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Feline Constipation Diets
by Em Connell McCarty
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Overview
If your cat is lethargic, has a loss of appetite, is straining to defecate or has not defecated in a day, your cat may be constipated. Constipation in cats can quickly escalate to more serious health issues. To avoid your cat's becoming constipated, feed her a diet designed to prevent constipation.
Supplement your cat's diet to prevent constipation.
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Water
To prevent constipation, you need to make sure your cat gets enough water in her diet. Supply her with fresh water by changing the water in her dish several times a day. Cats prefer running water so you may also consider purchasing a fountain-style water dish. Likewise, you can leave a faucet running on a trickle for your cat to drink. If you do not think your cat is drinking enough water, add water to her food or switch her to canned food.
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Commercial Foods
There are commercial cat foods which address hairballs---one of the main causes of constipation in cats. These cat foods have added fiber. Ideally, fiber will push the contents of your cat's digestive tract on through to the litter box. Too much fiber can be harsh for your cat's digestive tract, however, causing diarrhea as well as other health issues. If you choose to use a commercial cat food with high fiber, gradually switch your cat over to it and monitor him for diarrhea.
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Natural Diet
Raw food diets for cats, consisting of raw meats, vegetables and supplements, prove to work naturally with your cat's short digestive tract. Similarly, you may choose to cook for your cat a natural diet which consists of 60 percent meat, 20 percent vegetables and 20 percent grains. Cooking for your cat does require you to supplement with certain vitamins and minerals to ensure your cat has enough taurine in her diet to stay healthy. You could also choose to purchase a commercial cat food that is easy for your cat to digest. Look for "natural" cat foods high in protein and free of corn and other fillers which may constipate your cat. Avoid diets high in salts and fats which can also wreak havoc on your cat's digestion, causing constipation.
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Supplements
To help prevent constipation, you can supplement your cat's usual diet. A couple of teaspoons of pumpkin a day will provide a natural fiber and water to your cat's diet. You can also add vegetables to your cat's food if your cat will eat them. If your cat does not care for vegetables, grow her some oat grass or wheat grass. A pat of butter will work to lubricate your cat's system as will a weekly dose of one teaspoon of fish oil. Slippery elm bark powder is another supplement you can add to your cat's diet to coat her stomach lining and prevent constipation.
