What high-fiber non-prescription foods help my constipated senior cat?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 11 years and 1 month old | 9 lbs
I have an 11 year old cat who gets constipated semi often. He’s had to get a procedure done 3 times in a year to remove the “clay like stool.” I was wondering what high fiber non prescription foods were best. He’s also on science diet wet food (urinary health) but he’s always asking to eat more. He eats 2 5oz cans/day. Can he be put on high fiber dry food and not get constipated as often? Thank you!
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on May 12th, 2018
Instead of switching food I would first start with adding a tablespoon of plain canned pumpkin to each meal. That is natural fiber and most cats like it and eat it readily. Adjust the amount so the stool is larger, softer and he goes to the bathroom at least once daily. You can also open a capsule of plain Metamucil and sprinkle it on the food to increase fiber. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Oliver.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on October 31st, 2018
Hello, I am sorry to hear about Trucker. Your veterinarian is correct that a diet can be helpful in managing constipation in cats. However, sometimes a diet is not enough. Additional medications such as Metamucil, miralax, or a medication called lactulose need to be added. If you are not seeing improvement in Trucker’s poops on the diet, I would recommend consulting with your veterinarian to discuss adding a medication. Hope this helps, good luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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