As a cat parent, nothing is more distressing than watching your beloved furball suffer from an upset stomach. Whether it’s triggered by a sudden change in their diet or environment, or something they ate that didn’t agree with them, an upset stomach in cats can be extremely uncomfortable and even life-threatening if left unaddressed. That’s why it’s crucial for cat owners to be able to spot the telltale signs of this condition.
If you’ve noticed your kitty vomiting, experiencing diarrhea or constipation, or showing signs of lethargy or lack of appetite, chances are they’re grappling with an upset tummy. It’s imperative to pay attention to these symptoms and seek veterinary care promptly so that your furry friend can receive the right treatment plan.
In this informative blog post, we’ll delve deeper into the causes of an upset stomach in cats and list out all the red flags you should keep an eye out for. We’ll also shed light on various treatment options available and provide practical tips on how to prevent future episodes and maintain your cat’s digestive health. By staying proactive and well-informed about your feline’s stomach health, you can ensure that they lead a happy and healthy life free from tummy troubles.
Common Causes of Upset Stomach in Cats
From dietary changes and intolerances to hairballs, gastrointestinal infections, parasites, and underlying medical conditions such as IBD or pancreatitis, there are plenty of reasons why your furry friend may be feeling under the weather.
Dietary changes or intolerances are a common cause of upset stomach in cats. If your cat is not accustomed to certain ingredients or types of food, digestive upset, vomiting, and diarrhea can often occur. Always pay attention to how your cat reacts to different types of food and read labels before making any dietary changes.
Hairballs are another frequent cause of upset stomach in cats, especially for those with longer fur or who groom themselves frequently. When these hairballs become too large or do not pass through the digestive tract properly, they can cause vomiting and other GI symptoms.
GI infections and parasites are also potential culprits when it comes to upset stomach in cats. Infections such as FIP, FeLV, and FIV can all cause GI symptoms while parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms can wreak havoc on a cat’s digestive system.
Finally, underlying medical conditions such as IBD or pancreatitis can cause chronic or recurrent upset stomach in cats. IBD is an inflammation of the GI tract that can cause a variety of symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that can also result in vomiting and diarrhea.
As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to monitor your cat’s eating habits and overall health closely. If you suspect any issues with their digestive system, seek veterinary care immediately. Your veterinarian may recommend medication, dietary changes or even a bland diet consisting of boiled chicken or rice.
Symptoms of an Upset Stomach in Cats
Upset stomachs in cats can manifest in various symptoms, ranging from mild to severe discomfort.
One of the most common signs of an upset stomach in cats is vomiting. While occasional vomiting may not be alarming, frequent vomiting or vomiting accompanied by lethargy or loss of appetite could be indicative of a more serious issue. If the vomiting is projectile or there’s blood in it, it’s crucial to seek veterinary care immediately.
Another red flag to look out for is diarrhea. A change in diet or an infection could cause diarrhea. However, if it persists or comes with other symptoms such as vomiting or loss of appetite, it’s essential to seek veterinary care promptly.
Loss of appetite is yet another clue that your cat may be experiencing digestive discomfort. Refusing food or treats can indicate pain or discomfort, and it’s important to monitor their eating habits and seek veterinary care if they continue not to eat for an extended period.
Other signs that may indicate an upset stomach in cats include lethargy, abdominal pain, and excessive gas. If you observe any of these symptoms in your cat, keep an eye on their behavior and seek veterinary care when necessary.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Upset Stomachs in Cats
However, it can be a challenge when your cat experiences an upset stomach. The good news is that there are diagnosis and treatment options available to help alleviate their discomfort.
It’s important to remember that there are numerous causes of an upset stomach in cats, including dietary intolerance, infections, parasites, stress, and underlying medical conditions such as kidney disease or hyperthyroidism. Since cats are known for hiding signs of illness, it can be difficult to diagnose an upset stomach. Keep an eye out for common symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, and dehydration.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your furry friend, it’s essential to take them to the veterinarian for a thorough examination. Your vet may recommend diagnostic tests like blood work, fecal analysis, and imaging studies to determine the root cause of the upset stomach.
Once diagnosed, your veterinarian may prescribe medication such as anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics or anti-nausea medications to help alleviate your cat’s symptoms. Additionally, feeding them a bland diet such as boiled chicken and rice or a prescription diet recommended by your veterinarian can also help ease their tummy troubles.
While home remedies like a warm compress and ginger tea may provide temporary relief for your cat’s upset stomach, they should not replace veterinary care. If you notice any persistent symptoms or if their condition worsens despite treatment, seek veterinary care immediately.
Diet to Soothe an Upset Stomach in Cats
When an upset stomach strikes, it can be challenging to know how to help. However, adjusting their diet can be a game-changer in soothing their discomfort and restoring their digestive balance.
The key to easing an upset stomach in cats is to provide easily digestible food that won’t further aggravate their system. A bland diet can be an excellent solution for this. Boiled chicken or turkey, cooked white rice, and plain canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) are all gentle on the stomach and can help alleviate vomiting and diarrhea.
It’s essential to keep in mind that a bland diet should only be used temporarily until your cat’s stomach has settled. Once they’re feeling better, you can gradually reintroduce their regular diet. Alternatively, you can opt for a commercial gastrointestinal (GI) diet explicitly formulated to be easy on the digestive system. GI diets often contain easily digestible proteins and fibers that can alleviate symptoms. Some examples of GI diets include Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal, and Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric.
If you’re unsure what to feed your cat or if their symptoms persist, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian. They can recommend the best course of action for your cat’s specific needs. Additionally, ensure your cat has access to clean water at all times to prevent dehydration.
Human Foods to Avoid with an Upset Stomach in Cats
However, it’s important to bear in mind that cats have delicate digestive systems, and certain human foods can actually make their condition worse. So, what human foods should you avoid giving your cat during an upset stomach episode?
First and foremost, dairy products are a no-go. While you may assume that a little milk or cheese could be a soothing treat for your cat, the reality is that cats are lactose intolerant. Consuming dairy products can trigger diarrhea and other digestive problems that will only exacerbate their already-unhappy tummy.
Another human food to steer clear of when your cat is feeling unwell is anything fatty or greasy. These types of foods can cause inflammation in the pancreas, leading to pancreatitis – a serious condition that could even be life-threatening.
Spicy foods are also off-limits when it comes to feeding your cat during an upset stomach episode. Not only can these dishes cause irritation in the digestive tract, but they can also aggravate any existing stomach issues. So, put away the chili peppers, hot sauce, and spicy meats until your cat’s tummy troubles have cleared up.
Finally, it’s crucial to avoid giving your cat anything that contains caffeine or chocolate. Caffeine can cause restlessness, tremors, and heart palpitations in cats – not something you want for your feline friend. Meanwhile, chocolate contains a compound called theobromine that is toxic to cats and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death.
Prevention of Upset Stomachs in Cats
Upset stomachs may seem like a minor inconvenience, but they can have serious consequences for your kitty’s well-being. Luckily, there are a few simple steps you can take to prevent upset stomachs in cats.
Proper Nutrition
First and foremost, it’s essential to ensure that your cat is getting proper nutrition. As obligate carnivores, cats require a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Feeding your cat a high-quality, grain-free cat food can help prevent upset stomachs. Additionally, avoid giving your cat table scraps or human food as these can upset their stomachs.
Hydration
Ensuring that your cat is properly hydrated is also crucial in preventing upset stomachs. Make sure to provide fresh water at all times, and consider adding wet food to their diet to increase their water intake. Dehydration can lead to constipation, which can cause an upset stomach.
Regular Vet Check-Ups
Regular veterinary check-ups are vital for maintaining your cat’s overall health and preventing upset stomachs. Your vet can check for underlying health issues that may be causing your cat’s upset stomach and recommend appropriate treatment.
Monitor Behavior
In addition to these preventative measures, it’s important to keep an eye on your cat’s behavior for any signs of an upset stomach. These may include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, lethargy, or dehydration. If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact your vet.
Also Read: What Should You Do If Cat Has Diarrhea But Seems Fine?
Conclusion
As a devoted cat parent, it can be heartbreaking to witness your feline friend suffering from an upset stomach. Whether caused by a sudden change in diet or environment, or something they ingested that didn’t agree with them, an upset stomach in cats can cause significant discomfort and even pose a life-threatening risk if left untreated. It’s crucial for cat owners to recognize the telltale signs of this condition.
Symptoms of an upset stomach in cats may manifest as vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, lethargy, and loss of appetite. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek veterinary care promptly so that your furry companion can receive the appropriate treatment plan.
There are several reasons why your feline friend may experience an upset stomach. These include dietary changes or intolerances, hairballs, gastrointestinal infections or parasites, and underlying medical conditions such as IBD or pancreatitis. To prevent future episodes and maintain optimal digestive health for your pet, ensure they have access to high-quality grain-free cat food and fresh water at all times. Regular vet check-ups are also essential for maintaining overall health.
In case your cat experiences an episode of tummy troubles, feeding them a bland diet consisting of boiled chicken or rice may help alleviate their discomfort. However, avoid giving them dairy products, fatty or greasy foods, spicy dishes, caffeine or chocolate as these could exacerbate their condition.
By staying proactive and well-informed about your feline’s stomach health and nutrition requirements, you can ensure that they lead a happy and healthy life free from gastrointestinal issues.
