Having a constipated cat isn’t ideal, for them or for you. Good gastrointestinal health is vital for happy and healthy kitties.
Both adult cats and kittens can struggle to go to the bathroom from time to time but it isn’t the end of the world.
There are plenty of ways to ease this ailment and finding the best food for constipated cats is one of them. Ensuring your kitties can easily digest their cat food will do wonders for the bowels and get them back in action in no time.
Don’t be afraid to contact your vet if you have any questions. Taking care of your cat can be overwhelming at times, especially if they’re having tummy trouble. A quick visit to the vet can put both your mind and your cat’s tummy at ease.
If your little guy is struggling to go to the bathroom, here are a few of the best food options for constipated cats.
Why is My Cat Constipated?
Constipation in cats can be caused by a number of things. Once you’ve recognized that your fur baby is struggling to go to the bathroom, it’s a good idea to find out the cause.
Dehydration is one of the main reasons for constipation but it’s not the only one.
Other reasons for this bathroom trouble could be kidney problems, feline megacolon, an imbalance of fiber in their diet or over-grooming (leading to hair in the digestive tract).
Other reasons include cat litter tray avoidance, a side effect of some medications, or maybe they’re simply not getting enough exercise.
Constipation in cats can also be caused by a hernia, a tumor, or a nerve disorder. Another cause could be ingesting something that’s not agreeing with them, obstructing their colon.
How Do I Tell if My Cat is Constipated?
Depending on where your cat goes to the bathroom, it might be tricky to pick up on constipation.
If your cat spends his nights roaming the outside world, it’s possible he does his business outside. There are a few other symptoms to watch out for.
Things like lack of appetite, tense abdomen and hunched posture can be some signs of cat constipation.
If your kitty uses a litter box, it’s a lot easier to pick up on constipation. If your cat hasn’t ‘done his business’ in more than 24 hours, you might want to keep an eye on him.
Besides the symptoms mentioned earlier, you should also look out for small, hard, dry stools, and straining when in the kitty litter box.
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How Do I Treat Cat Constipation?
Once you’ve identified the cause, treating your cat’s constipation is reasonably simple. However, it’s a good idea to visit your vet to get professional advice.
Until then you can increase hydration, make sure your cat has plenty of access to fresh water that’s separate from their food and litter tray. Alternatively, feeding your cat wet food can also increase hydration.
You can also help your kitty get active, invest in some new cat toys, or even a laser to get them some extra exercise. This will not only get their body moving but it’ll stimulate their intestines too.
⇒ For all things fun with your kitty check out my guides to clothing for cats, the best toys for cats, great gifts for cats and my annual cat planner for kitty photo opportunities across the year.
You should also check your kitty’s fiber intake. This is a good thing to run past your vet as both too much and too little fiber can result in upset tummies.
One of the best and most efficient ways to treat mild cat constipation is with the right food. Specially formulated food will help your cat get their intestines moving and sort out any tummy trouble.
Best Food for Constipated Cats
A simple dietary adjustment can do wonders for your cat’s constipation. Choosing the right cat food will depend on the reason for their constipation.
After all, if they’re having tummy trouble because of high fiber, a food chock-full of fiber definitely won’t help.
Here are my top cat food picks for constipated kitties:
Hills Prescription Diet Digestive Care
This specially formulated food is a great way to help support your cat’s digestive health. Not only is it clinically proven to improve digestion and stool quality, but it’s also full of antioxidants. Helping your cat successfully do their business.
It’s made of highly digestible protein and fat as well as a mixed fiber source, which helps maintain gastrointestinal health. This comes in both wet and dry food, made with easily digestible ingredients that will get your cat’s bathroom habits back to normal in no time.
You will need to check with your vet before you’ll be able to buy this food.
⇒ Shop USA Hills Prescription Diet Digestive Care Dry / Wet Food
⇒ Shop UK Hills Prescription Diet Digestive Care Dry / Wet Food
⇒ Check out my guides to the Best Cat Products and the Best Cat Litter
Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Food
Royal Canin makes a variety of gastrointestinal food. Each recipe comes with specific benefits and the one you choose will depend on your cat’s needs. All of these foods require a veterinary prescription to purchase.
Here are the various options:
Royal Canin Standard Gastrointestinal Food
Their standard gastrointestinal food is designed to keep your cat’s tummy happy, helping them sort out any digestive problems along the way. It delivers all the nutrients your cat will need.
Royal Canin standard gastrointestinal food is infused with prebiotics which supports a balance of good gut bacteria. The blend of dietary fibers and digestible proteins help support healthy digestion.
Royal Canin Moderate Calorie Gastrointestinal Food
Their moderate calorie food has all the benefits of the standard food as well as a little extra for cat’s prone to weight gain. Its low-calorie content will keep your kitty both healthy and slim.
Royal Canina Fiber Response
This food comes with high levels of psyllium to help maintain a healthy transit, perfect for constipated cats. It provides moderate energy as well as low calories, to keep your cat moving.
⇒ Shop UK
Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Dry Food
Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Moderate Calorie Dry Food
Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Fiber Response Dry Food
⇒ About to become a fur parent? Check out my Complete Guide to How to Look After a Kitten.
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Gastroenteric Formula/ Naturals
Not only is this food designed to help cats with gastrointestinal conditions, but it also supports urinary health. Purina Pro Plan tastes great and is specially formulated to be easily digestible. An ideal solution for cats with gastrointestinal conditions.
It’s high in protein while also being energy-dense, allowing for optimal nutrient absorption.
Purina’s Naturals’ food has all the same benefits as the Gastroenteric Formula food but makes use of high-quality ingredients without any corn or wheat. This food is also free of artificial colors and flavors
You will need a veterinary prescription to purchase this food.
⇒ Shop USA Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Gastroenteric Formula Dry/ Wet Food
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Gastroenteric Naturals Dry/ Wet Food
⇒ Shop UK Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Gastroenteric Formula
⇒ Don’t miss my guide to buying Cat Walking products, the 7 Best Escape Proof Cat Harness options and the Best Carrier for Cats.
Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet GI Gastrointestinal Support
If you’re looking for natural ingredients that are easily digestible, Blue Buffalo’s food is a great choice. Their meals are made with proteins, carbohydrates, and fats that will promote optimal nutrient absorption.
This food also contains prebiotic fibers to help balance your fur baby’s gastrointestinal microflora. Their formula also contains antioxidants and vitamins E and C, to support a healthy immune system. And if your cat needs extra hydration, the wet food is ideal.
You’ll need a prescription from a vet to purchase this food.
⇒ Shop USA Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet GI Gastrointestinal Support Dry/ Wet Food
Iams ProActive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Care Dry Food
Indoor cats with tummy trouble will love this food. The natural fiber blend of whole grains, beets, and rice helps to support a healthy digestive system. This also helps to reduce litter-box odors and hairballs.
Plus it’s got fewer calories, as well as L-Carnitine, to help burn fat, perfect for lazy cats who need to shed a few.
⇒ Shop USA Iams ProActive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Care
⇒ For everything you need to know about taking care of your finicky feline check out my guide to How to Groom a Cat, the Best Cat Brush, Caring for Cats guide and my quick cat check up guide.
Eukanuba Cat Veterinary Diet Intestinal
For cats with digestive issues, Eukanuba’s intestinal food is tasty and beneficial. It’s made with mannan-oligosaccharides, fructooligosaccharides, and beet pulp. These all work to support your cat’s body, get rid of bacteria and prevent constipation.
The food also boasts low-fat levels which decrease the workload of the pancreas while helping digestive function.
The recipe for Eukanuba Cat Veterinary Diet food is loaded with vitamin E and targeted omega-6, to help nutritionally manage inflammation and maintain a strong immune system.
You’ll need to get veterinary approval before you buy this food.
⇒ Shop UK Eukanuba Cat Veterinary Diet Intestinal Dry Food
Final Thoughts on Food for Constipated Cats
Once you figure out the reason why your cat is struggling to go number two, there are plenty of solutions that’ll help their tummy start working properly again.
Ensuring proper hydration, plenty of playtime, and investing in good quality food are just a few of the ways you can sort out gastrointestinal problems.
Please Note: This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click through on most of the links and end up making a purchase I will receive a small commission. This will not effect the price that you pay. I wanted to make sure that you were aware of this.
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