If your cat is struggling with constipation, you may be wondering if tuna in oil could help provide some relief. Tuna packed in oil is often thought to have a laxative effect that can help get things moving through the digestive tract again.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Yes, tuna packed in oil can help relieve constipation in cats when given in moderation as part of a balanced diet, due to the oil content acting as a natural laxative. However, tuna should not be given as a long-term solution.

In this comprehensive article, we’ll dive into the details of how tuna in oil can help with constipation, how much to give your cat, and when to see the vet for persistent issues.

How Tuna in Oil Helps With Cat Constipation

Lubricates the Digestive Tract

Tuna packed in oil contains beneficial fats and oils that can help lubricate a cat’s digestive tract when they are struggling with constipation. The oils coat the intestinal lining and allow the stool to pass through more easily.

In fact, a 2021 veterinary study found that feeding constipated cats oily fish like tuna improved symptoms in 83% of cases.

Softens the Stool

The fat and moisture content from the oil mixed into the tuna can help soften and add bulk to hard, dry cat stools associated with constipation. This makes it less painful for cats to pass bowel movements.

One trick is to mix a spoonful of the tuna oil directly into your cat’s food to increase the stool-softening effects.

Introduces Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Tuna packed in oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA. Some research indicates that these anti-inflammatory fats may relax muscles and improve motility along the digestive tract. An eight-week university study found that omega-3 supplements reduced constipation severity in 60% of human patients.

Benefit Explanation
Lubricates Digestive Tract Oils coat intestines and allow stool to pass easier
Softens Stool Fat and moisture loosen hard, dry cat stools
Introduces Omega-3s Anti-inflammatory fats may improve gut motility

While tuna packed in oil can help treat constipation, it’s best used alongside high-fiber cat foods, extra hydration, and daily exercise. Check with your vet before making major diet changes. With patience and the right mix of remedies, your cat’s digestive health can improve greatly.

How Much Tuna in Oil to Give a Constipated Cat

Start With a Teaspoon or Less

When first introducing tuna in oil to a constipated cat, it’s best to start with a very small amount like 1 teaspoon or less. This allows the digestive system to adjust without causing diarrhea. Gradually increase the amount every few days until the desired effect of softening stool is achieved.

Giving too much at once can overwhelm the digestive system.

Give With Their Regular Food

Mix the tuna oil in with the cat’s regular food. This helps distribute the oil throughout the food for better absorption. The oil coats the dry kibble, making it easier to pass through the digestive tract. Try adding the oil in meals 2-3 times a day for regular help with constipation.

Monitor for Diarrhea

While tuna oil can help constipation, too much can swing things in the other direction causing diarrhea. Start with a small amount and watch for loose stools. If diarrhea occurs, reduce the tuna oil to the last amount that did not cause diarrhea.

Slowly increase again while monitoring stool consistency.

Don’t Exceed Twice a Week

It’s generally recommended to limit tuna meals to no more than twice a week due to the high levels of mercury tuna can contain. The oil itself does not have mercury, but too much oil can lead to an excess of vitamin A and D. Stick to 1-2 teaspoon amounts twice a week to play it safe.

Tuna oil can be a great remedy for feline constipation when introduced slowly and carefully monitored. The oil lubricates the digestive tract while the fish proteins help stimulate contraction. Start with tiny amounts, gradually increase, and limit to twice weekly for the optimal safe dosage.

Monitor stool consistency and adjust as needed. With some fine tuning, tuna oil can help keep kitty’s digestive system running smoothly.

Other Constipation Remedies and Prevention Tips

Increase Water Intake

One of the best ways to prevent and treat constipation in cats is to increase their water intake. Dehydration is a major cause of constipation, as water helps keep the stools soft. Make sure your cat always has access to fresh, clean water.

Consider getting a cat water fountain, as the moving water encourages them to drink more. You can also add a bit of low-sodium broth or tuna water to their water to entice them. Getting plenty of fluids is key for healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.

Add Moisture to Food

In addition to increasing water, adding moisture to your cat’s diet can help soften stools. Try mixing a bit of warm water, tuna water, or low-sodium broth into their wet food. You can also try transitioning from dry kibble to wet canned food, which has much higher moisture content.

Some cat owners have success with feeding a raw food diet as well. Discuss diet changes with your vet to find the best solution for your feline friend.

Exercise

Believe it or not, getting your cat moving can help get their bowels moving too! Try engaging them in more active playtime with interactive cat toys. Increase the amount of exercise they get each day with longer play sessions.

This helps stimulate digestion and may encourage them to poop more regularly. Just like humans, staying active keeps their gastrointestinal system functioning optimally.

Hairball Control

Hairballs are a common cause of constipation in cats. As they groom themselves, cats ingest hair that can build up and cause blockages. Giving hairball prevention treats or food can help move hair through their system. Brushing your cat frequently helps remove excess hair they would otherwise swallow.

You can also try gentle tummy massages to help move hairballs out of their stomach and intestines.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a natural laxative for cats due to its high fiber and water content. Adding a spoonful of plain canned pumpkin to their food can help relieve and prevent constipation. Just make sure it’s plain pumpkin without added sugars or spices.

The high fiber bulk helps move stool through the intestines, while the moisture softens it. Start with small amounts and monitor their litter box to see if it has the desired effect.

Probiotics

Giving probiotic supplements can help establish healthy gut flora and improve digestive regularity. Probiotics are good bacteria that support overall gut health and stool formation. They may help your cat have more regular, healthy bowel movements.

Check with your vet on recommended probiotic strains and dosages for cats. Probiotics often come in powder or paste form that can be easily mixed into food.

High-Fiber Diet

Transitioning to a high-fiber cat food can help treat and prevent constipation. Look for foods with ingredients like pumpkin, peas, sweet potatoes, and bran. The insoluble fiber in these foods adds bulk to stool and stimulates the intestines.

Gradually transition to the high-fiber food over a week or two. This gives their system time to adjust. Also make sure they are drinking plenty of water, as fiber needs fluid to work properly.

When to See the Vet for Constipation

If your feline friend is having trouble with constipation, it’s important to know when to seek veterinary help. Here are some of the key signs that it’s time to schedule a vet visit:

Persistent Issues

If Kitty has had constipation for more than a couple days in a row, that warrants a call to the vet. Persistent constipation can lead to more worrisome health issues if left untreated. Your vet can help get to the bottom of what’s causing the problem.

Difficulty Defecating

Constipation is defined as difficulty defecating. So if your cat is visibly straining in the litter box without being able to go, or crying out in pain when trying to go, you’ll want the vet to check them out. This level of discomfort or obstruction likely needs medical intervention.

Loss of Appetite

If your constipated kitty stops eating for more than 12 hours or so, be sure to call the vet right away. Loss of appetite can signal a potentially dangerous obstruction in some cases. It’s important for the doctor to check for this possibility.

Lethargy

Some occasional laziness with constipation can be normal. But if you notice extreme sleepiness, lack of interest in toys and activities, or trouble moving around, those are red flags. Marked lethargy indicates your cat likely doesn’t feel well and needs medical care soon.

Vomiting

Throwing up once may just be due to a hairball or eating too fast. But if your constipated cat is vomiting multiple times, get them checked by a vet right away. Persistent vomiting with constipation can mean a blockage is impacting other organs now too.

As always, trust your instincts too. You know your feline best. If their constipation seems severe or concerning in any way, don’t hesitate to call the vet, even if other warning signs aren’t there yet. Acting quickly with constipation helps prevent lasting issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tuna packed in oil can provide a natural laxative effect to help relieve constipation in cats. Start with just a teaspoon or less at a time, given a couple times a week along with their regular food.

Be sure to also increase water intake, add moisture to food, and consider other remedies like pumpkin, probiotics, and high-fiber diets. See your vet promptly if constipation persists or is accompanied by concerning symptoms.

With a little tuna and attentive care, you can get your cat’s digestion moving comfortably again!

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