Natural Remedies for Cats with Constipation

by Monika Ruthe⁽²⁾

Is your cat experiencing hard, compacted stools that are difficult or painful to pass, no bowel movement or the urge to move bowels, abdominal bloating, cramps or abdominal pain and loss of appetite? Chances are it is suffering from constipation. Fortunately, there are a number of effective natural remedies for cats with constipation which can cure the problem and reduce any discomfort associated with it.

Causes

Constipation develops when waste becomes clogged inside the colon. If is not removed and stays in the colon for too long, toxins and harmful bacteria can leak into the body, causing other health problems. That is why regular elimination of waste products is vital for your cat's health.

Constipation can result from a number of factors but diet is the most important one. A low fibre diet and insufficient water intake combined with an inactive lifestyle are often to blame for cat constipation.

Diet

You can prevent constipation in your cat by ensuring it eats a healthy diet. Therefore one of the most effective natural remedies for cats with constipation is to feed a balanced diet; ideally raw rather than processed food. Avoid dry food altogether. It contains very little moisture and makes things worse. Adding a tablespoon of olive oil to your cat's food a couple of times a week will help to maintain regular bowel movements and keeps the fur glossy.

One teaspoon of canned pumpkin or half a teaspoon of wheat bran added to the food adds additional fibre. This helps softening the stool and brings relief. Psyllium husk and green oats provide similar results. And feeding probiotics will balance the consistency of the stool.

Sufficient liquid intake is also important. Ensure your cat has access to fresh drinking water. Some cats don't like tap water that is chlorinated or fluorinated. If yours falls into this category, provide filtered or bottled water. You cannot force a cat to drink, so in order to ensure your cat gets enough fluid, you can pour some water over the food. Avoid soaking it though as this is not very appetising.

Hygiene

If your cat lives mainly indoors, keep the litter box clean. 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. Regular exercise will help not only keep your cat fit and healthy but will help with bowel movement as well. If your cat is not naturally very active, encourage it with some exiting cat games.

Herbal remedies

Natural herbal remedies for cats with constipation can be used to great effect to cure the condition. One natural remedy you can easily make yourself is a tisane (herbal tea) 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 small amounts fed raw to your cat. Dried figs coated in honey and given as a pill are another excellent natural remedy for cats with constipation.

The above natural remedies for cats with constipation will bring effective relief from the symptoms and take care of the problem naturally.

Monika Ruthe is a complementary therapist and has developed an online information resource on natural and home remedies for cats. To discover the best home remedies for cats for a variety of common ailments visit http://www.homeremediesforcats.com

Article submitted Saturday, September 10, 2011 & read 7 times.

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