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What can you give a cat for hard stools?

Author

Mia Kelly

Published Jan 13, 2026

Given every day, they will usually work as a laxative. If your cat does not like the taste of these cat hairball remedies (some cats love them, some cats despise them), try Miralax, a stool softener available at most pharmacies. Mixing a small amount (start with 1/8 teaspoon) into every meal may soften the stool a bit.

How can I soften my cats stool?

To ease your cat's constipation, your vet may suggest that you give them more fiber, such as by adding canned pumpkin to their regular food. Or they might tell you to change to food that's easier for your pet to digest. HAirball medications might also help.

What do you feed a cat with hard stools?

Try feeding a canned diet and/or adding fiber to the diet. Fiber can help waste move through the digestive system easily and quickly. Try adding pumpkin or natural bran cereal to our cats food.

What stool softeners are safe for cats?

MiraLax™ (polyethylene glycol 3350) may be replacing lactulose as the stool softener of choice for cats with megacolon and obstipation. It has virtually no flavor and can be easily sprinkled on or mixed with wet food.

What can cause hard stools in cats?

An obstruction such as bones or string blocking the colon. Kidney issues. Excessive grooming (leads to extra hair in the digestive tract) Feline megacolon (colon gets large enough that the muscles no longer squeeze, leading to a buildup of hard, dry stool inside)

24 related questions found

Can I give my cat anything for constipation?

Try fiber-rich foods, a teaspoon of canned, pureed pumpkin once or twice a day, or ginger as natural remedies. Provide probiotics. Help your cat maintain a healthy weight. Over-the-counter laxatives (consult your vet, as these may worsen symptoms in cats with underlying or chronic diseases)

Is olive oil good for cats constipation?

Many pet owners, alongside veterinarians, recommend olive oil as a natural remedy for cat's constipation. Olive oil is considered a superfood, full of nutrients and vitamins, and it has many benefits on your cat's health. Adding one half to two teaspoons of olive oil to your cat's food would help ease constipation.

What is an over the counter laxative for cats?

Miralax (PEG 3350) is commonly used in cats with constipation, and Colace (docusate) is also an option. Other laxatives that are designed for people can cause issues for cats.

Is there an over the counter laxative for cats?

Miralax™ (polyethylene glycol 3350): This can be picked up over the counter and mixed with a small amount of canned cat food. Check with your veterinarian first, but I generally use 1/8 to 1/2 a teaspoon every 12-24 hours orally as needed to treat cat constipation.

What natural remedy can I give my cat for constipation?

Natural remedies for cat constipation

  • Fiber-rich foods. For cats, fiber is very important and this substance is often lacking in domestic cat diets. ...
  • Pumpkin. A teaspoon of canned, pureed pumpkin once or twice a day may also help add the fiber your pet needs to go again. ...
  • Ginger. ...
  • Licorice. ...
  • Aloe vera juice. ...
  • Canned food.

Can I give my cat yogurt for constipation?

Just like diarrhea, some people believe that yogurt can be a good cure for constipation in cats. After all, it's another problem related to their digestive system! The probiotics in yogurt can help to prevent and solve digestive issues like constipation.

Does milk help cats with constipation?

No milk!

Some other “old wives tales” about cat constipation that should be at-home no-no's include offering milk to a constipated cat. Don't do this. Giving milk to a constipated cat can actually cause vomiting and diarrhea in a lactose-intolerant cat, which takes a minor problem and makes it a more major one.

How much Miralax do you give a cat for constipation?

As a general guide, cats need about ¼ of a teaspoon of Miralax twice daily.

How long does it take for pumpkin to help a cat with constipation?

If you decide to help treat your cat's constipation or diarrhea by adding pumpkin to his diet, you should see improvements within a few hours to 1-2 days. Most cats will enjoy a bit of pumpkin mixed in with their wet food, or all by itself.

What canned pumpkin for cats?

The pumpkin that's safe for cats is plain, cooked pumpkin. You can find it canned, or bake a fresh squash in your oven. If you go the canned route, be sure you're not choosing pumpkin pie filling as it's often seasoned. You want plain canned pumpkin, often packed with water.

Does tuna in oil help cats poop?

Canned cat food, low-sodium tuna or low-sodium chicken or beef stock to add moisture to your cat's diet and create softer stools. An omega-3 fatty acid supplement (fish oil) to add lubrication to his feces. A hairball remedy (available at most pet stores) A higher-fiber diet, to create more stool.

How do you stimulate an older cat to poop?

Keep your cat regular with an age-specific diet and exercise. Provide stool softeners or mild laxatives to relieve constipation. You can also encourage cats to eliminate manually. Rubbing a damp washcloth on a cat's anus mimics the sensation of a mother cat licking a kitten.

Can you give your cat human Miralax?

PEG 3350 is available as a powder meant to be mixed in liquids for human use (MiraLAX). A suggested dose for cats is 1/8 to 1/4 tsp. BID in food. Dietary therapy has included the use of high fiber diets (> 20% on as fed basis) and low residue diets.

Will Miralax hurt my cat?

Recently PEG containing laxatives (Miralax) have been recommended for use in cats. In humans PEG laxatives have been shown to be safe and effective with few adverse side effects.

Can I put Miralax in my cat's water?

Miralax comes in a tasteless powder that dissolves quickly, making it extremely easy to sneak into your cat's food or water. Most vets will suggest that you add their suggested dose of Miralax into a small serving of their favorite wet food, as this will ensure that they receive their entire dose.

Does fish oil help cats with constipation?

Will fish oil help cat constipation? No, fish oil will not help cat constipation. Too much fish oil can cause painful cramping and diarrhea, and will not address the cause of constipation.

Will olive oil hurt cats?

Olive oil is considered a healthy part of human nutrition, but can cats eat olive oil? Yes, although it may not be a good idea. Although olive oil isn't considered poisonous to cats, consuming too much of any fat, including olive oil, may cause your cat to experience diarrhea and vomiting.

Does coconut oil help cats with constipation?

The medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) in coconut oil make it a natural laxative and anti inflammatory substance which can help your cat with its constipation, painful stools or bacterial gut infection.

Is Greek yogurt safe for cats?

Yes, cats can eat yogurt. Greek Yogurt can be beneficial to cats in small doses. Make sure it is plain and does not contain sugar or artificial sweeteners. Remember– cats are carnivores, so yogurt can serve as a supplement to their quality cat food.

Is vanilla yogurt good for cats?

Can cats eat Vanilla yogurt? We advise against feeding your cat vanilla yogurt. While vanilla isn't technically toxic for cats, the vanilla flavoring that is often used in yogurt is made up of various other ingredients. One of those ingredients is ethanol, which can be incredibly toxic.