• Like humans, cats may suffer from constipation.cat image by nutech21 from Fotolia.com
  
  If you've ever had a bout of constipation, you know how uncomfortable and frustrating it can be. Now imagine how your cat must feel dealing with constipation and being unable to communicate it or get relief without your help. Cats, just like their owners, suffer from digestive issues and need our assistance to overcome that discomfort. Luckily, there are effective remedies for cat constipation that will help get your frisky feline's tract back on track.
  
  

Diet

• One of the first things to consider when your cat is constipated is his diet. If your cat has a loss of appetite and excessive vomiting, or if you see your cat going into the litter box and trying to eliminate to no avail or eliminating small, hard feces, he is likely constipated. One of the main reasons for cat constipation is a lack of moisture in the diet.
  
  If you feed your cat only dry food, try introducing wet food as part of his diet--or vice versa. Offering a balance of both wet and dry foods will help provide enough moisture and fiber to regulate his digestion. Make sure you offer enough of each type of food to ensure your cat receives the proper amount and nutrients for his size.
  
  You may also want to consider a more natural dry and/or wet cat food that contains pumpkin, a known regulatory ingredient that helps relieve feline constipation. You can also buy canned pumpkin, mineral oil or Metamucil and add small amounts to your cat's diet to help eliminate constipation.
  
  Another element of your cat's diet that is crucial for providing enough moisture for elimination is water. Keep your cat's water bowl fresh and full to encourage consumption. Also, try putting a small glass of water in your cat's favorite playing or resting area to encourage more drinking--this imitates a watering hole. Vetinfo.com recommends trying a couple tablespoons of warm milk to stimulate your cat's lactose intolerance, resulting in diarrhea.
  
  

Cleanliness and Stress

• According to The Cat Health Guide, keeping your cat's litter box clean and grooming her on a regular basis (with special attention to clipping long rectal hair) can help with constipation. Regularly brushing your cat eliminates excess hair, which reduces hairballs and constipation.By making sure your cat is comfortable and clean, you can lower the chance for constipation and the environmental stressors that trigger it.
  
  Pay attention to the stress in your home as well. Cats are sensitive to our moods and environmental changes, which can lead to digestive irregularity.
  
  

Medicine and Exercise

• If your cat is severely constipated, or blocked, you should bring him immediately to the vet in case he needs treatment or medication. Sometimes your cat may require an enema or suppository administered by a vet, or simply medication. A common, more gentle liquid laxative vets prescribe for cat constipation is lactulose. It can also be administered at home as needed to maintain soft stool for your cat.
  
  Regular exercise is another recommended solution for ridding your cat of constipation. Obesity creates a sluggish metabolism, resulting in constipation. Set aside 15 to 20 minutes per day to interact with your cat and use toys that get her excited about running and jumping (e.g., laser lights and catnip mice).
  
  Remember, our feline companions have needs similar to our own to maintain good health, so put yourself in your pet's paws and try different remedies until one hits the spot.