You may notice that the litter box of your pet is empty, for the last two days, and the cat is struggling to empty itself. This can be a sign of constipation, which some cats experience occasionally due to their diet and lifestyle. If you also notice other behavioural changes, you may want to visit the vet first to check for any obstruction in the digestive tract or any underlying conditions. If your cat happens to suffer from food-related constipation, you may try some home remedies for constipated cats to help your pet find relief.
Home remedies for constipated cats
Increasing fluids
Cats that are bred solely on dry kibble, tend to get constipated easily. Since the packaged dry food has no water content, you need to make sure that your cat is drinking plenty of water. Try using a separate water bowl and replace it with fresh water several times in a day. Some cats tend to drink more water, if they have access to a slow running faucet or a fountain.
Increase wet food
Encourage your cat to eat more canned food, which has water content. This ensures necessary water intake and takes care of constipation problem in pets.
Clean litter box
Some cats may not use the litter box if it is dirty. Make sure to clean it regularly. If you have multiple cats at home, some cats might get scared of using the litter box when another cat is trying to dominate it. Try to separate the litter boxes.
Pumpkin
Adding a small quantity of pumpkin purée to your cat food, helps in providing relief from constipation, as pumpkin is rich in fiber and good for digestive system of cats.
Ginger
Ginger works as a laxative and helps cure constipation. A small amount in powdered form, added to the cat food takes care of the issue.
Increased Activity
Movement and exercise is also important for indoor cats, apart from a healthy diet. Spend some time playing with your pet, to make it more active. You may use laser pens, balls or other small toys to keep the cat moving.
Grooming
Sometimes blockages happen because of hairballs that are accumulated and may need vet’s intervention to get rid of them. Regular brushing is necessary to remove excess hair and prevent hairballs. In cat breeds with long hair, the hair gets tangled around the anal area and may cause a blockage. The cat may not be able to empty its bowels, because of this matted hair. You will need to carefully cut the tangled hair surrounding the anal region regularly, to avoid restricted bowel movement.
