Need idea's for Giz....

[Laura's Babies]

Several months back I had to take her to the emergency vet because she was acting strange, running around howling, squatting, straining, and not producing anything. Finally she passed a long dry turd on the kitchen floor and I took that to the ER vet with us. It was decided that since she went back to normal, that was the problem..

Ok, she is doing the same thing again this evening and keeps going to the litter box and not producing anything. After that first incident, I started adding about 1/4 a teaspoon of Vaseline to her canned food treat at night about 3 to 4 times a week.. I was not sure how much to give her and for awhile that seemed to be working..

What can I give her on a regular basis and how much, to keep her stool soft that she will take willingly? This is of great concern to me just due to how I work and how long they are left here alone. ANY ideas? PLEASE....

I have looked online and didn't find much..

[Catty1]

I wonder if vet hairball products work to soften the stool. I would think they would, as hair can get quite resistant. Phone your vet and ask.

Poor Giz! Hugs to her!

[aTailOf2Kitties]

my vet once recommended fish oil capsules.

[Freedom]

I used to use petromalt to prevent hairballs. That includes the petroleum. And as I recall, it comes in a salmon flavor. Sounds like she has hairball issues:

Symptoms of hairballs include constipation, straining during a bowel movement, dry cough, and vomiting after meals. The use of Petromalt and regular brushing of cat's coat will generally eliminate these problems.
- http://www.petco.com/product/2700/Se...ll-Relief.aspx

It comes in a paste and as a treat:
http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/prod...=10#resultBody

You can also use melted butter:
http://animals.howstuffworks.com/pet...r-cats-ga7.htm

Oh, I say "used to use" because since I switched to high quality food, (Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover's Soul kibble) and then to grain free, my cats no longer have hair ball issues.

[Catty1]

Salmon oil is available at pet stores...they have a type that is less stinky - but just smelly enough that cats love it! I transferred it in to a pump bottle I had so it was easy to give a squirt over the food. Mixed in with the wet food, and then used that to top the dry food.

[Freedom]

Once you Google hairball remedies, you find lots of "hits."

http://www.getridofthings.com/get-rid-of-hairballs.htm

-- Read the side baron the above, there are some which are petroleum free.

http://cats.about.com/cs/catmanageme.../hairballs.htm

I found the baby food squash idea interesting! LOL

[columbine]

Psyllium fiber (Metamucil, or generic) has been proven safe in cats. Smudge gets it twice daily and is much more comfortable than he used to be.

Some cats also enjoy canned pumpkin, either mixed with canned food or just plain!

Vaseline (and treats like Temptations that contain petroleum jelly) aren't always indicated because they prevent cats from being able to absorb all the nutrients they need from their food.

Love, Columbine

[Laura's Babies]

THANK! I knew you all would come up with something for me to try! I even tried giving her some milk last nigh but she promptly threw that right back up. I tried fish oil but she wouldn't touch it. Didn't know they had salmon oil so I will look at the pet store and try that. I will try everything suggested until I find something that works for her. THANKS!!

[Pinot's Mom]

Prayers for Giz! I don't have any other suggestions, but have heard pumpkin on a regular basis does well. Let us know how it goes!

[Freedom]

Vaseline (and treats like Temptations that contain petroleum jelly) aren't always indicated because they prevent cats from being able to absorb all the nutrients they need from their food.

Exactly right! That is why there are so many options.

However, since she seems constipated NOW, you may want to use that for the first few days, just to help her and give her relief.

Which ever you use, be sure to follow the label instructions. Things like Petromalt, you use daily for 5 days or until she is clear, then once or twice per week.

[emily_the_spoiled]

Canned pumpkin works like a charm, but unfortunately the pumpkin crop failed last fall and there is almost none available in the local grocery stores

But as a substitute you can use a winter type squash (butternut, spagetti, etc), and even frozen peas.

I sure hope the crop is better this coming year because the frozen squash smells up the house when you heat it up

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Would adding water to her food help in the short term? Maybe she isn't drinking enough. Am no expert but seems to me that softer in means softer out Hope you find a solution soon

[lvpets2002]

Very true = could be low water intake.. Yes I am with the idea of Pumpkin & or Liq Chicken Broth.. That broth most times will make them thirsty & then they go drink drink & that does the trick.. Good Luck & let us know about our Sweet Giz..

Would adding water to her food help in the short term? Maybe she isn't drinking enough. Am no expert but seems to me that softer in means softer out Hope you find a solution soon

[Laura's Babies]

I think I have chicken broth here...YES! I do!

[Freedom]

Canned pumpkin works like a charm, but unfortunately the pumpkin crop failed last fall and there is almost none available in the local grocery stores

But as a substitute you can use a winter type squash (butternut, spagetti, etc), and even frozen peas.

Well, I knew we didn't have any canned pumpkin in our stores, didn't realize why! I need it for Tasha daily, as well as Lacey. Hmm, need to get the butternut squash.

I wouldn't have thought peas work the same way at all! How odd!