Natural Laxatives or Stool Softeners for Cats

Pumpkin is an effective natural laxative that is easy to administer because (surprisingly) it has a flavor that most cats seem to enjoy. Canned pumpkin is easiest to use, as it is already mashed up. If your cat seems reluctant to eat a spoonful or two on his own, mix it into some canned cat food for him and things should be running smoothly again within a day or two. Remember to get plain pumpkin, not pie filling!

Humans use fiber to keep things regular so it should come as no surprise that it can help loosen up your cat too. Try mixing one teaspoon of oat bran in with his food or sprinkling nugget-style fiber cereal over his dinner. Fiber cereal can take anywhere from one to three days to start working but the good news is that he can eat it all the time if he decides he enjoys it.

Oils are natural stool softeners and they don't cause side effects, as drug-based softeners can. Drizzle from a half to a full tablespoon of olive oil over your kitty's kibble or wet food. Vegetable oil will also do the trick in a pinch, or you can give your cat a tasty tuna treat. Give him a bit of canned tuna packed in oil for a natural laxative with a flavorful appeal.

Your vet may have advised you not to feed your cat cow's milk because it can cause diarrhea. But when your kitty's bowels are backed up a dose of dairy is just the thing he needs. Give him about an eighth of a cup of milk two times a day until he is regular again. Once he no longer needs help, slowly reduce the amount and frequency of the servings instead of making your cat go cold turkey.

You can head off constipation problems at the pass with a few preventative techniques. Water is vital for maintaining a healthy digestive system, so always make sure your cat has access to plenty of clean water. If your kitty tends to have a problem with constipation, switch him to canned food or at least supplement a high-fiber kibble diet with canned food. Cats require a clean litter box and might resort to holding it in rather than using a box that isn't up to their standard, so keep your kitty's latrine clean. And if your cat is a long-haired variety, tangled fur around the back 40 can at times prevent successful bowel movements. Helping your kitty stay groomed and tangle-free might be just what he needs to keep regular.