Can I put Vaseline on my cat bum? Does it really help with constipation? Is vaseline safe for cats?
Having a tub of Vaseline in the cupboard is handy for a number of reasons. I’m sure a lot of people reading this have one of those little blue tubs somewhere in their home.
But did you know Vaseline also has some useful applications for your cat?
We all have to deal with the good and the bad points of owning cats. Seeing your cat with a sore bum is probably one of the less desirable aspects of living with a cat. But the least you can do is help them out in any way you can, after all, I bet you know how uncomfortable a sore bum is!
So, I’ve done some research, aggregated several answers from friends and the cat community, and put together this article to help answer all the questions you have regarding the use of Vaseline and your cat’s bum.
What Is Vaseline Used For?
Vaseline, also called petroleum jelly or healing jelly is primarily used to protect and heal dry skin. Common uses are as a lip balm, to soften up hard skin on feet, treat other cracked and sore skin issues, and as a moisturizer.
When it comes to cats however, Vaseline has been proven to be an effective remedy for constipation, hairballs, and also skin issues as I’ll explain in more detail in this article.
Is Vaseline Safe for Cats?
Vaseline is not toxic or harmful for cats in sensible amounts either applied to their skin or fed to them.
What I mean by this is, if a cat licks a small amount of Vaseline it’s not going to do them any harm at all. Obviously, if a cat had access to an open jar and sat eating as much as they could, I’m sure that’s not going to be good for them. But that can be said about almost anything that isn’t food.
From looking into this subject, as far as I can tell Vaseline simply passes through their digestive system relatively unchanged when they eat it. I’ve seen Vaseline recommended by vets as a hairball treatment for this reason as it simply helps the blockage move through their system.
So it’s safe to say that Vaseline is safe for cats when used properly.
Can I Put Vaseline On My Cat Bum?
It’s perfectly fine to put a little vaseline on your cat’s bottom if it’s sore. The issue, however, is getting to the bottom (no pun intended) of why your cat has a sore bottom. The most common reasons are when cats have had diarrhea, issues with constipation, and so on.
If you’re sure it’s related to these reasons and know it’s nothing more serious. A little Vaseline should help relieve the discomfort they’re feeling, protect the area from infection and getting worse, and hopefully resolve the issue quickly.
If this doesn’t resolve the soreness in a couple of days or you have any concerns whatsoever that there might be a more serious underlying issue, please get them to a vet ASAP.
Using Vaseline for Cats Constipation
There have been various studies into using Vaseline to ease or cure constipation in cats. I’ve read a few of these, and I’m satisfied that is perfectly safe and fine as an option if this is what you want to try.
How much Vaseline should I give my cat for constipation? A study published by the Canadian Veterinary Journal (source) recommends giving your cat half a teaspoon twice a day mixed in with their food.
You should only be using additives ongoing for mild constipation. If your cat has not pooped at all in 48 hours, the situation is serious and you need to take them to the vet.
You can expect to see some kind of results within 24 hours of using Vaseline or some other remedy for mild constipation.
Other Cat Constipation Remedies and Tips
Olive Oil
I’ve used olive oil a few times over the years to treat my cat for constipation and it’s always worked well. I mix around half a teaspoon in with their food and usually see results within 24 hours.
MiraLax
MiraLax is one of the over-the-counter laxative powders that is safe to use with cats. it’s tasteless, so it’s easy to mix in with their wet food and it’s fast-acting. I’ve used MiraLax a couple of times and within 24 hours there was no more constipation.
Water down Their Food
If your cats have persistent constipation issues start adding a little bit of water to their wet food, and avoid dry food altogether. Getting more water into their diet is essential for cats that suffer from constipation and other digestive-related issues.
Fish Oils
Something else to start incorporating into your cat’s diet is fish oils. Omega-3 essential fatty acids are anti-inflammatories and are proven to relieve constipation. Your best bet is to buy them in supplement form and add to their wet food.
In Summary
To answer the question, can I put Vaseline on my cat bum? The answer is yes, you can. It’s perfectly safe to do so.
Vaseline is good for the skin in the same way that it is for us. So, if they have a soreness issue and they’re clearly uncomfortable, applying a little bit of Vaseline it’s the right thing to do.
It’s not toxic to them if they lick or eat a small amount. So, don’t worry about them licking it off. In fact, it’s good for digestive issues, relieves constipation, and helps hairballs pass through.
Header image used with permission; 1970 Lincoln Continental (Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) )
