How to Treat Cat Constipation with Olive Oil

Cat constipation can occur due to an inadequate diet, hairballs, stress or due to different health issues that affect the stomach and the digestive tract. Among the numerous remedies, olive oil is one that can be applied at home and will not cause any side effects.

Constipation in Felines

A cat is constipated when he hasn’t defecated in over 2 days. Cats normally defecate 1 to 2 times per day if they have a regular wet or dry diet and once in 2 days if the cat is on a low residue diet.

Occasional constipation is normal and will typically be due to a change in the diet or hairballs. However, if the constipation is chronic, this may mean that the cat’s diet lacks the necessary fibers or that the cat is sick.

Olive Oil for Cat Constipation

Olive oil can be an effective remedy for constipation; however, this remedy should only be applied if your cat has occasional constipation.

The olive oil acts as a bowel movement stimulant and will also make the feces more liquid. The constipation occurs when the feces are too dry and the intestines will continually absorb the wetness from the feces, making them more difficult to pass.

The olive oil should be administered together with the cat’s food; give your cat no more than half or a full tbsp of olive oil or 5 to 10 drops of oil. Administer oil once or twice per day. If you give your cat to much olive oil, this may cause diarrhea. Administer olive oil until you notice that the cat passes the feces; typically, this should happen on the first day of treatment.

The advantages of olive oil is that there will be no side effects (except for diarrhea if the oil is administered in excess) and this is a remedy that can be applied at home. The olive oil can be replaced with regular vegetable oil.

However, in some cases, the constipation is a symptom of an underlying condition, so the olive oil treatment may bring temporary relief, but the cat will need additional treatment as well.

Other Home Remedies for Constipation

There are also other home remedies for constipated cats. These remedies include canned pumpkin, which should relieve constipation, as it is a rich source of fibers. Make sure the canned pumpkin doesn’t contain sugar.

Other fruits and vegetables that are rich in fibers (i.e. apples, carrots) may also relieve feline constipation.

Medication for Feline Constipation

If home remedies don’t work, a vet should be consulted. The cat may have a health problem.

The vet may prescribe some cat laxatives. Don’t give your cat human laxatives. If the cat has metabolism issues, the vet will recommend cisapride, which is a metabolism regulator.

Enema injections are administered in the cat’s rectum if the constipation is severe, and the cat hasn’t passed feces for over 4 days.

Treating the underlying condition will prevent the recurrence of constipation.

 

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