
How to stimulate the cat to poop?
Before resorting to a laxative for cats, we can put into practice some simple precautions to improve its condition:
1. Get the cat hydrated
When the cat does not poop it is important to always provide him with fresh water to entice him to drink as much as possible. You can try cat fountains as a diversion. Water is essential as it will hydrate the body by acting as a natural lubricant for feces.
2. Use wet food
If your cat only eats croquettes, in case of constipation it may be useful to give him wet food which contains a high water content compared to dehydrated food. This will help lubricate hard and dry faeces, but remember that even abrupt changes in food should always be considered when it comes to our 4-legged friends.
4. Practicing motor activity
Very sedentary cats can go more easily to constipation, as it favors the stasis of the intestine which is not adequately stimulated and causes difficulty in defecation. Stimulating play and movement can promote defecation and encourage the cat to hydrate.
5. Evaluate the psychological aspect
If the litter box is very dirty, if it is shared with other cats in the house, or if the cat is facing a period of stress, it is possible that he chooses to withhold the faeces. So let’s try to keep his litter box clean, cleaning it at least once a day. As far as possible, we try to avoid exposing our cat to sources of stress (such as a move, housework, adopting a new pet).
Have you already tried laxatives for cats against constipation?