We take reviews seriously. This article has product links we may be compensated for as an affiliate, at no extra cost to you.
As my cat gets older, she’s lazier, eating irregularly sometimes, and experiencing more litter box issues, including constipation. To remedy this, I’ve added Blue Buffalo True Solutions Blissful Belly Wet Cat Food to her diet with good results!
- Formulated for digestive health with prebiotic fiber
- Quality, easily digestible protein
- No wheat, corn, soy, artificial flavors, preservatives
- 13.64% Fiber by Dry Matter Basis
- Flavors: Chicken
Now after helping her through these episodes through diet and other lifestyle modifications, I have practical advice for pet parents going through the same.
But the best food for my cat might not be suitable for yours. Maybe your cat older than mine or is not a fan of chicken. Which is why below I talk about other great cat foods to prevent constipation in various other categories.
These are the products we review in this article: (not all shown)
Blue Buffalo True Solutions Blissful Belly Dry Cat Food
- 34% protein
- High fiber with fruits, vegetables, prebiotics
- No corn, wheat, soy
- Contains omega 3 & 6 fatty acids for skin and coat
Solid Gold Let's Stay in - Dry Cat Food
- Quality protein as first ingredient
- High fiber, probiotics, prebiotics
- Grain and gluten free
- Specially for recurring hairballs and gut health
- Made-in-USA
Royal Canin Digest Sensitive Thin Slices in Gravy Wet Cat Food
- A flavor cats love
- Thin slices to encourage eating
- Easily digestible proteins
- Balanced vitamins and minerals
Solid Gold Sensitive Stomach Dry Cat Food
- Heavy on real animal protein
- Contains live probiotics
- High fiber from pumpkin and super food sources
- Formulated for gut health
- USA-made
Purina Beyond Grain Free, Natural Pate Wet Cat Food
- Real meat and liver
- No grains, meals, by-products
- Contains prebiotics
- Variety pack
Purina Pro Plan Grain Free Senior Wet Cat Food Pate Variety Pack
- Formulated for healthy aging
- Contains chicory root for natural prebiotic fiber
- Real meat in each flavor
- Texture is easy to eat
- Variety pack
- Best Wet Cat Food for Constipation
- Best Dry Cat Food For Constipation
- Best Cat Food for Constipation and Hairballs
- Best Prescription Canned Cat Food for Constipation
- Best High Fiber Wet Cat Food for Constipated Cats
- Best High Fiber Dry Cat Food for Constipation
- Great Non Prescription Cat Food To Help With Constipation
- Best Food for Constipated Senior Cats
- Best Supplement for Constipation
- How to Choose the Best Cat Food for Constipation
- Symptoms of Constipation in Cats
- What Causes Constipation in Cats
- How to Treat Constipation in Cats
- Frequently Asked Questions
Best Wet Cat Food for Constipation
- Formulated for digestive health with prebiotic fiber
- Quality, easily digestible protein
- No wheat, corn, soy, artificial flavors, preservatives
- 13.64% Fiber by Dry Matter Basis
- Flavors: Chicken
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, chicken broth, potatoes, chicken liver, whitefish
- Guaranteed Analysis: 8.5% Crude Protein, 3% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture Content
- Calories: 86 kcal/per can
- Life Stage: Adult
With a high moisture content and real chicken, True Solutions Blissful Belly by Blue Buffalo is one of the best wet cat foods for constipation. This product features easily digestible protein for cats with sensitive stomachs, which can help ease constipation over time.
Cats who are picky about their food enjoy this wet one. Transitioning more wet food can be hard, but it is ideal to increase hydration in constipated cats. This Blue Buffalo wet food was formulated by veterinarians to address the nutrition deficiencies they commonly see in cats.
Without any unnecessary by-products and fillers, this wet food adds vital nutrients and vitamins to a cat’s diet. Introducing extra, unexpected ingredients can increase the chances that your cat will not be able to digest their food properly, which can easily lead to hardened stools.
Reviewers share their relief after finding a cat food that helps combat constipation and other related health issues. Cat owners who struggle with constipation in their cats also worry about them receiving fewer nutrients and calories.
A wet food like this Blue Buffalo variety, our best wet cat food for constipation, packs in as many calories and nutrients as possible in each can.
What We Liked:
- 38% protein by dry matter
- High fiber with fruits, vegetables, prebiotics
- No corn, wheat, soy
- No artificial flavor and preservatives
What We Didn’t Like:
- Only chicken flavor
Best Dry Cat Food For Constipation
- 34% protein
- High fiber with fruits, vegetables, prebiotics
- No corn, wheat, soy
- Contains omega 3 & 6 fatty acids for skin and coat
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, pea protein, barley
- Guaranteed Analysis: 34% Crude Protein, 16% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 9% Moisture Content
- Calories: 419 Kcals/cup
- Life Stage: Adult
One of the best foods for constipated cats will contain all-around great ingredients. This Blue Buffalo dry food does not cut corners when it comes to natural chicken and excellent source of protein.
It also contains pea protein, which is a soluble fiber. Soluble fiber is the best form of fiber to feed a constipated cat.
Users of Blue Buffalo’s True Solutions Blissful Belly dry food love the well-rounded benefits of this sensitive stomach formula. They see noticeable changes in their cat’s digestive health and bathroom habits.
Plus, they see cats that look visibly healthier with shinier coats and healthy weight.
Cats who eat this dry food enjoy it. Finding a great dry cat food to help with constipation is important for cat owners whose cats refuse to eat wet, canned food products.
As one of the best dry cat food to prevent constipation, this product is an excellent option to prevent or treat issues with a stubborn kitty. Many reviews point out that they can feed this brand and variety to multiple cats without any issues, even cats that do not have constipation problems.
It promotes healthy digestion and overall health for all cats, definitely one of the best dry cat foods for constipation.
What We Liked:
- 34% protein
- High fiber with fruits, vegetables, prebiotics
- No corn, wheat, soy
- Contains omega 3 & 6 fatty acids for skin and coat
What We Didn’t Like:
- Only chicken flavor
Best Cat Food for Constipation and Hairballs
- Quality protein as first ingredient
- High fiber, probiotics, prebiotics
- Grain and gluten free
- Specially for recurring hairballs and gut health
- Made-in-USA
- First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, salmon meal, lentils, peas, turkey meal
- Guaranteed Analysis: 36% Crude Protein, 16 % Crude Fat, 8% Crude Fiber
- Calories: 435 kcal/per cup
- Life Stage: Adult
If you have a cat that is experiencing discomfort from both ends, try Solid Gold Let’s Stay In. This choice, as one of the best dry cat food for constipation and hairballs, brings your cat the right nutrition to combat multiple health issues at the same time
Constipation and hairballs can often stem from similar causes. One of the main differences in this food compared to other food for constipated cats is the use of 90 million living probiotics per pound. Probiotics promote a balanced gut that functions optimally.
Multiple users share how their cat’s health problems are more manageable after starting the Solid Gold food. They do not throw up as often and experience fewer stomach issues. Other cats show fewer signs of food intolerance after starting to eat this dry food, too.
Solid Gold contains other excellent ingredients that are not too common in cat food. Whole foods with a high fiber content help cats digest their food without complications. And omega fatty acids promote growth and development, as well as a healthy immune system.
What We Liked:
- Quality protein as first ingredient
- High fiber, probiotics, prebiotics
- Grain and gluten free
- Specially for recurring hairballs and gut health
- Made-in-USA
What We Didn’t Like:
- Price
Best Prescription Canned Cat Food for Constipation
- Contains easily-digestible proteins
- High fiber with prebiotics
- Contains omega 3 fatty acids
- Appealing taste to encourage eating
- First 5 Ingredients: Water sufficient for processing, chicken by-products, chicken, chicken liver, corn flour
- Guaranteed Analysis: 8.2% Crude Protein, 4.9% Crude Fat, 1.4% Crude Fiber, 77.4% Moisture Content
- Calories: 180 kcal/per can
- Life Stage: Adult
Whether your vet has recommended this canned cat food for constipation or not, it has the proven ability to help manage constipation in cats. Vets frequently recommend it to cat owners dealing with both short and long-term digestive problems.
Proteins and prebiotics are key components of the formula, which is designed to create soft, easily passable stools.
Cat owners are in awe of this prescription food for constipated cats. They see relief for their furry friends suffering from weight loss due to lack of appetite and overall healthier cats.
Royal Canin focuses on balance in its cat food formula because they understand that cats dealing with constipation are often deficient in certain nutrients.
Besides being filled with high-quality, highly digestible ingredients, this wet prescription food is made to be tasty. Constipated cats often experience so much discomfort that they do not want to eat.
This cat food is made to be the best for cats’ taste buds to encourage them to eat. You can also feed them less often without worrying about their nutrition. Royal Canin is a small serving with lots of filling ingredients.
What We Liked:
- Contains easily-digestible proteins
- High fiber with prebiotics
- Contains omega 3 fatty acids
- Appealing taste to encourage eating
What We Didn’t Like:
- Prescription only
- Price
Best High Fiber Wet Cat Food for Constipated Cats
- A flavor cats love
- Thin slices to encourage eating
- Easily digestible proteins
- Balanced vitamins and minerals
- First 5 Ingredients: Water sufficient for processing, chicken by-products, pork by-products, pork liver, salmon
- Guaranteed Analysis: N/A
- Calories: N/A
- Life Stage: Adult
Fiber can be vital in a cat’s diet when they have short or long-term constipation troubles. Fiber helps regulate bowel movements and prevent the opposite problem – diarrhea. Without enough fiber, your cat will also not absorb nutrients completely.
This Royal Canin canned option is one of the best wet food for cats with constipation because it is fully balanced between fiber, protein, and other essential nutrients.
Cat owners who feed their cats this Royal Canin food are happy to see their cats eat it happily. This food is designed to suit a cat’s taste buds so they will eat heartily. However, it focuses more on the actual formula than it does on taste.
Adding this high fiber wet cat food for constipation to your cat’s diet can also reduce the odor of your cat’s stool. A balanced diet often results in more regular bowel movements for anyone, including a cat.
Royal Canin puts balance first in their formulas because they understand that cat owners are dealing with animals who need help getting the right nutrition even when they have issues like constipation or diarrhea.
What We Liked:
- A flavor cats love
- Thin slices to encourage eating
- Easily digestible proteins
- Balanced vitamins and minerals
What We Didn’t Like:
- Low protein
- Contains wheat and by-products
Best High Fiber Dry Cat Food for Constipation
- Heavy on real animal protein
- Contains live probiotics
- High fiber from pumpkin and super food sources
- Formulated for gut health
- USA-made
- First 5 Ingredients: Quail, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Peas, Potatoes
- Guaranteed Analysis: 30% Crude Protein, 13% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture Content
- Calories: 385 kcal/cup
- Life Stage: Adult and Senior
Solid Gold Sensitive Stomach Dry Cat Food is the one of the best high fiber dry cat food for constipation thanks to its focus on promoting gut health in all ages of cats. This food is unique in how many sources of high-quality fiber it uses in its recipe.
Reviewers also love this food for allergy-prone cats. They can feed their constipated, uncomfortable cats this diet without worrying about adverse side effects. Ingredients like quail and pumpkin are high in fiber and not known as common allergens among cats (unlike chicken).
Feeding your constipated cat a grain and gluten-free diet can encourage better digestion because they wouldn’t be eating a lot of grain or gluten in the wild.
This product, one of the best dry foods for a constipated cat, focuses on a more natural list of ingredients than typical food. That is why they feature more fiber because fiber helps promote regular bowel movements.
Cats with sensitive stomachs can handle this food better than other options due to the use of probiotics. Probiotics increase the good gut bacteria, which can lessen digestive issues like constipation.
What We Liked:
- Heavy on real animal protein
- Contains live probiotics
- High fiber from pumpkin and super food sources
- Formulated for gut health
- USA-made
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not inexpensive
Great Non Prescription Cat Food To Help With Constipation
- Real meat and liver
- No grains, meals, by-products
- Contains prebiotics
- Variety pack
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Liver, Chicken Broth, Fish, Sweet Potatoes
- Guaranteed Analysis: 10% Crude Protein, 7% Crude Fat, 1.5% Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture Content
- Calories: 98 kcal/can
- Life Stage: All
Purina’s Beyond Grain Free, Natural Pate Wet Cat Food is a highly recommended option if you do not have a prescription for specialty cat food.
This food contains a lot of the great ingredients that a prescription food might contain without the need to get a veterinarian’s recommendation.
Picky, spoiled cats love this type of food and will eat it without trouble like some other wet food varieties. Finding a good wet food for constipation can be hard if your cat does not like wet food, but Purina focuses on creating delicious combinations of flavor and nutrition.
This non prescription cat food for constipation by Purina also targets the problem on another level. It promotes a healthier immune system by using chicken bone broth in the recipe. A healthier immune system will lead to better digestion and all-around improved health as a result.
Try this Purina canned food if you also want to avoid fillers and unusual sources of ingredients. Reviewers say that the price is not a problem because they know where their cat’s food is coming from. They also know that it does not contain corn, soy, or wheat as fillers.
What We Liked:
- Real meat and liver
- No grains, meals, by-products
- Contains prebiotics
- Variety pack
What We Didn’t Like:
- Price
Best Food for Constipated Senior Cats
- Formulated for healthy aging
- Contains chicory root for natural prebiotic fiber
- Real meat in each flavor
- Texture is easy to eat
- Variety pack
- First 5 Ingredients: Turkey, Water, Liver, Meat By-Products, Poultry Giblets
- Guaranteed Analysis: 11% Crude Protein, 7% Crude Fat, 1.5% Crude Fiber, 78.0% Moisture Content
- Calories: 108 kcal/per can
- Life Stage: Adult
The best senior cat food for constipation has to be this Purina Pro Plan pick. This canned grain free cat food variety pack option promotes healthy nutrition in older cats using a proprietary formula.
Several owners have noted that this food for constipated cats was able to reverse weight loss in their older cats.
Senior cats are more likely to get constipated due to a lack of activity and mobility. Keeping things moving starts with the right combination of ingredients.
Purina Pro Plan does not use any grains. Instead, it features real meat and other protein sources. Cats need high-quality protein to avoid hardened, uncomfortable stools.
Feeding older cats this choice, one of the best cat foods for firm stool, is also ideal if they are not getting enough hydration. Users share how they notice their cats appear to be less thirsty even as they age and develop other health issues.
What We Liked:
- Formulated for healthy aging
- Contains chicory root for natural prebiotic fiber
- Real meat in each flavor
- Texture is easy to eat
- Variety pack
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains by-products
Best Supplement for Constipation
- Number 1 veterinarian-recommended cat probiotic brand to support digestive health
- For the dietary management of kittens and adult cats with cat diarrhea
- Containing probiotics proven to promote intestinal health and balance
- FortiFlora cat vitamins and supplements have antioxidants to support a robust immune system
- First 5 Ingredients: Liver flavor, brewers dried yeast, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Vitamin C, Vitamin E
- Guaranteed Analysis: 43% Crude Protein, 10% Crude Fat, 1% Crude Fiber, 5% Moisture Content
- Calories: N/A
- Life Stage: Adult or Senior
Sometimes, the best food for a constipated cats is not working out the way you planned. In that case, I recommend you check out the Purina FortiFlora supplement. This probiotic supplement is designed to provide additional nutrition and balance out your cat’s gut as they eat their normal food.
How to Choose the Best Cat Food for Constipation
Cats struggling with constipation often experience dehydration, too. This dehydration is often caused by too much dry food or too much fiber.
Wet food can be beneficial to any cat, even one that shows no signs of constipation. The evolution of cats from wild animals means that their bodies are used to eating a diet high in fluids with plenty of protein.
Moisture
Getting the right combination of moisture and fiber in cat food is essential. Cats need plenty of moisture in their food to avoid hardened, painful stools. They also need enough fiber to help with digestion and encourage regular bowel movements.
Prebiotic Fiber and Probiotics
Many cat foods that contain fiber also have something called prebiotic fiber. Prebiotics helps feed the bacteria in your cat’s gut. Prebiotics keep the gut happy and healthy by promoting good bacteria.
Another option is a probiotic, which contains microorganisms that will maintain good gut bacteria. Probiotic supplements have been shown to aid cats with chronic constipation.
Quality Cat Food In General
Don’t fret if you feel confused or unsure about the right amount of fiber or protein or adding wet food to your cat’s diet. If you are feeding them high-quality food, you will see positive changes.
Look for cat foods that do not have too many carbs with plenty of protein. A higher quality cat food will not contain a lot of additives, like by-products and fillers.
Symptoms of Constipation in Cats
Cats experiencing constipation often experience a harder time at the litter box. As an parent of a cat myself, I know how difficult it can be sometimes to monitor your cat’s bathroom habits.
Straining
One of the first signs of constipation in your cat may be seeing them strain in the litter box. Be aware if you see your cat frequent the litter box, but not actually use it.
Long Periods Without Going and Unproductive Litter Box Sessions
Your cat is definitely constipated if she hasn’t had a bowel movement in over 24 hours. However, you might notice that they have a bowel movement and see that the waste is small and hard. Both are symptoms to be aware of.
Lack of Appetite
Constipation can be a sign of a much more serious health problem. If you see that your kitty has less of an appetite, it may be due to discomfort in their stomach and digestive system or some other issue.
What Causes Constipation in Cats
Lack of Fiber
Constipation in cats is not just an issue caused by poor food or diet. In fact, constipation in cats can stem from many different reasons or a combination of reasons, including lack of fiber in their diet.
Food for constipated cats will almost always supplement with more fiber.
Less Activity or Age
Constipation is also often an issue of age and lack of activity. As cats get older, they tend to slow down, which can cause less movement in the digestive tract. This leads to senior cat litter box issues.
Dehydration
Cats can also develop constipation if they are not drinking enough water. Dehydration makes the stool harder, which can make it more difficult to come out. It can also lead to obstruction in the stool.
Litter Box or Litter Issues
Another major cause of constipation in cats is an issue with your cat’s litter box. If you notice your cat avoiding their litter box and having trouble using it, they may be upset about something or feeling physical discomfort.
Be careful when trying out new litter trays or putting them in a different location.
How to Treat Constipation in Cats
Unless the situation is very serious, such as a suspected obstruction or chronic illness, you might not need to rush a constipated kitty to the vet. Making little, but effective, changes can make a real impact.
Hydration
Hydration is key for a constipated cat. Make sure they have access to clean, fresh water in a safe, private area of the house – I like a streaming water fountain! Water in the intestine will help plump and loosen stool gradually. Switching to a cat food with a higher moisture level can also help.
Supplement with Fiber
Besides feeding a high fiber cat food, consider adding a fiber supplement or cat treat to their diet, too.
Soluble fiber is ideal because it can slow digestion. Carrots, oats, and peas are common examples of soluble fiber you might give your cats. Insoluble fiber, such as psyllium or canned pumpkin, can lower the water content of stool and decrease nutrient absorption.
More Physical Activity
Changing your cat’s daily habits might also be a solution to help treat constipation. Middle-aged and older kitties are most at risk for constipation, often due to low activity. Focus on getting your cat up and playing during the day. It will work wonders on their digestive tract.
Smaller Meals
You can also feed them smaller meals more often, which encourages gut motility. A small meal can digest more completely and lessen the chance of blocking further bowel movements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What food is best for constipated cats?
Some of the best food you can give a constipated kitty is canned food. Canned food has a higher water content, which helps with hydration and can lead to smoother, easier stool. Some cats, however, do not like canned food. In this case, try adding water to dry food to soften it.
Is wet food better for constipated cats?
Wet food is frequently recommended for constipation because dehydration is a major cause of this issue in cats. Wet food, whether it is in a can or not, typically has a higher water content. Your cat benefits from the added water intake if they are not drinking enough on its own.
Does dry cat food make cats constipated?
Dry cat food does not necessarily make a cat constipated. However, your cat will be automatically predisposed to becoming constipated if they are on a dry food diet. Dry food does not have a lot of water content, plus cats eating dry food do not always drink enough water.
I’m Gary Hu, a proud cat dad to a 15 lb Maine Coon. Have taken care of outdoor and indoor cats for over 10 years, and learned tons on behavior, habits, health, and products. I help new Maine Coon (or any other cat) parents with common questions and issues based on real, practical experience.
