Constipation

[Siva's mom]

Thanks, Ms. Z, for the info. The web site is most informative as well. I talked to the vet this a.m. at length about it as I had taken in my oldest cat for her annual and discovered she is constipated as well. He said he sees this a lot in the winter because cats decrease their water intake when it's cooler because they're not as thirsty. I got the plain pumpkin for the 2 I know are constipated and let's just say there was mushy pumpkin all over my white kitchen floor when we were finished. They wouldn't go near it mixed in with canned food so I used syringe full of it. My tortoise shell was not happy. I'll find a way to approach it differently and hope that she gets over herself soon. The vet said to give it to them once a day and if that doesn't take care of the problem, let him know and we'll try an over the counter laxative. I will definitely be monitoring the trips to the litter boxes this weekend.

Thanks for all your help. I feel much better informed now and have a handle on what needs to be done. I have never had a cat with this problem and now have 2! Gotta love those new experiences, eh?

[Siva's mom]

Just wanted to let you all know that I think we've got it under control. The pumpkin didn't work - not one of the 4 cats would go near it. I tried to force feed a couple of them and my white kitchen floor as well as the blinds over the windows was spattered with orange pumpkin goop. I ended up sprinkling Metamucil onto their dry food - which by the way, is hairball food that the vet suggested. One of the cats will eat canned food and she's getting Metamucil in it every night. I'm noticing more poop in the litter boxes each day so it's working. Thank all of you so much for helping me out with this. Siva, Wooz, Sweets, Chex and I all appreciate it a great deal.

Ms. Z, the site you mentioned was most informative. I learned a lot and am now better able to spot a problem before it gets too far along. Thanks!

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm glad to hear that you were able to use something that finally worked. Hopefully all of your furkids will stay regular now.

[Miss Z]

Ms. Z, the site you mentioned was most informative. I learned a lot and am now better able to spot a problem before it gets too far along. Thanks!

That's OK, any time!!!

[Siva's mom]

We can hope all is well for the rest of the winter! Thanks to everyone for your suggestions and info! Have a great holiday season!