Is your cat experiencing hard, compacted stools that are difficult or painful to pass, no bowel movement or the urge to move bowels? Is it plagued by abdominal bloating, cramps or abdominal pain and shows loss of appetite? Chances are it is suffering from constipation.
Causes
Constipation develops when waste becomes clogged inside the colon. If waste is not removed and stays in the colon for too long, it can result in toxins and harmful bacteria leaking into the body, causing other health problems. That is why regular elimination of waste products is vital for your cat’s health. Fortunately, there are a number of effective home remedies for cats with constipation which can cure the problem and reduce any discomfort associated with it.
Constipation can result from a number of factors but diet is the most important one. A diet low in fibre and insufficient water intake combined with an inactive lifestyle are often to blame.
You can prevent constipation in your cat by ensuring it eats a healthy diet. Therefore one of the most effective home remedies for cats with constipation is to feed a balanced diet; ideally raw rather than processed food. Avoid dry food altogether for the time being as it contains very little moisture. This will makes things worse.
Adding a tablespoon of olive oil to your cat’s food a couple of times a week helps to maintain regular bowel movements and also keeps the fur glossy. One teaspoon of canned pumpkin or half a teaspoon of wheat bran added to the food will add additional fibre. This helps softening the stool and brings relief. Psyllium husk and green oats provide a similar result. Feeding probiotics will balance the consistency of the stool.
Sufficient liquid intake is also important. Make sure your cat has access to fresh drinking water. Some cats don’t like chlorinated or fluorinated tap water. In this case, give filtered or bottled water. You cannot force a cat to drink, so in order to ensure your cat gets enough fluid, pour some water over the food. Avoid soaking it though as this is not very appetising.
Herbal remedies
Herbal home remedies for cats with constipation can also be used to great effect to cure the condition. One remedy you can easily make yourself is a tisane of wild chicory. Give one dropperful, twice a day. In addition, sprinkle a pinch of plantain seeds into water and give three times daily.
Alternatively, you can give one dropperful of a walnut leave tisane or a tisane made from fennel shoots, three times a day. Fennel shoots can also be chopped and fed raw to your cat. Dried figs coated in honey and given as a pill are another excellent home remedy for cats with constipation.
Hygiene
If your cat lives mainly indoors, keep the litter box clean at all times. Cats are clean creatures and a dirty litter box can discourage it from using the toilet.
Lifestyle
Cats also need exercise. Activity is good as it stimulates digestion of food. If your cat is not naturally very active, encourage it with some exiting cat games. Regular exercise will help not only keep your cat fit and healthy but will help with bowel movement as well.
The above home remedies for cats with constipation will bring effective relief from the symptoms and take care of the problem naturally.
