Having a constipated cat isn’t ideal, for them or for you. Good gastrointestinal health is vital for happy and healthy kitties so it is important to find the best food for constipated cats.
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.
Contents
- 1 Why is My Cat Constipated?
- 2 How Do I Tell if My Cat is Constipated?
- 3 How Do I Treat Cat Constipation?
- 4 5 Best Food for Constipated Cats Options
- 5 Final Thoughts on Best Food for Constipated Cats
Why is My Cat Constipated?
Constipation in cats can be caused by several 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 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 signs of cat constipation.
If your kitty uses a litter box, it’s much 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 look out for small, hard, dry stools, and straining when in the kitty litter box
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, and 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 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.
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.
5 Best Food for Constipated Cats Options
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:
1. 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
2. Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Food
Royal Canin makes a variety of gastrointestinal food. Each recipe has 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 helps support healthy digestion.
Royal Canin Moderate Calorie Gastrointestinal Food
Their moderate-calorie food has all the benefits of the standard food and 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 has high levels of psyllium to help maintain a healthy transit, perfect for constipated cats. It provides moderate energy and 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
⇒ Getting a new kitty? Check out my guide to How to Look after a Kitten, 6 Best Kitten Wet Food Options and 8 Best Kitten Dry Food Options
3. 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 and energy-dense, allowing for optimal nutrient absorption.
Purina’s Naturals’ food has all the same benefits as the Gastroenteric Formula food but uses 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
4. Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet GI Gastrointestinal Support
If you’re looking for natural, easily digestible ingredients, Blue Buffalo’s food is a great choice. Their meals are made with proteins, carbohydrates, and fats that 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, 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
5. 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
Final Thoughts on Best 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 best food for constipated cats 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 affect the price that you pay. I wanted to make sure that you were aware of this.
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Trish
Sunday 5th of February 2023
Except you showed DOG FOOD prescription diets.🙄we ARE talking about cat constipation. Some cats have low motility. Added fiber SITS there and makes constipation worse. It's more than food. lactalose added to canned food,Purina fortune flora for intestinal function. And Laxaire or laxatone several times a week.
Virginia Dominguez
Sunday 29th of January 2023
Just had one of my cats over the New Year holiday become severely constipated and in pain. Not something you want to go through when veterinarians are on holiday as well.So out of pure anxiety and fear and not seeing this getting any better over night, I resorted to giving my cat 40 mg. Of my own prednisone tablets along with newly purchased hair ball remedy.Very relieved to say it worked and the Monday following the holiday she was at the vets office, though by this time everything was under control. Mamita is now on Denamarin prescribed meds.
Marilyn Sears
Saturday 12th of November 2022
Please have Hills Science Diet get busy on manufacturing Feline Biome chicken and vegetable stew wet food. My cat has IBD and NEEDS THE FOOD! My vet can't get it but I have been fortunate to get a couple cases from Chewy HURRY!
Amanda OBrien
Wednesday 16th of November 2022
Hi Marilyn - probably best if you contact Hills directly. kind regards Amanda
Tomi Ray
Monday 17th of October 2022
My cat's vet said, " add liver and mackerel to her diet of soft canned foods. I've also added of chicken and pork. She was diagnosed with kidney disease over a year ago and doing well.
Amanda OBrien
Wednesday 26th of October 2022
Thanks for sharing Tomi