My cat is constipated. What high-fiber food works when other remedies fail?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered
Hi- my cat has constipation issues. I wanted some advice on that. He doesn't like any of the hairball pastes that were suggested to me. I bought him a sensitive stomach dry food and the fresh digest supplement.
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on May 6th, 2018
In my clinical experience high fibre food is most effective in managing chronic constipation in cats. You will find many brands of high-fiber food for cats on the market. You could try Royal Canine Gastrointestinal Fibre Response, Iams Proactive Health or Hill's Indoor With High Fiber. You would have to wait about 4-8 weeks on high-fiber food to see improvement. Good luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on April 2nd, 2019
Hello, and thanks for your question about Jessi. If Jessi is still eating and drinking well, and generally acting like herself, then I have a few suggestions, but I still recommend a conversation with your vet. Some cats are more prone to constipation than others, and sometimes giving them a prescription GI food can really help (I swear, Royal Canin GI Fiber Response food is magical for cats with chronic constipation!). Some cats can do well with a little miralax added to their life as well. So, there may be some long-term changes to discuss, but as long as Jessi is eating, not vomiting, and generally acting like herself, then you can try giving her a little canned pumpkin (about 1 Tablespoon 3 times daily - some cats will eat this, some won't), and encourage her to take in more fluids by offering some canned cat food or all-meat baby food that has a bit of extra water mixed in. The extra fiber and moisture can help hard stools pass. However, if Jessi *isn't* acting normal, then I'd have her seen by your vet right away. If she's not eating well, or vomiting, or lethargic, then she could be constipated to the point of discomfort / illness and requiring intervention from the vet - or, small infrequent stools could also be a symptom of something else worrisome such as a GI foreign body (an object stuck in her intestines that isn't passing through). Hope this helps!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on January 6th, 2018
Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I’m sorry that Phoebe isn’t feeling well! All the things you’ve tried are great suggestions for dealing with constipation in cats. Another suggestion I have is to encourage Phoebe to drink more water. You can do this by wetting her food, adding some broth from food packets to her water, or getting a bowl that has a fountain mechanism to interest Phoebe in the water. You can also try a probiotic formulated for cats to help regulate her bowel movements. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on July 17th, 2017
Poor CC! Probiotics have been shown to be beneficial for constipation, and would be particularly beneficial if CC is on antibiotics. Use a product specific for cats; your vet likely carries some. If CC is willing to eat canned pumpkin, a teaspoon in her food twice daily may help. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, there are some prescription foods that can help immensely with chronic constipation. I've had really good luck with Royal Canin GI Fiber Response. Ask your vet what they recommend. Hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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