Fibre for cats - the constipation connection

Dear fellow cat person,

Constipation in cats is more common than most cat parents realise – mainly because cats are so private when it comes to their toileting. It’s an uncomfortable problem, and can be a sign of underlying health issues, and in severe prolonged cases, can result in permanent damage to the digestive tract.

Why cats get constipated (and why it's different from dogs)

Cats are obligate carnivores with short and highly acidic digestive tracts that have evolved for high-protein, meat-based diets. Unlike dogs (who are omnivores with longer, less acidic digestive systems) cats need a very specific balance of the right kind of fibre to keep things moving comfortably.

Too little or the wrong type of fibre? Stools can become hard and difficult to pass, furballs (hairballs) can develop. Too much fibre, or a species-inappropriate fibre, and the opposite happens.

But here's where it gets interesting - and where most supplements get it wrong...

The fibre (or fiber) your cat actually needs

Not all fibre is created equal, especially when it comes to cats. Their digestive systems respond best to soluble fibre sources that can:

• Absorb water and create bulk in the stool (making it soft and easier to pass)

• Feed beneficial gut bacteria (which influence digestive health, and overall general health)

• Regulate bowel movements without causing loose stools or diarrhoea

Research shows that psyllium - a natural, plant-based source of soluble fibre - is particularly effective for feline digestive regularity. It works by gently drawing moisture into the stool and supporting comfortable, regular bowel movements. Note that most fibre supplements marketed for humans or dogs are not appropriate for cats. Cats need cat-specific formulations that account for their unique obligate carnivore physiology.

Signs your cat might need fibre support

Your cat can't tell you when they're uncomfortable, but they communicate in their own ways:

• Straining to pass bowel motions in the litter box with little or no result (note that it is critical to differentiate straining to pass urine versus poo. Straining to pass urine is an emergency, especially in male cats, and needs a vet visit, ASAP)

• Visiting the litter box more or less frequently than usual

• Toileting outside of the litter box

• Small, hard, dry stools (or fewer bowel motions, such as going every 2 days when they previously went daily)

• Crying or showing discomfort when trying to pass bowel motions

• Loss of appetite or seeming lethargic

• Vomiting (yes, constipation can cause this!)

If you're seeing any of these signs, it's worth seeing your vet to rule out underlying issues. Constipation can sometimes indicate dehydration from conditions like kidney disease, pain from arthritis, gut challenged like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), furballs, or other health concerns that need vet attention.

The Gut+ connection

To help my patients, I formulated Dr. Bec's Gut+ supplement based on ingredients that are proven in clinical trials, to specifically help cats. These include the right amounts of organic psyllium fibre, bioavailable collagen prebiotics, a live probiotic at a powerful dose, that can be given at the same time as antibiotics, and other gut-supporting ingredients to promote comfortable, regular bowel movements - naturally.

Gut+ does more than just prevent constipation. The complete formula:

• Supports healthy gut bacteria with cat probiotics: 5 billion CFU of

Saccharomyces boulardii (the only probiotic clinically proven to be effective for gut health in cats)

• Provides bioavailable collagen prebiotics that specifically feed beneficial gut bacteria in cats, and support the integrity and structure of the gut lining

• Includes New Zealand Green-lipped mussel, to soothe inflammation in the intestinal lining and provide trace elements important for nutrition

• Delivers Vitamin B12 (in a bioavailable form), which is often deficient in cats with digestive issues

• Contains organic psyllium fibre (fiber) at the right dose for cats, for regular, comfortable bowel movements and proven management of hairballs. This also helps when cats have diarrhoea.

Many cat parents tell me they notice improvements within a few days - more regular litter box visits, better-formed stools, no more hairballs, and happier, more comfortable cats. Plus, it’s tasty and has no added fillers, flavours, colours or preservatives.

What you can do today to support your cat’s gut health

If your cat is dealing with occasional constipation, diarrhoea or furballs, or you simply want to support optimal digestive health proactively – with a cat-first and cat specific probiotic - here are a few steps you can take:

Ensure proper hydration: Being desert-adapted animals, cats notoriously don't drink enough water. Try a water fountain, add water to their food, or offer wet food alongside dry. Cats are opportunistic drinkers and enjoy free flowing water or water from odd places (like running taps, showers, pot plants etc). It can take some creativity to work out how to encourage cats to drink more Monitor litter box habits and what is a normal frequency for your cat: Knowing what's normal for your cat helps you spot problems early Consider fibre support: A cat-specific supplement with psyllium, cat-appropriate collagen prebiotics and probiotic, S. boulardii, and B12, can make a real difference in digestive comfort.

Keep your vet in the loop: Persistent constipation always deserves professional attention If you'd like to try Gut+ for your cat, learn more about the science and read reviews here.

Or check out Dr Bec’s Gut+ on Amazon!

Caring for your cat's digestive health,

Dr Bec

Feline-only Veterinarian, Melbourne

P.S. I’ve found my senior (older than 8 years old) patients are especially prone to constipation due to reduced mobility and changes in hydration. If you have an older cat, check in with your vet to see if there’s an underlying cause for difficulties toileting. My own Mao (who's now 10) gets her Gut+ supplement every single day, and it's made such a difference to her digestive regularity and overall wellbeing.

As always, if your cat is showing signs of severe constipation, hasn't had a bowel movement in more than 48 hours, is not passing urine, or seems in distress, please contact your veterinarian right away.

Persistent toileting issues can indicate underlying health conditions that need professional assessment.