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
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
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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
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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
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