Probiotics are available for domestic cats online and they can prove beneficial in alleviating constipation and to improve health

There is a new probiotic product on the market which helps to alleviate constipation in domestic cats. The company that produces it, ExeGi Pharma, say this about the launch of their product:

The launch of Visbiome Vet Constipation Care is an important advancement in feline health solutions. Constipation in domestic cats is a common issue which seriously impacts the quality of life for many cats and their pet parents.

They state that it gives veterinarians and cat caregivers "a new tool for managing a complicated condition be limited therapeutic options."

Image from the manufacturer.

The product has been created on the basis of extensive research and development "to combine unique probiotic strains strategically picked to support gastrointestinal health."

The product contains "a high potency and eight strained probiotic blend".

A study was conducted on the product. There were 10 participants all of which were diagnosed with chronic constipation and unresponsive to medical management. They received treatment with the product for  90 days at the end of which they "demonstrated significant clinical improvement after SLAB51 treatment.

This product contains SLAB51.

FYI - you can buy probiotics for domestic cats on the Internet, specifically on Amazon which is my favourite retailer! There is actually a wide range of probiotics including Purina ProPlan FortiFlora Cat Probiotic Sachet. 

This is one example and it may be useful to discuss probiotics for cats with your veterinarian if you believe your cat is constipated. The balance of bacteria in the stomach is very important to the immune system generally. And it can affect and improve health if there is a good balance of good bacteria.

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P.S. please forgive the occasional typo. These articles are written at breakneck speed using Dragon Dictate. I have to prepare them in around 20 mins.

Natural Cat Laxative Options

Natural cat laxative options might appeal to many people who don't want to go down the vet + chemical drug route to cure cat constipation. I don't intend to usurp the roll of veterinarians but there is a place for natural cures as long as people know when to go the vet - use common sense.

Sometimes cat constipation can be caused by:

1. stress;
2. inadequate litter facilities;
3. a diet that includes insufficient bulk fiber, and
4. inadequate exercise.

These causes are similar to those that affect people. Natural laxatives might be something to try first.

A half teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil can be added to cat food twice per day. It may lubricate the impacted fecal mass and stimulate muscle contractions. Please monitor the effect to check if normal movements restart. You will need to be involved with litter tray duty to monitor whether improvements have been made. Cats that go to the toilet outside are almost impossible to monitor.

An additional supplement is to add one teaspoon of powdered psyllium seed to your cat's food twice daily. You can buy this in health food stores for people. It is safe and not addictive. You can check it out on the Internet (If you Google "psyllium seed" and you will get lots of options).

Dr. John Heinerman also recommends fresh or dried fruit such as figs, dates and prunes. I am not sure if a cat will eat these foods even when blended in to commercial food.

Another natural laxative is wheat or barley grass. It is available on the Internet (Google "wheatgrass"). Mix half a teaspoon into each feeding session.

Source: Low Cost Natural Cures for your Dog and Cat Your Vet Doesn't Want You to Know