For cats, signs of an upset stomach and some mild digestive issues may come and go throughout their life. While we understand that it can feel distressing to see your cat showing troubling symptoms, often, cases are mild and will settle within a day or two.
Cats have sensitive digestive systems, which can be easily irritated by a range of factors. Their inquisitive nature often leads to them ingesting a range of unsuitable foreign objects, like toxic plants or even household items.
Understanding what to look out for in your cat’s behaviour and how to respond calmly, can help you to better be there for your cat and help them feel their best.
It’s important to recognise when veterinary advice is needed and always ask for a second opinion if you’re unsure.
Why Cats Get Digestive Upset
Cats are curious creatures by nature, and as such they can often get into things they’re not supposed to, whether that’s out and about exploring the world, or inside the home.
Cats can also experience stress, just like us. This can cause digestive upset, so any changes in environment such as moving house can potentially cause them to display certain symptoms.
Just like humans, cats can also experience food allergies and sensitivities to certain foods and proteins which is a common cause of digestive upset.
Common Causes Include:
Eating human food that is toxic to cats such as chocolate or caffeine
Eating non-food items, such as dental floss or hair ties
Stress and changes in environment
Intestinal parasites, also known as worms
Food allergies or sensitivities
Underlying health issues such as IBD or Gastroenteritis
Hairballs
Signs Your Cat May Have A Digestive Problem
Digestive issues in cats can unfortunately seem to appear out of nowhere, for other felines, they can begin gradually and get worse over time. So, it’s important to know what signs to look out for. Some symptoms are easy to spot, while others are more subtle.
Changes in Behaviour
They may become more solitary than usual and hide away more. You know your cat inside and out, so are in the best position to look out for potential changes.
Lethargy
Cats with discomfort may seem more tired than usual and spend a lot of time sleeping, hiding, or resting. They could also be less playful and show less interest in play.
Weight Loss
Weight loss is a common cause for concern. They may suddenly seem a lot thinner than usual with bones around the lower back and spine becoming more visible.
Regurgitation or Vomiting
Vomiting and regurgitation can often be missed in cats, as they may vomit due to eating grass or hairballs which is fairly common. However, these signs could indicate a digestive issue.
Other Changes You Might See
- Refusal to eat.
- Drooling and frequent swallowing
- Bad breath
- A tense or swollen abdomen
- Dehydration
- Increased gas
These signs are important to look out for as they may signal discomfort in your cat.
How To Help Your Cat At Home
If your feline friend only seems to be experiencing mild symptoms while not exhibiting any changes in mood or behaviour, some simple at-home supportive care may be enough to help them get back to feeling their best.
Feed Them A Gentle, Bland Diet: Offer your cat small portions of easily digestible foods such as unseasoned boiled chicken, plain rice, or even a small amount of plain cooked pumpkin before moving to gastrointestinal cat food which is gentle on the stomach.
Provide a Calm, Safe Space: Ensuring your cat has a quiet comfortable space to rest in is key. For outdoor cats it’s a good idea to keep them inside too so they don’t eat anything that could add further upset.
Small Frequent Meals: Rather than feeding your cat a large meal as you normally might, instead feed them very small amounts of cat food for sensitive stomachs throughout the day. Feeding them around 4-6 small meals will help not to overload the digestive system.
Keep Hydration A Priority: Provide constant access to fresh water. Small frequent drinks are easier on the stomach than large amounts.
How Can Hydrolysed Food Support Cats With Digestive Issues?
Hydrolysed cat food is a perfect choice for cats suffering from digestive issues, allergies or sensitivities. Hydrolysed salmon proteins are broken down into smaller, more digestible components, making them easier to digest and less likely to cause a reaction. With added sodium and potassium, it also aids in nutrient uptake to get them back to their normal selves.
Shop Cat Food For Digestive Issues
Explore our specialist ranges of dry and wet cat food, tailored to support cats with digestive issues:
How Does Hypoallergenic Cat Food Help With Digestive Issues?
Our hypoallergenic cat food range is designed to help reduce the risk of food-related sensitivities. It does this by excluding common allergens that typically cause stomach distress. Calibra cat food uses novel protein sources such as salmon and rabbit to offer complete nutrition for your cat.
When To Contact Your Veterinarian
While digestive issues can come and go, it’s important that if you suspect something more serious is going on, to get prompt advice from your veterinarian. Contact your vet as early as possible if you notice:
Prolonged symptoms that last longer than 24-28 hours
Multiple episodes of vomiting despite not eating or drinking
Showing signs of pain and discomfort
Blood in vomit or stool
Chronic soft stool
Extreme lethargy
The Role Of Nutrition In Digestive Health
Nutrition is the foundation of a cat’s health, and can greatly impact their energy levels, immune function and their skin and coat health too. Cats are obligate carnivores and do require a meat-based diet that is high in protein. Sudden changes to a cat’s diet can trigger sensitive stomach issues.
Helpful feeding practices for cats include:
- Gradual food transitions when trying something new.
- Opt for easily digestible protein sources.
- Avoid any human foods not designed for cats.
- Include added prebiotics and paraprobiotics to support optimal gut balance.
Preventing Future Digestive Issues
Due to the nature of cats, digestive issues may not always be avoidable. There are a few things you can do to help reduce the likelihood of common occurrences such as:
- Try slow feeding, using puzzle feeders is an effective way to stop cats eating too quickly.
- Keep up with regular deworming, ideally each month.
- Reduce household stress, try to create a calm, comfortable environment.
- Ensure there’s always fresh water readily available.
Tailor the diet to the stage of life, from kitten food to food for senior cats.
Which Calibra Products Help To Support A Cat With Digestive Issues?
Calibra offers a specialist range of options within its veterinary and sensitive nutritional ranges. Our veterinary range has been formulated to cover the most common range of health issues in cats, including sensitive stomachs. This food range offers high-quality, raw ingredients, developed by vets and nutritionists.
Supporting Your Cat's Digestive Wellbeing
With cats, occasional stomach distress can be common, but it’s important to identify the underlying cause. Repeat issues may suggest your cat needs a more suitable diet for their age and needs. A balanced, healthy diet specifically designed for digestive comfort can help maintain the overall health and wellbeing of your cat.
Explore the Calibra range of veterinary diets for cats, and complete foods formulated by experts in cats’ nutrition to help support and maintain healthy digestion for a happy and healthy cat. Always consult with your veterinarian if you have any concern about your cat’s digestion or overall health.
