So sorry to hear your cat is constipated, Betty. Determining the cause of constipation can certainly be challenging, but here are a few things you can try:
- Discuss, with your vet, any medications your cat is on. Many prescribed medications can cause pets to become constipated.
- Since water consumption and exercise can both help ease constipation, we recommend you increase both. Encourage your cat to drink by providing her with plenty of fresh, clean water, and consider placing more water bowls throughout your home. Also, because wet food contains more water than dry, you may ask your vet about changing to wet food. And encourage your cat to exercise more by playing with her more. This will help with digestive tract motility, especially if she engages in activity soon after eating.
- In some instances, a veterinarian may recommend a more highly digestible diet that will produce less fecal matter.
There may also be medical causes for your pet's constipation, so it’s important to continue working with your vet, who may decide to refer you to a veterinary specialist.