Constipation

My little buddy seems to be on the mend, except that she's definitely
not eliminating normally. The vet I'm taking (or trying to take) her
to said to substitute popcorn for her litter so I can bring in a stool
and urine sample if I can't catch her for a "live" visit. (He may,
depending on the results, give me a sedative so that I can get her
calm enough to catch her and put her in this beautiful carrier I got
for her.)

Anyway, a friend who raises cats asked if her "poop" was hard and
pellet-like, and that was the first time I really paid attention to
it. It definitely was hard and pellet-like, and now I'm obsessing
over it!

I know lack of activity contributes to human constipation, and last
night, little one actually went out for a few minutes into the back
yard (a major achievement, considering her new "outdoor-phobia"). But
if anyone can suggest something else for cat constipation before I get
the results from the vet, I'd appreciate hearing from you, as always.

This is such a good group.

Our youngest, Alino (Blue Point Siamese who will turn 13 on June 23,
2004) has had a chronic problem with constipation for 2 years. We
used to add Metamucil to his food, but our vet said that was far too
much fiber for him--may have even made the situation worse. He
perscribed Lactulose (aka Enulose) and it works like a charm. Alino
gets 2cc before each meal (morning and night) and we check his stool
regularly to see if he has "gone" (he always uses the back of the box
for poop, but pees with his head facing into the box, so it is up
front) and if it "correct" in color and consistency. He's been regular
like clock-work! The only problem is to be sure that he gets the
Lactulose in very small squirts from the syringe. If he gets too much
at once, he throws it up or chokes on it.

Thought this might help!

PegNDerek



On 5 May 2004 03:46:38 -0700, (Pennsylvania Lady)
wrote:

My little buddy seems to be on the mend, except that she's definitely
not eliminating normally. The vet I'm taking (or trying to take) her
to said to substitute popcorn for her litter so I can bring in a stool
and urine sample if I can't catch her for a "live" visit. (He may,
depending on the results, give me a sedative so that I can get her
calm enough to catch her and put her in this beautiful carrier I got
for her.)

Anyway, a friend who raises cats asked if her "poop" was hard and
pellet-like, and that was the first time I really paid attention to
it. It definitely was hard and pellet-like, and now I'm obsessing
over it!

I know lack of activity contributes to human constipation, and last
night, little one actually went out for a few minutes into the back
yard (a major achievement, considering her new "outdoor-phobia"). But
if anyone can suggest something else for cat constipation before I get
the results from the vet, I'd appreciate hearing from you, as always.

This is such a good group.



"Scientists' say intelligent life
sprang from the sea.
Really intelligent life returns to
the sea now and then."

Our youngest, Alino (Blue Point Siamese who will turn 13 on June 23,
2004) has had a chronic problem with constipation for 2 years. We
used to add Metamucil to his food, but our vet said that was far too
much fiber for him--may have even made the situation worse. He
perscribed Lactulose (aka Enulose) and it works like a charm. Alino
gets 2cc before each meal (morning and night) and we check his stool
regularly to see if he has "gone" (he always uses the back of the box
for poop, but pees with his head facing into the box, so it is up
front) and if it "correct" in color and consistency. He's been regular
like clock-work! The only problem is to be sure that he gets the
Lactulose in very small squirts from the syringe. If he gets too much
at once, he throws it up or chokes on it.

Thought this might help!

PegNDerek



On 5 May 2004 03:46:38 -0700, (Pennsylvania Lady)
wrote:

My little buddy seems to be on the mend, except that she's definitely
not eliminating normally. The vet I'm taking (or trying to take) her
to said to substitute popcorn for her litter so I can bring in a stool
and urine sample if I can't catch her for a "live" visit. (He may,
depending on the results, give me a sedative so that I can get her
calm enough to catch her and put her in this beautiful carrier I got
for her.)

Anyway, a friend who raises cats asked if her "poop" was hard and
pellet-like, and that was the first time I really paid attention to
it. It definitely was hard and pellet-like, and now I'm obsessing
over it!

I know lack of activity contributes to human constipation, and last
night, little one actually went out for a few minutes into the back
yard (a major achievement, considering her new "outdoor-phobia"). But
if anyone can suggest something else for cat constipation before I get
the results from the vet, I'd appreciate hearing from you, as always.

This is such a good group.



"Scientists' say intelligent life
sprang from the sea.
Really intelligent life returns to
the sea now and then."

With the Metamucil, we were using the Plain--not flavored--variety and
as I recall, we gave him about a teaspoon sprinkled on his food and
then mixed in with it.

Peg

On Sat, 08 May 2004 23:10:39 GMT, Laura R.
wrote:

circa Sat, 08 May 2004 22:31:03 GMT, in rec.pets.cats.health+behav,
PegNDerek ) said,
Our youngest, Alino (Blue Point Siamese who will turn 13 on June 23,
2004) has had a chronic problem with constipation for 2 years. We
used to add Metamucil to his food, but our vet said that was far too
much fiber for him--may have even made the situation worse.

How much were you giving?

Laura


"Scientists' say intelligent life
sprang from the sea.
Really intelligent life returns to
the sea now and then."

With the Metamucil, we were using the Plain--not flavored--variety and
as I recall, we gave him about a teaspoon sprinkled on his food and
then mixed in with it.

Peg

On Sat, 08 May 2004 23:10:39 GMT, Laura R.
wrote:

circa Sat, 08 May 2004 22:31:03 GMT, in rec.pets.cats.health+behav,
PegNDerek ) said,
Our youngest, Alino (Blue Point Siamese who will turn 13 on June 23,
2004) has had a chronic problem with constipation for 2 years. We
used to add Metamucil to his food, but our vet said that was far too
much fiber for him--may have even made the situation worse.

How much were you giving?

Laura


"Scientists' say intelligent life
sprang from the sea.
Really intelligent life returns to
the sea now and then."

PegNDerek wrote in message

Our youngest, Alino (Blue Point Siamese who will turn 13 on June 23,
2004) has had a chronic problem with constipation for 2 years. We
used to add Metamucil to his food, but our vet said that was far too
much fiber for him--may have even made the situation worse. He
perscribed Lactulose (aka Enulose) and it works like a charm. Alino
gets 2cc before each meal (morning and night) and we check his stool
regularly to see if he has "gone" (he always uses the back of the box
for poop, but pees with his head facing into the box, so it is up
front) and if it "correct" in color and consistency. He's been regular
like clock-work! The only problem is to be sure that he gets the
Lactulose in very small squirts from the syringe. If he gets too much
at once, he throws it up or chokes on it.

Thanks for the information. How do you administer it ot him? My cat
won't be held (former feral). Can I mix it in her food?

PegNDerek wrote in message

Our youngest, Alino (Blue Point Siamese who will turn 13 on June 23,
2004) has had a chronic problem with constipation for 2 years. We
used to add Metamucil to his food, but our vet said that was far too
much fiber for him--may have even made the situation worse. He
perscribed Lactulose (aka Enulose) and it works like a charm. Alino
gets 2cc before each meal (morning and night) and we check his stool
regularly to see if he has "gone" (he always uses the back of the box
for poop, but pees with his head facing into the box, so it is up
front) and if it "correct" in color and consistency. He's been regular
like clock-work! The only problem is to be sure that he gets the
Lactulose in very small squirts from the syringe. If he gets too much
at once, he throws it up or chokes on it.

Thanks for the information. How do you administer it ot him? My cat
won't be held (former feral). Can I mix it in her food?

Mixing Lactulose in his food is possible, but not recommended. It is
VERY sweet. We give Lactulose to Alino using a syringe (no needle)
and just press gently so that 2 ccs go into his mouth in about 4-5
small squirts. Also, our other cat is Diabetic, so (obviously) he
cannot have the concentrated sugar that Alino gets--and they both eat
the same food! Since your kitty objects to being held, you might want
to see if he will take it in food. The other possibility is to
"disguise it" in a treat--dipping a treat in it and seeing if he will
go for the treat even with the Lactulose on it.

Best,

Peg


On 10 May 2004 03:14:54 -0700, (Pennsylvania
Lady) wrote:

PegNDerek wrote in message

Our youngest, Alino (Blue Point Siamese who will turn 13 on June 23,
2004) has had a chronic problem with constipation for 2 years. We
used to add Metamucil to his food, but our vet said that was far too
much fiber for him--may have even made the situation worse. He
perscribed Lactulose (aka Enulose) and it works like a charm. Alino
gets 2cc before each meal (morning and night) and we check his stool
regularly to see if he has "gone" (he always uses the back of the box
for poop, but pees with his head facing into the box, so it is up
front) and if it "correct" in color and consistency. He's been regular
like clock-work! The only problem is to be sure that he gets the
Lactulose in very small squirts from the syringe. If he gets too much
at once, he throws it up or chokes on it.

Thanks for the information. How do you administer it ot him? My cat
won't be held (former feral). Can I mix it in her food?



"Scientists' say intelligent life
sprang from the sea.
Really intelligent life returns to
the sea now and then."

Mixing Lactulose in his food is possible, but not recommended. It is
VERY sweet. We give Lactulose to Alino using a syringe (no needle)
and just press gently so that 2 ccs go into his mouth in about 4-5
small squirts. Also, our other cat is Diabetic, so (obviously) he
cannot have the concentrated sugar that Alino gets--and they both eat
the same food! Since your kitty objects to being held, you might want
to see if he will take it in food. The other possibility is to
"disguise it" in a treat--dipping a treat in it and seeing if he will
go for the treat even with the Lactulose on it.

Best,

Peg


On 10 May 2004 03:14:54 -0700, (Pennsylvania
Lady) wrote:

PegNDerek wrote in message

Our youngest, Alino (Blue Point Siamese who will turn 13 on June 23,
2004) has had a chronic problem with constipation for 2 years. We
used to add Metamucil to his food, but our vet said that was far too
much fiber for him--may have even made the situation worse. He
perscribed Lactulose (aka Enulose) and it works like a charm. Alino
gets 2cc before each meal (morning and night) and we check his stool
regularly to see if he has "gone" (he always uses the back of the box
for poop, but pees with his head facing into the box, so it is up
front) and if it "correct" in color and consistency. He's been regular
like clock-work! The only problem is to be sure that he gets the
Lactulose in very small squirts from the syringe. If he gets too much
at once, he throws it up or chokes on it.

Thanks for the information. How do you administer it ot him? My cat
won't be held (former feral). Can I mix it in her food?



"Scientists' say intelligent life
sprang from the sea.
Really intelligent life returns to
the sea now and then."