Hi all! Velvet seems to be having a little trouble with constipation lately. She had it on rare occation for a long time. She is now 9 years old and is seeming to have more of a problem with it. Every so often, say maybe twice a month, she will run around the house making the sad miserable sounding meows. She will race up and down the stairs, go in and out of her litter box, obviously uncomfortable. Then, sometimes in the litter box and sometimes not, she will finally be able to go. We used to be confused as to what she was doing when she was demonstrating this behavior. But we now feel it is because she is uncomfortable and constipated and just waiting to be able to poop. Then wherever she happens to be, she goes.
I am not really concerned about the stray poop so much as I am about my poor kitty being so miserable. I have recently changed her food from Science Diet Maintenance to Royal Canin Indoor formula. I read a mention on the RC bag about preventing hairballs and it is my understanding that hairballs and constipation are related. Velvet does have the occasional hairball problem too, so I thought this might help. I made the switch about a month ago. She has had at least two constipation episodes since. Maybe I need to give it more time. She likes the Royal Canin and seems especially soft and silky so I think I will stick with it regardless. I live in a pretty small market. Royal Canin is about the best available food in my area.
She drinks plenty of water, she loves her pet fountain. So I don't think lack of fluids is the problem.
I would love any ideas, thank you in advance for any help!

I am not really concerned about the stray poop so much as I am about my poor kitty being so miserable. I have recently changed her food from Science Diet Maintenance to Royal Canin Indoor formula. I read a mention on the RC bag about preventing hairballs and it is my understanding that hairballs and constipation are related. Velvet does have the occasional hairball problem too, so I thought this might help. I made the switch about a month ago. She has had at least two constipation episodes since. Maybe I need to give it more time. She likes the Royal Canin and seems especially soft and silky so I think I will stick with it regardless. I live in a pretty small market. Royal Canin is about the best available food in my area.
She drinks plenty of water, she loves her pet fountain. So I don't think lack of fluids is the problem.
I would love any ideas, thank you in advance for any help!