Q&A for How to Cure a Cat of Constipation

Cats can become constipated for a variety of reasons. Anything from chronic kidney disease to stress can cause a cat problems in this department. This is why it's important to monitor your cat and take them to a vet if the problem doesn't clear up.

You really need to make sure they're hydrated. Give them plenty of fresh water. If they aren't drinking, add a little chicken broth to their water to entice them to drink.

If there isn't a deeper underlying issue that needs to be addressed, your vet can give them probiotic or suggest an over-the-counter laxative to help things along. They may also advise you on what you can do in terms of changing your cat's diet or helping them lose weight, both of which may help.

Yes. Most remedies that are sold over the counter for hairball problems are also suitable for treating constipation. Look for a product that contains liquid paraffin. Alternatively, the human laxative Lactulose can also be given to cats in small doses (around 2.5 ml for a 5 kg cat, given twice a day) but be extremely careful not to syringe the Lactulose into the cat's lungs, as this can cause a serious pneumonia.

If the cat starved while he was missing, it will take several days for food eaten to work its way along his digestive tract and exit as poop. If he seems fine and he's not straining in the tray, then stick with it and all should be fine. If you are concerned, then by all means give some wet food, as this produces a more voluminous stool and helps to "hurry things along."

Take an overview of the litter box to make sure the kitten understands that is the toilet, that it is clean and inviting, and that the kitten can climb in without difficulty. Also make sure there is no bullying from other cats or kittens which may inhibit him from using the box. If the kitten is in the tray and straining, then a vet check is advisable. If his feces are hard and difficult to pass, then try switching onto canned food.

No. Milk has no 'lubricating' qualities and has no place in the management of constipation. The lactose in milk can cause diarrhea, but if the cat has a fecal plug in the anus then having a stomach upset is liable to give them belly ache and be most unpleasant.