Tackling cat constipation by focusing on thinning and trimming the coat
By Sandra Murphey with intro by Michael.
There is a page on PoC written years ago about home treatments for cat constipation. Sandra has added to the page in a useful comment, which I believe should seen by more visitors than are likely to read her comment. Hence this article. Sandra tackled her cat’s constipation by focusing on thinning out her coat together with some judicious trimming.

Mitzy is prone to constipation
Sandra writes:
I have a 5-year-old long haired cat that I took to the vet for constipation. She got an enema, and was put on Royal Canin Hi Response DRY (hi fiber), Hill’s WD and Lactulose. After much research, I discovered that these “prescription” foods are not healthy. She was still only having movements every other day.
I transitioned her completely off DRY food, and started to discover the “difficult” truths of how pet food is made. I began to really read labels! I’ve tried some high quality foods, adding water. Also supplement with raw ground chicken/turkey combined with a “pre-mix” for more nutrients.
Another thing I did was give a “little” goat milk and plain goat yogurt. She loves them, and they are good for the belly. Also, she’s developed a taste for coconut oil, and eats 1-2 teaspoons a day.
I’ve also added these things to food: oat bran, ground chia seeds, and various other hi-fiber. She still only poops every other day. I’ve been using Laxatone, but it’s for hairballs, which she doesn’t have.
The Hair Factor in Constipation
I did something I never read about anyone doing. I broke open her stools, to find “long hair”. This is the “root cause” of her constipation! This led me on a search for a tool to get rid of the excess hair. I tried the Furminator, but it didn’t work for her. So, I got the ShedMonster at Walmart, and that really gets the fur out. It’s about a 4th of the price of Furminator, and works better for her.
This is only the 2nd day of using it. I wipe her down with a damp towel afterwards to get rid of excess. I’m also going to clip some of the long hair on her sides and butt area.
I just wanted to share this because I haven’t seen any posts that mention getting rid of excess fur with a de-shedding tool. I always combed and brushed her daily, but it wasn’t enough.
I hope this information helps other long haired cat guardians.
Associated: recycling cat hair.