My cat is constipated with hard stool. Why isn't the laxative working?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Nyla. I'm sorry to hear about her recent bout of constipation. She should have blood work to ensure there is not a medical problem contributing to her constipation. If not, I will typically use a prescription stool softener called lactulose. I also like a prescription diet known as Royal Canin Veterinarian Diet Feline Fiber Response. I hope this information helps!

Sounds like Mau Mau is very constipated! The liquid you see may be coming around the hard stool in his colon. The belching could be a sign that gas isn't moving down so it comes up instead. Being in the curled up position more than normal may mean his belly hurts. You can try gently rubbing his tummy for comfort and to stimulate his bowel to move the firm stool. But if it continues much longer, you should have him re-examined by your vet for additional treatments or sedation to remove the firm stool. He may also need to go on a special food to prevent further constipation. This is a common issue in cats.

It’s definitely concerning that Sarisin still has not defecated and is not eating despite treatment. I am wondering if any diagnostics have been performed - constipation can be secondary to ingestion of a foreign object or kidney disease. Blood work and x-rays might help determine why the current treatments aren’t working. I would definitely check in with your vet before giving an enema - not all enemas are safe for cats, and even a water enema can be difficult to administer. Hope your kitty is feeling better soon!

Unfortunately human laxatives are toxic to cats, so that is not a good idea. Depending on how constipated Martin is, sometimes your vet will have to do an enema to resolve the constipation. If the constipation is mild, you may be able to give a stool softener to help resolve the problem. There are some over the counter and some prescription medications for this. I am attaching a handout below that discusses constipation including medications that we use. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951509 Good luck! I hope that was helpful and answered your question. Thanks for using PetCoach.

If he is still vomiting then he needs to be examined by a vet for treatment. If he is constipated, he may need an enema and medication to help soften his stool. He might also need an anti-vomiting medication.

Hi and thanks for posting! Hard stool can certainly be an indication of constipation and while a hairball formula can help, you can also try a higher fiber diet (one that is formulated for hairball control) or just give a few teaspoons of plain canned pumpkin (not the pie filling) in her food which can help. However, if she is not eating and is acting lethargic, you may want to take her in to see a veterinarian to get checked out. Sometimes underlying health conditions such as liver or kidney disease or certain endocrine problems like diabetes can cause dehydration and can lead to harder stools and episodes of constipation as well as decreased appetite and lethargy. Certainly worth a veterinary visit if the hairball cream doesn't seem to be making a difference in her appetite or energy level. I hope this helps and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hello, and thanks for your question on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. For now, I wouldn't stress about knowing exactly which medication has helped Kiki - in truth, it's probably been a combination of all the different interventions. Cats who are prone to constipation often need constant adjustments in their management, so for now, if she's doing well, continue the miralax as your vet advised and touch base with them if her stools become hard or less frequent again. Sometimes cats may need to be on both meds for a time, or even switch foods entirely to a diet formulated for cats with constipation issues. So, there's probably not one "right" medication for her, and a therapy that worked this time might still need to be adjusted in the future. I have found the Royal Canin GI Fiber Response food to help immensely - you could ask your vet if that's an appropriate option if Kiki continues having bouts of constipation. Hope this helps!