Cat Food To Help Constipation

Constipation In The Cat

17th August 2018

Constipation is a term used to describe absent, infrequent or difficult passage of faeces .

When constipation occurs, faeces are retained longer than normal in the colon or rectum , and as a result the faeces tends to become dryer and harder , which may make the problem worse.

Animals with constipation may exhibit signs of pain when trying to pass faeces , and this may be accompanied by excessive straining to pass faeces. If there is prolonged constipation, the faeces may become severely impacted in the colon and rectum, and this is known as obstipation. With repeated bouts of constipation or obstipation the colon can become distended and lose its ability to contract and push faeces towards the rectum, a condition called megacolon .

What Can You Do In Home To Help With My Cats Constipation

If you notice that your cat is still producing some feces daily, there may be some preventive measures you can take to avoid serious constipation. Here are a few things to try:

• Keep clean and fresh water out to ensure that your cat is drinking enough.

• Brush regularly. For long-haired breeds or cats prone to hair balls, brushing regularly can help keep excess hair from the digestive tract.

• Change your cats diet. Try feeding a canned diet and/or adding fiber to the diet. Fiber can help waste move through the digestive system easily and quickly.

• Try adding pumpkin or natural bran cereal to our cats food. Fiber supplements increase fiber in the diet as well.

• Some cats will need to try a laxative such as Miralax or Lactulose, to stay regular. You may need to consult with your veterinarian prior to starting a laxative.

• Use a vet-recommended cat probiotic for digestive health

Nomnomnow Fresh Food Delivery

Overall Best Cat Food for Constipation: When it comes to cat food for constipation, moisture content is very important. For this reason, many pet owners consider switching their cats to raw food, but a raw food diet for cats can be expensive and difficult to maintain. If you want something that offers excellent nutritional quality and high digestibility, consider NomNomNow. This is a fresh pet food company that delivers pre-portioned packages of fresh cat food right to your door. After you provide key information about your cats age and weight, they calculate his nutrient and calorie needs and send you the exact right amount of food with detailed feeding instructions. Choose from two recipes, each featuring a premium source of animal protein as the main ingredient with other whole foods including fiber-rich fruits and veggies. Both recipes provide complete and balanced nutrition for cats in all life stages as well, so it is perfect for kittens as well as adult cats you never have to change your cats diet again!

• High-quality natural ingredients, real protein comes first, digestible fruits and veggies for fiber, complete and balanced for all life stages, high in moisture content
• Significantly more expensive than dry food, only two recipes to choose from

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American Journey Minced Chicken Recipe In Gravy Grain

Our Top Pick for the Best Affordable Cat Food for Constipation: Owning a pet is not cheap, but just because you want to save money doesnt mean you cant still give your cat something worth eating. This American Journey Minced Chicken Recipe in Gravy Grain-Free Canned Cat Food is a great option in general, but it is also a decent canned cat food for constipation. Like any cat food worth its salt, this recipe starts with a high-quality source of animal protein as the main ingredients and is supplemented with healthy fats for skin and coat support. This recipe contains a whopping 82% moisture which is great for digestion and is supplemented with flaxseed and fresh berries to boost the fiber content.

• Affordable but high quality, real animal protein as main ingredient, grain-free digestible carbohydrates, high moisture content , healthy fats for skin and coat, fiber supplements
• Could be higher in fiber content, some cats are sensitive to chicken ingredients, no probiotics

How We Picked These Cat Foods

The reason we chose these particular cat foods is the existence of nutrients they contain, especially fiber.

Since constipation is the problem we are conquering, fiber is of utmost importance in feline nutrition.

The protein content is also crucial. Like most animals, cats need protein for healthy muscles. As predators, cats need strong muscles to hunt and catch those pesky mice that invade your home. Without protein, your cat could miss out on its sole purpose.

The higher the protein, the better. Protein also aids in digestion because of how it breaks down what the body cant use. Veterinarians recommend food with prebiotics and little residue so the good gut flora can destroy harmful bacteria.

It is easy for cats to gain too much weight, especially when eating dry food, as they tend to graze all day if you let them. As they age, they become less active. A low-carb diet is a recommendation for obese cats.

An overweight cat can suffer from medical problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, and other major health problems. Another recommendation from veterinarians is to avoid serving food containing wheat and chicken by-products.

All those benefits are reasons to try these foods on your cat. If you still are not sure which diet is right for your cat, consult with your vet.

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Best Way To Help A Constipated Cat Poop Again

Take him to your vet. There! Easy! The Cornell Feline Health Center indicates a vet will evaluate your cat’s hydration levels, assess overall health, and eliminate other possible clinical causes.

Another reason why a professional exam is the best remedy for cat constipation is if the condition is more serious, the vet team takes immediate action. “Constipated cats may need an enema at the vet clinic to help them defecate. This is a liquid that softens and lubricates the passage of feces,” Anthony says. “Some cats can get so ‘blocked up’ that they are unable to move the stool. This is called obstipation and requires fecal extraction by a doctor under sedation/anesthesia.”

There are home remedies for cat constipation that you’ll probably find online, and your vet will likely recommend the safest and most effective options. “Often, adding fiber such as pumpkin or psyllium and/or stool softeners can help, as will increasing dietary moisture with canned food or low-sodium broths,” Anthony says. “No changes should be made prior to visiting a veterinarian, however, as dietary recommendations should be made with the whole cat in mind.”

Iams Proactive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Care

First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Grits, Corn Gluten Meal, Ground Whole Grain Corn

If youre looking for high-fiber cat food thats easy on the pocketbook to help ease her constipation, then you might want to check out Iams Proactive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Care.

While this diet is intended to solve weight and hairball issues in cats, the high fiber content can also help alleviate constipation and promote healthy digestion.

This formula has an outstanding 8.3% max fiber, even more than our and 3rd pick in this list. Its also fortified with L-carnitine, which helps burn fats and other healthy nutrients like vitamins E, A, D3, and various Bs.

For the fiber blend of this recipe, the notable sources include dried plain beet pulp and cellulose.

Fiber from beet pulp has the benefits of adding bulk and moisture to animal stools while providing an energy source that can improve the health of the colon. This is why beet pulp is a favorite fiber source for pet foods.

Cellulose is a component of plant foods that is a type of insoluble fiber. It helps food move through the digestive system more quickly, preventing constipation in the process.

This kibble is also packed with a minimum 30% crude protein and 11% crude fat.

While the ingredients of this formula are not as glorious as the ones in the other brands on the list, we believe it will serve the purpose of fixing your kittys constipation issue.

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What Are The Dietary Requirements Of Constipated Cats

The exact dietary requirements of your cat will differ depending on the cause of the constipation. However, in most cases, the best foods for constipation include low-residue cat food that tends to be a lot higher in protein, as well as high-fiber cat food. You can also consider looking into cat supplements that ease constipation, like multivitamins and pumpkin. Vets can sometimes prescribe medications for severely constipated cats.

Dry Cat Food Vs Wet Cat Food

There are two options when it comes to cat food. You can feed them dry kibble or a variety of wet foods. Some people choose to combine the two. Whatever you decide, dont negate the impact of either one on their health. Give them food that supports a healthy system, and they will appreciate it in the long run.

Also Check: Best Low Carb Wet Cat Food For Diabetic Cats

Signs Of Potential Health Problems

Constipation may also be a symptom of an underlying health issue. Many different possible health issues can lead to constipation. One of the most common health issues that cause constipation is megacolon.

Megacolon can be a cause of constipation, but it can also be one of the side effects. Megacolon is the term for a colon that is enlarged and weak. Because the muscles in the colon are weak and the colon is too large, it becomes too difficult to push the fecal matter out.

This problem can be a genetic issue. There could be something wrong with the muscles or a neurological issue. It is also possible that the colon became stretched out and weakened by the buildup of fecal matter that comes with constipation.

Other common causes of constipation are:

• Arthritis pain
• Hyperthyroidism

Constipation is much more common in elderly cats since many of these issues become more likely as cats age.

If your cat suffers from one of these issues, they are considered underlying causes. In order to prevent constipation from reoccurring, the underlying cause needs to be treated.

Possible Lifestyle Changes May Help

Another way you can help is by reducing your cats stress levels. The best thing you can do is to keep your cats routine as close to normal as possible. If youre changing their diet, make sure to follow your vets recommended pace for transition.

You should also make sure that your cat isnt eating too much or getting too many treats. Its also a good idea to help them exercise. You could try to get them to chase a laser pointer or a mouse on a string. It can help by reducing anxiety, assisting normal intestinal movement, and keeping them at a healthy weight.

It might also be helpful to experiment with litter boxes. You can get multiple ones to place in different areas around the house so that your cat has more options to choose from and can find a place they like. You could also try a different litter if they dont like the one youve been using.

If hairballs seem to be the main cause of constipation, you probably need to groom your cat more regularly. Some special diets and remedies are supposed to help prevent hair from causing a problem.

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How Long Can A Cat Go Without Pooping

This depends on several factors, but most pet experts will recommend speaking to a vet if your cat hasnt defecated in longer than 48 hours. The main signs and symptoms to look out for include anything that indicates your cat is in distress, such as yowling sounds coming from the litter tray. You can also watch for lethargy, vomiting, or lack of appetite.

Possible Causes Of Constipation In Cats

Okay, so now you know what symptoms you should be looking for, but what you may not know is what is causing constipation in your cat. This can be frustrating since you want your cat to be in good health and not knowing what is wrong is very worrying.

Thankfully, there are some common issues that we can point to when pondering the cause of constipation in your cat. The causes are usually pretty typical, so you can make a good guess at what might be causing your cats discomfort.

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How Can I Help My Cat Overcome Constipation

Now that we know the causes and signs of constipation, we can look at possible treatments. If there is an underlying cause, there might also be treatments for that so that future constipation can be prevented.

Although your vet will have the right treatments for your cat, there are also some techniques that you can do at home, so well take a look at both possible prescribed treatments and in-home help.

My Cat Cant Poop In Zion Il What Should I Do

Constipation in cats can come on slowly and be hard to identify. Cats are not very public about their bathroom habits in some ways, and they can also tend to hide that they are not feeling well until they are very ill. If your cat is displaying signs that they are constipated, you might at first think that something else is going on.

Cleaning your cats litterbox daily is also really important so that you can identify early signs that they might be constipated. If you are not keeping up with this process on a daily basis, you might not realize that your cat is constipated until the problem has been going on for a while. If you have decided that your cat cant poop, you might be wondering what you should do next.

Changing to a fiber-rich diet, a hypo allergenic diet, adding probiotics or trying a laxative are a few things to help your cat when they cant poop. Read on to learn more!

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Choosing The Best Food For Cats With Constipation

Certain types of food are better suited to constipated cats than others and changing to the right food could be enough to remedy the problem.

Dry vs Wet

A constant debate with cat owners is whether dry or wet food is best. Dry keeps longer, costs less, and can be left down all day. Wet food is more palatable, tends to be more nutritious, and is around 75% moisture, ensuring that your cat stays hydrated. Changing to wet food could be the constipation cure youre looking for.

Fiber is important because it softens stools while reducing their size and making them easier to pass. As well as ensuring that the food you buy has a decent level of fiber, you can also look for those that get their food from beneficial fiber sources like beet pulp and rice bran.

Moisture

Dehydration is probably the biggest cause of constipation and if your cat is one of the many that refuse to drink from a water bowl, no matter how fresh the water supply, wet food is the solution because a large proportion of the food is moisture.

Probiotics

Probiotics increase the production of short-chain fatty acids which stimulate fecal production. Although they arent listed as probiotics, look for foods that contain ingredients like brewers yeast and pork liver.

Allergen-Free

If your cat is allergic to certain ingredients, it can cause diarrhea but it can also cause constipation. Look for grain-free foods and those that are free of common allergens like seafood and egg.

Buyers Guide Of Best Cat Food For Constipation

It is helpful to know some information about what could cause constipation, what are the main symptoms? how could you manage if it happened? and which ingredients you should look for when you are shopping for food for your constipated cat?.

This information will give you some guidelines to follow that will make your food choice well informed and more adjusted to your constipated cat dietary needs.

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What Do Customers Think Of Iams Cat Food

Iams cat food receives primarily positive customer reviews, though the brand has come under fire at least once in recent memory. Thousands of people boycotted Iams after learning about the treatment of animals in a research facility doing contract work for Iams.

In 2002 and 2003, the animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals conducted an undercover investigation of the Sinclair Research Center, a contract laboratory for Iams. PETA investigators released video footage from the lab, some of which you can watch on YouTube.

After the footage was released, Iams severed their relationship with Sinclair Research.

Spotting Signs Of Cat Constipation

A cat is constipated if its unable to pass stools or if it only defecates infrequently.

When feces remains in the colon for longer than usual, it dehydrates and becomes hard, which causes the cat discomfort. As constipation persists, the feces becomes impacted. This can cause the colon to become distended and unable to push the feces towards the rectum a severe form of constipation known as obstipation.Both constipation and obstipation need immediate treatment. However, they often indicate that another underlying disorder is at work. Contributing factors could include diet or an obstruction. Thats why its so important to seek veterinary help whenever you notice signs of cat constipation.

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Best Homemade Cat Food For Constipation

Constipation may cause your feline to feel anxiety, discomfort, and restlessness. As a pet owner, you naturally want to do your best to eliminate that suffering and help your beloved cat back to his normal, happy self.

Although constipation may be common in a lot of cats, the causes and symptoms can be different for every cat. The causes may be simply due to stress or a bad diet, or it could be something more serious that needs medical attention.

If you think your cat is suffering from constipation, then your first step might be trying to relieve it with something easily available at home. Fortunately, there are homemade recipes you can follow to manage the symptoms of constipation in cats.