Cat Laxative
The best kind of laxative for cats
Constipation is never a good thing, and sometimes it is necessary to turn to a laxative for cats. However, it’s important to remember that a laxative will not help all cats that cannot have a bowel movement. You should always take your cat to the vet if you notice several days going by without any bowel movements.
There are several different kinds of laxatives, and each laxative for cats works in a different way. It all depends on why your cat is constipated, and your vet will be able to recommend the best kind of laxative for your cat’s particular problem.
One common type of laxative for cats is the bulk-forming kind. Some doctors even recommend this type of laxative for humans. Common types of bulk-forming laxative are psyllium, flax seed, and bran. This type of laxative for cats is perfect for absorbing fluids and forming a mass. It’s a very natural form of laxative, so some consider it to be safer. However, this type of laxative is not an option for cats that are dehydrated.
Another type of laxative for cats is the lubricant form. This variety includes fish oil and flax seed oil. This type of laxative can be used as an enema if the cat needs fast results, or it can be put on the cat’s paws so it can lick the laxative up. Just be careful which kind of oil you use because some types are best used as enemas. You also shouldn’t use this type of laxative in cats that are suffering from vitamin deficiency because it can also leech more vitamins away from your cat.
For a cat with a short term constipation problem, your vet may recommend a stool softener. This type of laxative for cats softens the stools so they can slide out more easily. However, stool softeners are only helpful for the short term because they tend to lose their effectiveness after a while.
The harshest form of laxative for cats is the stimulant laxative. This type of laxative actually stimulates the bowels to move and push the stools out. You should never use stimulant laxatives over the long term because they also tend to lose their effectiveness. Also the harsh nature of this type of laxative is very difficult for many cats to experience. Stimulant laxatives are perfect for cats with just an occasional problem with constipation. Some cats should never be given this type of laxative though, so you should always check with your vet to make sure your cat can safely take it.
Only a vet can determine which type of laxative is the right one for your cat. The reason there are so many different kinds is because of the wide variety of problems it’s possible for a cat to have. Not all laxatives are created equally, so make sure that you’re choosing the right one for the safety of your cat. You’ve got to make sure you’re also treating the underlying cause of the constipation, if there is one.