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A cat’s diet largely includes other smaller animals as they are carnivorous. However, most cats avoid consuming the animal’s intestinal tract which contains most fiber. This can lead to a lack of fiber in the cat’s diet. But do cats need fiber? Yes. Lack of fiber can result in irregular bowel movement, digestive issues, and other similar health concerns.
Cats often munch on green grass and leaves to ease constipation. However, they might resist including fiber in their daily meal and only rely on it when ill. But, to ensure your cat’s best physical well-being, you should choose fiber-rich food for cats.
Fiber-rich cat food is essential as it helps in maintaining their digestive health. Thus, pet parents should try to include the necessary amount of fiber in their kitty’s diet. It will help maintain their digestive health and overall well-being. Cat food fiber can be classified based on its solubility.
While choosing cat food with fiber, you should make sure it includes both soluble and insoluble fiber. Besides, the cat’s gut bacteria can break down both soluble and insoluble fiber to produce new compound that helps in nourishing their colon cells.
Fiber-rich cat food contains prebiotics, which means they also contain good bacteria that are necessary for a healthy intestine. So, as a cat parent, you should invest in high-quality cat food with fiber to keep your little fur baby’s gut health in check. However, how much fiber does a cat require??
Although fiber is essential for cats, they require it in limited quantities. Too much fiber can risk restricting absorption of nutrients in their body, whereas too little can lead to poor digestive health. The appropriate quantity of fiber for cats is between 1.4 to 3.5% of their daily calorie intake.
Planning to include cat food with fiber in your kitty’s daily diet? Consider adding the following food options to their meal to increase fiber content in your fur baby’s diet.
Besides relying on the above-mentioned plant-based and animal-based fiber, you can also buy IAMS high-fiber cat food to ensure that your kitty gets the right amount of fiber in its meal. IAMS high-fiber cat food such as IAMS ProActive Health Adult Original with Chicken contains a moderate quantity of fermentable fiber along with the chicken. This cat food with fiber is made using fermentable fiber and chicken that your cat is sure to relish. Besides, IAMS is a popular cat food brand that is known for using best-quality ingredients, so your furry friend gets nothing but the best.
You can easily add fiber into your cat’s diet by choosing a cat food brand that offers fiber-rich cat food or by adding animal-based or plant-based fiber to their daily meal.
Yes, cats need fiber for better gut and intestinal health. However, a cat’s fiber intake should not be more than 3.5% of its daily calorie diet.
Dry food often has more fiber as it contains more bulk compared to wet food which contains more moisture.
Yes, all cats need fiber for better digestion and gastrointestinal health.
Plant-based fiber such as broccoli, lettuce, carrots, wheat brans, spinach, wheatgrass, and green beans are good for cats. You can also add animal-based fiber such as animal feathers, cartilage, bone, and ligaments to your cat’s diet for encouraging fiber consumption.
You've just got a new, adorable kitten, and its curiosity and playful nature fill your home with joy. However, one fine day, you notice that your little feline friend is a bit off its game. It seems to be in discomfort and eats barely anything. Moreover, you haven't seen anything in its litter box for a while. Could it be kitten constipation?
Just like in humans, kitten constipation is a condition where your kitten might find it difficult to have a bowel movement. In some cases, this discomfort can be severe and life-threatening, especially if left untreated for more than 48 hours.
While different kittens may present different symptoms, here are some commonly observed kitten constipation symptoms:
Lack of feces production: If your kitten hasn't produced any feces for 24-48 hours, it may be a sign of constipation.
Straining to defecate: Your kitten seems to be struggling in the litter box but produces nothing or very small, hard pieces of feces.
Loss of appetite: Your kitten isn't eating as much as it used to.
Lethargy: The usually playful and curious kitten is spending more time sleeping and seems less interested in activities.
Bloating or vomiting: If your kitten's tummy seems bloated, or it is vomiting, it could be due to constipation.
Kitten constipation can occur due to a variety of factors, such as:
Dehydration: Just like in humans, lack of sufficient water intake can lead to constipation in kittens.
Ingestion of indigestible items: Kittens love to play, but if they end up swallowing items like ribbons or hair ties, it could lead to a blockage in their digestive system.
Lack of defecation stimulation: Unweaned kittens require stimulation to defecate. If this isn't done, they might get constipated.
Intestinal parasites: Heavy parasitic infections in the intestines can also cause constipation.
Neurological or other diseases: Certain neurological conditions or diseases affecting the hindquarters can lead to constipation in kittens.
Now that we've covered what kitten constipation is, let's dive into how we can help our little furry pals.
In a case where your kitten is still active and eating, some home remedies can help alleviate their discomfort. However, if the kitten constipation symptoms persist, or if your kitten becomes less active and stops eating, it's time to seek veterinary assistance.
At the vet, treatments may include fluid injections, enemas, or x-rays to check for blockages. In severe cases, the vet may perform procedures to manually remove the blocked feces or even surgery.
Your kitten's health and comfort are paramount. If you spot the initial signs of constipation, there are some home remedies you can try before visiting the vet:
Keep your kitten hydrated: Hydration is crucial in preventing constipation. Make sure your kitten always has access to fresh water. If your kitten is fond of dry food, consider adding some water to it to increase their fluid intake.
Add fiber to your kitten's diet: A little bit of fiber can work wonders for constipation. Consider adding a spoonful of canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix) to your kitten's food for a kitten constipation remedy. Moreover, you can incorporate IAMS Proactive Health Mother and Kitten food in your pet’s day-to-day meals to ensure sufficient fiber intake. This kitten food also contains FOS natural prebiotic to improve gut health and digestion.
Get your kitten moving: Just like in humans, physical activity can help stimulate bowel movements in kittens. Engage your kitten in fun, physical activities to keep them active.
Continue observing your kitten: Monitor your kitten closely. If the symptoms worsen or persist for more than a day, it's time to call the vet.
Recovery from kitten constipation is generally swift once the obstruction is removed, but it's crucial to address the underlying cause to prevent recurrence. Follow your vet's instructions to the letter, which may include finishing a prescribed medication course and maintaining regular deworming and fecal checks.
Remember, our adorable little kittens rely on us for their well-being. Being proactive in understanding kitten constipation symptoms and causes can help ensure your kitten stays happy, healthy, and ready to explore the exciting world around them.
Don't hesitate to reach out to a vet if you're unsure. With a little love, care, and the right kitten constipation remedy, your kitten will be back to their playful, cuddly self in no time.
