Herbal Remedy

• An herbal remedy, slippery elm is prepared from the inner bark of the slippery elm tree (Ulmus fulva).
  
  

Healing Properties

• The mucilage in slippery elm bark becomes a slick gel when mixed with water and coats, soothes and lubricates the mucus membranes of a constipated cat's digestive tract. Because it's high in fiber, it also helps normalize intestinal action.
  
  

Preparation

• Slippery elm bark is available from health food stores in bulk as a powder or in capsules. Veterinarian Jean Hofve suggests mixing 1/4 tsp of the powder for every 10 pounds of body weight with enough water to make a thick gruel.
  
  

Administration

• Slippery elm bark can be given to cats with an oral syringe or mixed into wet food.
  
  

Cautions

• Slippery elm is safe to use for constipation in cats. However, because it coats the digestive tract, it may slow down the absorption of other medications.