Miralax for Cats

You can use Miralax to help relieve your cats constipation with dosage recommendations and other changes. The same formulation available for people can also be used for your cat, on a smaller dosage. When considering Miralax for your cat, consult with your vet to ensure there are no medical conditions or potential medication interactions that may occur. You can also increase your cats water consumption, especially if they seem more thirsty than usual. Excessive thirst can be a symptom of other conditions, so make note of that and watch for other symptoms that may appear. 

How It Works

Miralax draws water and fluids into the colon and relieve the stress felt in the bowels. This helps create steady bowel movements. If your cat does not respond to the treatment after about a week, discontinue treatment and report this to your vet. The constipation could be a symptom of something more serious. Miralax is an osmosis laxative because of the water replacement in the digestive system. This is the safest form of laxative and causes the least side effects.

Miralax Dosage for Your Cat

A cat cannot have the same dosage a person would take. Measure 1/8 teaspoon of the Miralax and dissolve into water as per the package instructions. If your cat will drink the Miralax mixture allow him too, but he needs to drink all of it. If he will not drink the mixture, you need to administer it with a syringe. Simply load a syringe (available from your vet or at more pet stores) with the mixture and slowly squirt into his mouth. Try to aim for about mid-way into your cat's mouth. Too close to the front and it can dribble out. Too far back and you can hit his gag reflex. 

When To Give Your Cat Miralax

Administer the dose before eating, preferably in the afternoon. This helps the Miralax absorb better and prevents a negative reaction from consuming a dose on an empty stomach. If you're unable to give your cat the treatment in the afternoon, give them the dose before they have their last meal of the day or eat when you have dinner. If your cat is not starting to feel relief within two days, increase the dose by 1/4 teaspoon. Only one dose per day is necessary. Do not switch laxatives during use as this can cause side effects or medication interactions to occur. If you're not home during the day to monitor whether or not the Miralax is working, ask a neighbor or family member to check on your cat. You need to know if they've been able to defecate or have had any adverse reactions to the treatment, such as vomiting. They need to alert you immediately if your cat is vomiting, lethargic or has blood in their stool. 

Miralax for cats is fine for short-term use, but should not be used long term. Avoid high doses as this can cause diarrhea, which can then cause dehydration. If your cat has been diagnosed with Chronic Renal Insufficiency (CRS), do not give them Miralax or any other laxative at all. Talk with your vet about different treatment options for constipation. If you're uncertain of whether the Miralax is working and do not know your cats regular defecation schedule, contact your vet to find out what's normal for a health cat similar in size, age, health and breed. If you're not home during the day and have no one to check on your cat, look at the end of the day and see if your cat used their litter box. If your cat was able to go, check the stool for odd coloring, blood or undigested food bits. This can indicate a problem in the digestive system.

 

Comments