Treating Constipation in Cats: Fiber

We’re discussing treatments for feline constipation, which is a common problem in senior cats, and also occurs in Manx cats that inherit abnormal bone or nerves to their back ends. We divided treatment into 8 categories: fluids, fiber, prebiotics & probiotics, Chinese herbs, enemas, laxatives, suppositories, and drugs that enhance gut motility.

We’ve covered fluids, and now, let’s consider the second category, fiber.

2. Fiber
There are two types of fiber, those that dissolve in water (soluble) and those that don’t dissolve (insoluble). Some foods contain mostly soluble fiber, some mostly insoluble, and some, both. Insoluble fiber probides bulk to stimulate defecation. Soluble fiber doesn't provide bulk, but it supports a healthy intestine, which is essential for normal defecation.

Examples of soluble fiber

• oats


• peas


• beans


• sweet potatoes


• starchy vegetables

Examples of insoluble fiber

• celery


• broccoli stalks


• green beans


• bran


• psyllium

Examples of foods with both soluble & insoluble fiber

• grapes


• apples


• blueberries


• strawberries


• blackberries


• cranberries

Fruits have both soluble and insoluble fiber: the flesh inside the fruit is easily dissolved, but the fibrous peel remains as roughage.

The differences between soluble and insoluble fiber
Insoluble fiber is the type that promotes bulk and stimulates intestinal contractions. Soluble fibers don’t remain bulky, but they are slow to dissolve so that they pass through the small intestine and into the large intestine before they’re broken down. Within the large intestine, soluble fibers provide nutrients for bacteria that make vitamins and fatty acids that are absorbed and promote health. Soluble fibers also absorb fat, so for those with triglyceride or cholesterol problems, soluble fibers are beneficial. Soluble fibers also benefit those with inflammatory bowel disease (SIBO) and liver disease. The downside of soluble fibers is that they can cause gas, especially if introduced suddenly and in large amounts. For dogs especially, soluble fibers are farts waiting to happen.

The best fibers for cats
The best way to give your cat soluble fiber is to feed mashed, cooked pumpkin, squash, or sweet potatoes. To provide soluble and insoluble fiber feed ground flax seed, such as found in Missing Link, rhubarb, broccoli heads and stalks.

Coming up
We’ll cover prebiotics, probiotics, herbs, and other treatments over the next few days.