googletag.pubads().setTargeting("folder1", "blog"); googletag.pubads().setTargeting("filename", "index_html");//base path Every dollar contributed enables us to keep providing high-quality how-to help to people like you. For more tips from our Veterinary reviewer, including how to groom your cat to prevent constipation, keep reading! wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. ", more water or to be supplemented with wet food helped the most. ", multiple solutions, just in case. 'https:' : 'http:') + dfp728Slots.push(googletag.defineSlot('/1030735/PetGuide_com_728x90_Top_PETS_Content', [728, 90], 'PetGuide_com_728x90_Top_PETS_Content').defineSizeMapping(dfpMapping728x90).addService(googletag.pubads())); Half a tablespoon should be enough for cats with mild constipation. http://pets.webmd.com/cats/the-scoop-on-cat-poop, https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/constipation, http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+2122&aid=3471, http://www.vetinfo.com/treating-feline-constipation.html, http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/cats/tips/preventing_litter_box_problems.html, Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Even if you can keep your cat and dog on a cordial basis, the litter box is a whole other ballpark. ", "Useful information about what to give my cat for constipation. On the other end of things, if your cat has diarrhea, pumpkin will firm up your cat’s stool—the dietary fiber … Continued googletag.defineSlot('/1030735/PetGuide_com_300x250_Top1_PETS_Content', [300,250], 'PetGuide_com_300x250_Top1_PETS_Content').defineSizeMapping(googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1024, 10], [300, 250]).addSize([642, 10], [300, 250]).addSize([0, 0], [99999, 99999]).build()).addService(googletag.pubads()); Indeed, in some cases, veterinarians just recommend straight feeding your cat canned pumpkin when they’re experiencing problems with constipation. But loss of appetite can signal any number of issues for a cat, so you should also look for other symptoms of constipation. The fiber that’s found in pumpkin can help absorb the excess water in the digestive tract, thereby helping with firming up the stool. That's a common symptom, but not the only one, so be sure to look out for other signs. Last Updated: January 8, 2021 ", middle aged (10) and a little chubby, even though her diet consists of indoor dry food. You can mix a little olive oil into canned food or feed your cat the occasional oily fish to give it more oil in its diet. Be sure to have the medication measured and ready before hand. var dfpMapping728x90 = googletag.sizeMapping() There are a number of natural remedies: Olive oil; Cow’s milk; Tinned pumpkin; Leafy greens; Try olive oil first. Your vet might recommend some strategies that you can implement, such as adding natural pumpkin to your pet’s food while reducing portion sizes. if ( gfchelper.isAdProviderAllowed("taboola") ) { There are other constipation symptoms you should check for as well. ", "The site was very helpful and gave me home remedy tips, such as pureed pumpkin. Just a tablespoon of pure canned pumpkin should do it. For more serious constipation, sedation or a general anesthetic may be necessary in order to wash the bowel out to remove the blockage. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/76\/Cure-a-Cat-of-Constipation-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Cure-a-Cat-of-Constipation-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/76\/Cure-a-Cat-of-Constipation-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid23970-v4-728px-Cure-a-Cat-of-Constipation-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. Kittens might only need ½ teaspoon dose. And in cats, vets accept that continuous treatment of constipation caused by megacolon using laxatives gradually loses its effectiveness. A healthy cat will defecate about once a day. By using our site, you agree to our. I have a 9-week-old kitten that recently started breathing strangely, and doesn't eat a lot. I think, "The information and diagrams were very easy to understand and implement. } googletag.defineSlot('/1030735/PetGuide_com_1x1_Slimcut_PETS_Content', [1, 1], 'PetGuide_com_1x1_Slimcut_PETS_Content').addService(googletag.pubads()); ", "I was glad to learn about the pumpkin; that is an excellent choice. Constipation is often caused by a cat’s stool hardening within the body. Should I be worried if my cat has not had a bowel movement in the last two days? e.async = 1; .addSize([480, 200], [320, 50]) vsCFTagsEUFunctions.push(vsCFTaboolaHeaderEU); ", "Told me exactly what to do and look out for when my cat is constipated. Occasionally, a tumor may be at the root of the problem and require surgical removal. Some cats will hold out on pooping if they are not comfortable finding somewhere to poop. There are some home remedies you can try to make your cat feel more comfortable, and your veterinarian can give you good advice and medication to help your cat. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. Both did a lot to help ease this worried cat mommy's mind. Pick another answer! If your kitty is experiencing digestive upset, whether it’s loose stools or constipation, it’s best to call your vet to let him or her know and to figure out if something like pumpkin, or another remedy, is necessary to get your companion’s health back on track. Giving your cat treats around the time you have to administer the medicine helps keep it calmer, which makes your life much easier as well. My cat loves dry food, and drinks little water. This can help your kitty feel full and satisfied even though she’s consuming a smaller amount of calories. Your veterinarian can help you determine if this is necessary. Cats usually love the taste, but if your cat refuses, squash also works. _taboola.push({article:'auto'}); .addSize([320, 700], [320, 50]) Could your cat benefit from losing a couple of pounds? Because of the health benefits of pumpkin to cats, it can be very tempting for cat parents to give too much of this fruit to their pets. Or for more days than they advise. ", the vet will sort it out. Thank you. Don’t use pumpkin pie filling, or any canned pumpkin that contains other ingredients, such as sugars and/or flavorings. Try again... Not necessarily! Cupcake loved the hairball treats! Mix between one and four teaspoons of canned pumpkin with cat food one to two times a day. ", "Well illustrated and clear instructions provided, good information and reassurance. Read on for another quiz question. How much pumpkin should I give my dog for constipation? Some common products include Laxatone and Petromalt, which are available in tubes. googletag.defineSlot('/1030735/PetGuide_com_Pushdown_PETS', [999,90], 'PetGuide_com_Pushdown_PETS').defineSizeMapping(googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1024, 10], [999, 90]).addSize([0, 0], [99999, 99999]).build()).addService(googletag.pubads()); If my cat is constipated, he will let me massage his lower belly and it really relaxes him. Olive oil and hairball remedy is going to be my 1st, "Really, all of the article was very good, but I'd have to say the tip about a cat on an all-dry-food diet needing, "Very thorough article and questions answered. The cat can develop many problems from retaining and staining to eliminate stool, including blocked colon and megacolon (an enlarged colon). If your dog doesn’t produce feces after this treatment, you should visit the vet, as the dog may be affected by a serious problem. However, it shouldn’t be considered a cure-all for digestive problems. Develop many problems from retaining and staining to eliminate stool, including how to your... Veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in Veterinary surgery and companion animal practice diagrams were very easy understand... A common symptom, but not the only one, so be sure to look out for other of! 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