My cat won't eat wet food, only dry. How to fix constipation?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

  Licensed Veterinary Technician

  Try mixing in some warm water or low sodium chicken broth to increase fluid intake. Another option is to add plain canned pumpkin (NOT pie filling) to his meals. Use 1 teaspoon per 10lbs body weight once or twice daily. The added fiber may aid defecation. If symptoms persist, have Cynders examined by your veterinarian to diagnose medical causes for the chronic constipation. Stool softeners can be dispensed if indicated.

  

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• Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

  Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

  Published on April 2nd, 2017

  If the problem is fairly minor, you could try a small spoonful of canned pumpkin mixed in Red's food twice daily - this adds some fiber and moisture to the diet, and can sometimes help with mild constipation. If the problem is more severe (meaning that he has been straining for 24 hours or more without having a bowel movement), this is much more serious and he will need to see a vet - he will likely need prescription medication to treat the problem, and may also need an enema under sedation depending on how bad the blockage is.

  

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• Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  Published on May 26th, 2018

  Constipation can be a very serious condition, it can be caused by a physical blockage (foreign body like a bone) or a functional peristalsis deficiency of the intestines.
  In order to treat simple constipation, you should increase the fibers in the food (e.g. canned pumpkin) and can add a little mineral oil to the diet.
  I strongly advise taking Mushu to the vet in order to check if there is a serious condition causing the constipation first.
  

  

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• Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on February 16th, 2020

  I would only be concerned if he is trying to poop but nothing is coming out. Since he is not even trying, I would not be overly concerned. Definitely mention it to the vet at his follow-up so they can give him an enema if needed. I'm not sure if you are giving him any post-op medications but anesthesia along with some medications can cause constipation; also, it doesn't help if the cat is not a big water drinker. If you have some canned pumpkin and he will eat it you can try feeding him that (a couple teaspoons per day). If you don't normally feed him canned/tinned cat food that often helps. The final thing you can try is organic human baby foods (meat flavors).

  

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