Kitty constipation?

[vernont]

Hi all,

I'm new to the site and would like to thank everyone who offers any advice in advance.

With that said, for a couple of days it seems that my cat is having problems with her bowel movements. I just happened to be in the laundry room today while she was trying to do her business. She was unsuccessful obviously. She then left the box and started making loud moaning sounds (like a cat in heat makes, though she is fixed) only to return to the box to try again. This time ended with her heaving very aggressively and throwing up a small amount of a milky, bubbly liquid (sorry if that's kinda graphic but I'm really concerned).

Here's a little background on her if it'll help. I believe she is about 7 or 8 years old, she was a stray when I took her in so it's hard to tell her exact age. I had her fixed about two years ago and haven't had any issue from the operation so I think that is ruled out. She eats Whiskas regular formula and a couple times a week she gets a package of Whiskas wet formula because she's a suck.

I guess what I'm asking is if anybody knows of a food or product (whether it's a home remedy or a store boughten one) that will help her to have a poop.

Thanks again for reading and offering your thoughts.

[marmay]

Dear Vernont,

I might suggest a few possible remedies for the cat.
1. I treat constipation with a tiny catheter and a syringe filled with warm water with one drop of dawn(original formula) in the water. I got the tiny catheter from my Veterinarian(He charged 10 bucks). The treatment involves holding the cat with a towel on some surface and inserting the lubed catheter(mineral oil or a small amount of vaseline placed on the cats rear and on the tube). This catheter is about the size of thick spaghetti and is about that long as well. It has a solid rounded tip and a side outlet for the fluid to run out. It can be inserted about 1 inch into the pet or more if you know what you are doing and inject some fluid as you carefully go in deeper. You may have to use this several times a day(after feeding the pet). I have had to treat a constipated kitten 3/4 times a day for a week, so be patient.
Right now I am dealing with a swollen adult cat that I hope is only constipated. She is receiving enemas several times a day and I am on day 3. She has passed some tough stool so I am hoping any intestinal problems will pass eventually, but the key is to be vigilant and stay on it. I have upped the fluids I am injecting into this cat to almost 50cc, but she is pretty large, small kittens take a lot less. She has shown some improvement so I am hopeful.
2. Mineral oil added to the diet can help loosen problems in the stomach(hairballs) and intestines.
3. There are commercial constipation remedies available online but you need to use one for cats because the human ones have substances in them that will not work for a cat, like phosphates etc. that seem to be bad for a cat.
I have a page at MARMAY.net/ petrescue.html that I am working on and you are welcome to drop by.

[PawsitivePet]

For cat constipation the first thing to try is a small amount of mineral oil in the food to help lubricate.

If that is not effective, you can use plain Metamucil, not any of the flavored.
If you still do not see an improvement, a trip to the Veterinarian will be necessary where they will likely give your kitty an enema to clean her out.

If it becomes a chronic problem, they may prescribe something like lactulose to increase the moisture in the stools.

That being said, I would also consider upgrading to a higher quality food. There are a lot out there that are better for your kitty. A partial list: Felidae, Innova, California Natural, Fromm, Nature's Variety, Orijen, Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover's Soul. In addition, I would personally encourage your cat to eat more canned food.

Good luck - I do hope the issue resolves easily.