Cats are prone to digestive issues like hairballs and constipation, which can make them uncomfortable and disrupt their daily routines. These problems are especially common in long-haired breeds, senior cats, and those with low water intake or sensitive stomachs.
Choosing the right cat laxative can help restore your cat’s comfort and support regular digestion. In this guide, we compare the top cat laxatives, from gels and liquid drops to probiotic chews and odorless pills, so you can find the best fit for your feline’s needs and your own peace of mind.
Top 8 Best Cat Laxatives
Finding the right Cat Laxatives isn’t always straightforward. To simplify the process, we compared leading products and shortlisted the ones that truly stand out.
1. Dechra CatLax Hairball Elimination Gel
Hairballs can cause discomfort and digestive issues in cats, leading to vomiting and irregular litter box habits. A specialized hairball laxative helps coat swallowed hair, making it easier for cats to pass hairballs naturally.
Dechra CatLax is formulated to target hairball elimination and prevention, making it a strong choice for cats that frequently struggle with hairballs. Its palatable flavor is designed to appeal even to picky eaters, and it’s suitable for regular use in both short- and long-haired cats.
- Contains cod liver oil and vitamin E: Supports skin and coat health while aiding digestion
- Petroleum-based formula: Coats swallowed hair for easier passage through the digestive system
- Palatable taste: Encourages acceptance, even in finicky cats
Compared to typical alternatives, CatLax prioritizes hairball management with added skin and coat benefits. However, its petroleum base may not appeal to owners seeking all-natural solutions.
- Targets hairball elimination
- Supports skin and coat health
- Easy to administer gel
- Appeals to picky eaters
- Can be used regularly
- Petroleum-based formula
- Not an all-natural option
2. Netwik Cat Constipation Relief Liquid
Constipation can make cats lethargic and uncomfortable, often leading to straining or infrequent bowel movements. A gentle, natural laxative is ideal for cats with sensitive systems or owners who prefer plant-based ingredients.
Netwik Cat Constipation Relief offers a 100% natural liquid formula with six probiotics, making it a safe and effective choice for everyday digestive support. The included dropper allows for precise dosing, and the liquid format is easy to mix with food or administer directly.
- 100% natural ingredients: Free from artificial additives for gentle relief
- Six probiotics included: Supports gut health and regularity
- Dropper for easy dosing: Simplifies administration and ensures accurate amounts
Unlike petroleum-based gels, Netwik focuses on natural digestive support and ease of use. The liquid format is convenient, but some cats may resist the taste or texture.
- All-natural formulation
- Includes probiotics
- Fast-acting relief
- Easy liquid dosing
- No artificial additives
- Some cats may dislike liquid
- Not specialized for hairballs
3. NIFEISHI Cat Constipation Relief Drops
Digestive discomfort from constipation can lead to stress and reduced appetite in cats. A gentle, non-chemical laxative is important for cats with sensitive stomachs or those prone to digestive upset.
NIFEISHI’s natural drops are formulated to provide fast-acting relief without harsh additives, making them a good fit for cats with sensitivities. The easy-to-use dropper allows for precise, mess-free dosing, and the formula is suitable for daily use.
- Natural ingredient blend: Avoids harsh chemicals for gentle relief
- Fast-acting tincture: Helps quickly restore comfort and regularity
- Dropper included: Enables accurate and simple administration
Compared to standard gels or pills, NIFEISHI prioritizes a gentle approach for sensitive cats. However, it may not address hairball issues as directly as some alternatives.
- Gentle on digestion
- No harsh chemicals
- Quick relief drops
- Easy to dose
- Suitable for daily use
- Not hairball-specific
- Liquid may be refused by some cats
4. Vetoquinol Laxatone Tuna Gel
Hairballs and digestive blockages can cause discomfort and vomiting in cats. A tasty, easy-to-administer gel helps encourage regular use and supports smoother digestion.
Vetoquinol Laxatone is a tuna-flavored oral gel designed to lubricate the digestive tract and help cats pass hairballs more easily. Its appealing taste makes it a good option for cats that resist other forms of laxatives, and it can be applied to the nose or paws for easy ingestion.
- Tuna flavor: Increases palatability for most cats
- Lubricant gel: Coats swallowed hair for easier elimination
- Simple daily application: Can be given on nose or paws
Compared to liquid or pill options, Laxatone stands out for its flavor and ease of use. However, it is not an all-natural formula and may not suit owners seeking plant-based products.
- Tuna flavor appeals to cats
- Easy gel application
- Supports hairball elimination
- Simple daily routine
- Not all-natural
- May not suit all dietary needs
5. VICSOM Cat Constipation Relief Drops
Senior cats and those with low water intake are especially prone to hard stools and constipation. A gentle, fiber-based laxative supports ongoing digestive comfort without harsh effects.
VICSOM’s herbal and fiber-based liquid drops are designed for daily care, using triphala, psyllium husk, and prebiotic FOS to promote regularity and softer stools. The mild chicken flavor and included dropper make it easy to add to food or water, and the formula is suitable for all ages, including seniors.
- Herbal and fiber blend: Supports softer stools and healthy rhythms
- Triphala, psyllium, and FOS: Promotes regularity and gut health
- Mild chicken flavor: Increases acceptance for picky eaters
Compared to standard gels or pills, VICSOM prioritizes gentle, ongoing support for older or hairball-prone cats. The herbal approach may require more consistent use for best results.
- Formulated for seniors
- Herbal and fiber-based
- Chicken-flavored drops
- Supports daily digestive health
- Results may take time
- Requires consistent use
6. VOSIFSDIY Cat Constipation Relief Liquid
Constipation can cause discomfort and disrupt daily life for cats of all ages. A gentle, herbal laxative in liquid form is ideal for owners seeking a stress-free, natural solution.
VOSIFSDIY’s liquid drops use all-natural ingredients to provide a mild laxative effect, supporting digestive health without harsh chemicals. The dropper allows for easy, flexible dosing, and the formula is suitable for kittens, adults, and seniors alike.
- All-natural herbal composition: Gentle on sensitive digestive systems
- Liquid format: Allows for quick absorption and flexible dosing
- Dropper included: Simplifies administration in food, water, or directly
Compared to pills or petroleum-based gels, VOSIFSDIY focuses on gentle, herbal support. However, it may require multiple daily doses and is not specifically formulated for hairball management.
- Herbal, all-natural formula
- Gentle laxative effect
- Flexible dosing options
- Suitable for all ages
- Multiple daily doses needed
- Not hairball-specific
7. Pet Honesty Cat Probiotics Gut Chews
Digestive issues in cats can stem from imbalanced gut flora, leading to irregularity and discomfort. A probiotic supplement supports both digestion and immune health, helping to prevent constipation and promote regularity.
Pet Honesty’s Gut + Immune Health Chews combine prebiotics and probiotics in a crunchy, creamy treat format. These chews are easy to give daily and appeal to most cats, making them a good choice for ongoing digestive support and immune system benefits.
- Probiotic and prebiotic blend: Supports gut health and regularity
- Crunchy & creamy texture: Appeals to cats and encourages daily use
- No artificial additives: Clean, science-backed ingredients
Compared to laxative gels or liquids, these chews focus on preventive support rather than immediate relief. They are best for daily maintenance but may not resolve acute constipation quickly.
- Probiotic and prebiotic support
- Crunchy treat format
- No artificial additives
- Supports immune health
- Not for acute relief
- Some cats may refuse chews
8. BestLife4Pets Cat Laxative Odorless Pills
Some cats resist flavored gels or liquids, making it difficult to provide constipation relief. Odorless, tasteless pills offer a discreet solution that can be mixed with food or dissolved in water.
BestLife4Pets provides tiny, plant-based pills that are easy to administer and suitable for all breeds and ages. The formula is non-addictive and free from artificial additives, making it a good choice for daily support and multi-cat households.
- Odorless and tasteless: Easy to hide in food or water
- Plant-based, homeopathic formula: Gentle and safe for daily use
- 400 pills per bottle: Long-lasting value for ongoing care
Compared to flavored gels or liquids, these pills offer a mess-free, low-stress option. However, they may not be as effective for hairball management and require consistent dosing.
- Odorless and tasteless
- Plant-based formula
- Long-lasting supply
- No artificial additives
- Suitable for multi-cat homes
- Not hairball-specific
- Requires regular dosing
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Cat Laxative
Cat laxatives come in several forms, each with unique benefits and tradeoffs. Choosing the right product involves understanding your cat’s specific needs, the underlying cause of digestive issues, and your own preferences for administration. Many buyers assume all laxatives work the same, but differences in ingredients, format, and intended use can significantly impact results and your cat’s comfort.
- Gel, liquid, chew, and pill types: Gels and liquids are popular for hairball control and quick relief, while chews and pills are often used for daily maintenance or for cats that resist other forms.
- Natural vs. petroleum-based formulas: Natural products use herbal and plant-based ingredients, appealing to owners seeking gentle, chemical-free options. Petroleum-based gels are traditional and effective for hairball passage but may not suit every preference.
- Probiotic and fiber blends: Some products focus on gut health and regularity through probiotics and fiber, supporting long-term digestive wellness rather than immediate relief.
- Ease of administration: Liquids with droppers, palatable gels, and odorless pills each offer different advantages for picky or sensitive cats. Consider your cat’s willingness to accept certain textures or flavors.
- Single-pet vs. multi-pet suitability: Some options are formulated for both cats and dogs, which can simplify care in multi-pet households but may not address feline-specific issues like hairballs.
- Misunderstanding: All laxatives are interchangeable: In reality, products vary in speed of relief, suitability for hairballs, and appropriateness for daily use or acute situations.
Choosing Between Gels, Liquids, Chews, and Pills
The main types of cat laxatives each have their own strengths. Gels and liquids are typically used for acute relief and hairball management, while chews and pills are better suited for ongoing digestive support or for cats that dislike sticky or flavored products.
- Gels: Often petroleum-based, effective for hairball passage, easy to apply to nose or paws
- Liquids: Fast-absorbing, easy to mix with food or water, available in natural or herbal formulas
- Chews: Probiotic-based, best for daily gut health maintenance, may not resolve acute constipation
- Pills: Odorless and tasteless, suitable for cats that resist other forms, require consistent dosing
Natural vs. Traditional Formulas
Owners increasingly seek natural or plant-based solutions. Herbal and probiotic blends are gentle and suitable for daily use, while traditional petroleum-based gels remain effective for hairball prevention.
- Natural formulas: Favor gentle, ongoing support and are free from harsh chemicals
- Petroleum-based gels: Provide proven hairball relief but may not appeal to all owners
Special Considerations for Senior and Multi-Pet Homes
Senior cats and multi-pet households have unique needs. Older cats benefit from fiber-based, gentle formulas that support regularity without causing sudden changes. Multi-pet products offer convenience but may not be tailored to every cat’s issue.
- Senior cats: Look for fiber and herbal blends that support hydration and stool softness
- Multi-pet homes: Choose larger bottles or formulas approved for both cats and dogs for value and simplicity
Final Buying Advice
Choosing the best cat laxative comes down to your cat’s specific needs, your household setup, and your own preferences for administration. Avoid assuming all products work the same—consider the underlying cause of your cat’s digestive discomfort and match the formula and format accordingly.
- Match product type to your cat’s habits and preferences
- Prioritize natural or gentle formulas for sensitive or senior cats
- Use chews or probiotics for ongoing maintenance, not acute relief
- Select multi-pet options for convenience in larger households
- Don’t overuse laxatives—follow dosing instructions and consult your vet for persistent issues
FAQ For Cat Laxatives
1. How do I know if my cat needs a laxative?
2. Are natural cat laxatives safer than petroleum-based options?
3. How do I give my cat a laxative if they are picky?
4. Can I use the same laxative for both my cat and dog?
5. How often should I give my cat a laxative?
6. Will a probiotic chew help with hairballs?
James Vega
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