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Expert: - 6/27/2009


Question
I brought my cat, Jack, to vet for constipation.  He took x-rays and showed me how stool cannot come out so Jack had an enema.  What a mess.  Jack used to go 2-3times a day (a nice amount).  Now, after the enema and being on lactulose, he goes very little.  I just started giving him laxatone and I gave him Tiki (for the first time) and added olive oil.  I could never afford to keep bringing him to the vet for an enema (so that he can live) but I love this cat alot.  

What else can I do without going to the vet all the time?

Also, I forgot to tell the vet that Jack likes to bite thing (like a dog) such a metal or anything hard (e.g. the metal that holds up his little tent where he likes to sleep.  I had noticed material missing (which covers the metal).  Also, he has in the past eaten cardboard from top of cardboard box and bit the wood from the wicker trunk.

Please help.

Thank you, Kay

Answer
Hi Kay,

Constipation in a cat can be really rough. Here's a good link that has some very good info. http://www.alternativepethealth.com/constipation.htm
The main things you need to do is make sure he is getting lots of water to drink. And try to change his diet. Read the link in there from Lisa Pierson. Or go to the site directly.
http://catinfo.org/index.htm
She has some really good advice on food for your cat. His extra curricular eating activity has got to stop. The cardboard is no good. Try feeding him some treats that won't bother him.

He also needs play time. You need to get him moving. Get a laser pointer and have him chase the light around for about 10 minutes every day. This will also help him. Extra water, change of diet, and exercise should all help. See how he does on that. Write back and let me know how he does. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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