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Picky cat constipated? How to soften poop without pumpkin?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Maine Coon | Male | neutered | 10 years and 1 month old | 16 lbs

is there anything else that can help my cat to soften up his poop and make it easier for him to go than A teaspoon of plain canned pumpkin (NOT pie filling) i have tried that but tiggs doesn't like that he also does not like any can cat food he is very picky with food

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on May 3rd, 2017

You can try mixing in a teaspoon or two of natural bran cereal to Tiggs' food. Dehydration is a very common cause of constipation in cats, so you can try soaking his food in warm water or gently warmed low sodium beef or chicken broth to get more moisture into his diet.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 20th, 2018
It is unlikely that the pumpkin powder is causing the constipation. You can try canned pumpkin instead. Make sure he drinks enough (Move the drinking bowl or fountain at least 6 feet away from the food bowls. Most cats do not like drinking water that is too close to the food). Do not feed dry food. You should take your kitty in to the vet for an enema before the constipation is severe ( unfortunately poop collects at the pelvic entrance and then the clump of poop gets so big and hard that it cannot get through.).
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on May 21st, 2017
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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Food & Nutrition

What can I give my cat to soften his poop and help him go easier?

Mix water into his food to increase fluid intake. A teaspoon of plain canned pumpkin (NOT pie filling) added to his meals once or twice daily may also help. If this doesn't help, have Tiggs examined by your veterinarian. Prescription stool softeners can be dispensed if indicated along with other medications to aid defecation.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat is constipated. How much pumpkin, what food, and will it cause diarrhea?

Make sure she has plenty of water. You can add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin (NOT pie filling) per 10lbs body weight once or twice daily. Mix well into the food. Canned is preferred since it contains more moisture which will aid defecation. Too much pumpkin may cause diarrhea. It should not cause pain. If Mishka is painful, have her examined by your veterinarian.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My cat is constipated. What canned food has fiber and protein?

I feed my cat diet canned canned food which has added fiber. Most any brand will work. In addition I add a tablespoon of plain pumpkin to each feeding. The pumpkin adds more fiber and most cats like it. It works well to bulk up the stool and prevent constipation. You’ll be adding additional water also when you feed the canned food instead of dry. Use a brand that you like and that she likes too. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Juicy.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My cat has soft stool. What diet changes can I make to firm it up?

Sometimes changing the diet helps or adding more fiber to the diet as well can help firm up the stool if there are no underlying causes of soft stool such as an infectious cause like parasites. You can try and add a tablespoon of regular canned pumpkin puree (not the pie filling) to her food to see if that helps firm it up. I would also recommend a fecal test with her veterinarian.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My cat won't eat, is throwing up, and seems constipated. What should I do?

It sounds very likely that Tink could be constipated. I would advise the following tactics to help relieve her constipation; increased water intake Wet or tinned food Pureed pumpkin Mineral oil- Mineral oil can be given at 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds body weight once or twice daily, and coconut oil and vegetable oil can be similarly dosed A high fiber food- http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=32074 If Tink does not improve in the next 24 hours, I would advise taking her to the veterinarian in case she has an underlying medical condition. Here are some links to help you; https://www.petcoach.co/article/the-big-no-go-constipation-in-cats-101/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/best-home-made-remedies-for-your-constipated-pet/

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my cat coughing and constipated with tiny dry poop?

This could be due to a mild constipation, possibly due to hairballs. Mild constipation that lasts no more than two days can usually be resolved at home with increased fiber and hydration. Canned pumpkin (not pie filling, just the straight-up pumpkin) or liquid paraffin can be used, and should work straight away in the following 8 hours from administration. DO NOT TRY to give an enema as it could be dangerous and cause electrolyte imbalances and colon perforation. If constipation lasts more than 24 hours from administration of those or 48 hours in general, a check up at your local vet is required. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

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

If your cat has mild constipation but is still pooping, I would consider a product like laxatone. It is labeled as a hairball remedy and is a flavored petroleum. You can put it on the food or on your cats foot and he will lick it off when he grooms. If, however, your cat hasn't pooped in days, he needs to see the vet for an exam and more intensive treatment.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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