Cat with constipation !

[MustangLady]

My poor cat has not been proper toilet for past 3-4 days, i noticed there was a little blood in the litter tray where i think she was straining to go and can't. Never really noticed it until now so want to try find a remedy for her that aint gonna cost a fortune (vet fees etc). I notice she sits in her litter tray more than normal trying to go poo and all she does is pass wee. I changed her tin food about a week ago so dont know if this had any connection, so changed it back yesterday. As well as the tin food, i always left her dry complete food out so she has reserved incase i was late home anytime. I have taken this away incase this is anything to do with it. She always drinks plenty water. Could anyone suggest anything i could try, maybe over the counter stuff to buy at pet shop, or a natural remedy. Thanks.

[turnerjmw]

The best thing I've found is called Katalax. You can buy it online. Costs about �8 a tube. It's a paste, a bit like marmite, that most cats like, which contains a laxative. You can also buy dried food that contains a mild laxative at the pet shop, so I'd also try that. If it's a long haired cat that also helps with fur balls. But if there's any more blood or it persists, or the cat is quite old, I think you should see the vet, as it could be a bowel problem. Really they should be using the tray every couple of days.

[MustangLady]

Thank you Turner. She is 9-10 yrs old, I've only had her since last Nov (re-homed her from Battersea Dog/Cats home). I'll try Katalax first (i'll try if petshop stocks this). Certainly won't let it go on too long now I'm aware of it, will book vet if Katalax dont work. Bit concerned for her, don't want her to suffer though she don't seem to be giving any reactions other than extended sitting in the litter tray, don't appear to be in any pain or anything. thank you.

[turnerjmw]

I've had a couple of cats with this problem. The difficulty is that the all stuff the vets give you is often unpalatable, except for feline lactulose, which is just drops that go on food. Even that won't necessarily work if the cat is impacted. Katalax has always worked best for me - well, my cats :) . Let's hope it was just the change of food. I'm sure you're doing the right thing though. Good luck!

[Schutzengel]

Are you sure where the blood is coming from. I recently had this problem with my elderly female cat. She was using her tray, and straining. The vet suggested putting white kitchen roll in the tray, which makes it easy to see if the blood is in evidence in the urine, as there will be a wet patch with the spots of blood. If no wet patch and just blood, then it's coming from the bowel. Tried this, and it was with the urine, informed vet, took her in, result was cystitis which is very painful and the cause of the straining. A course of antibiotics soon cleared the problem. Any stress can cause this in elderly cats. If the blood is coming from the bowel, then it needs urgent veterinary attention. Incidentally, while cat had the cystitis she didn't have a bowel movement. Hope this helps, but at least you have something to consider.

[MustangLady]

Thank u Schutzengel, i will try this and wont leave it too long, will get her checked out. I try the Katalax first, then vets if no progress.

Thanks again turner for your advice.

[Schutzengel]

MustangLady. I would suggest you try the paper test first, as if it is cystitis, giving her a laxative would make matters worse. Also a bladder infection can set up infection in the kidneys, and you would end up with a very poorly cat. Hope all goes well. Schutz.