Cats make wonderful companions and deserve the best care and medical prevention program available. Constipation in cats is a common occurrence that has many causing factors such as poor diet, hairball ingestion, intestinal obstruction or dehydration. Fortunately, there is a cat constipation remedy that can alleviate the discomfort your friend experiences. Prior to administering a remedy, you should be sure your cat is suffering from constipation. You should also consider consulting with a veterinarian familiar with your cat's medical history to ensure there is no underlying cause. Recognizing the signs of constipation is the first step to successfully treating the condition.
Cats present several clues to constipation. There may be physical changes, changes in your cat's bowel movements or a change in the cat's demeanor. If you notice your cat straining to use the restroom or if the abdomen is tense to the touch, she may be suffering from constipation. Additionally, a cat's feces will appear hard and dry if she is able to achieve a bowel movement. On the other hand, the feces can be mistaken for diarrhea, which is a very loose bowel. Finally, your cat may lose her appetite, which can be a sign of another condition, but can happen due to a sense of fullness. Once you are sure the cat is constipated, you have several choices to remedy the constipation.
Metamucil - a human dietary supplement - works well for cats. Due to the psyllium husk in the product, take care to carefully mix 1/4 to 1 teaspoon in canned food at each feeding. Psyllium is a bulking laxative that absorbs intestinal moisture making a bowel movement easier to pass. Make sure you provide an ample supply of water, which can help your cat pass the Metamucil.
High-fiber cat food can initiate easier bowel movements. Visit your local pet supply shop and compare your current food label to high-fiber content options. This method may take a little longer, but the cat may need a change in diet to prevent future flare-ups.
Pureed or unseasoned canned pumpkin can alleviate constipation. One to two teaspoons mixed into your cat's food per feeding should return moisture to your cat's bowel and promote a healthy bowel movement. Most cats like the taste of pumpkin and will most likely appreciate the treat.
When all else fails, a visit to the veterinarian for Laxatone - a bowel stimulant for cats - is warranted. The product is available through a veterinarian prescription and is designed to move bowels in cats that have hairball related constipation, but it works for other sources of constipation as well. The product tastes like tuna and should be given when the cat's stomach is empty. In addition, the manufacturer's or veterinarian's directions should be closely followed when administering the product.
A cat constipation remedy is helpful at the onset of the problem and only when the cat is in otherwise good health. Vomiting, lethargy or otherwise abnormal behavior requires an immediate consultation with a veterinarian. If you feel uncomfortable about your cat's condition, do not hesitate to get help immediately.
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