If your feline friend is experiencing frequent vomiting or regurgitating hairballs, it might be more than just a common grooming side effect. These signs could indicate a sensitive stomach, often triggered by indigestible foods, allergies, or additives. While changing your cat’s diet can help, it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian first to rule out other health issues and find the most suitable food. This guide will explore how to identify a sensitive stomach, what to look for in cat food, and other strategies to help your cat feel better.
Recognizing a Sensitive Stomach in Cats
Vomiting and hairballs can sometimes mimic other conditions, such as feline asthma. If your cat vomits or brings up hairballs once a month or more, or if they are also losing weight, a veterinary visit is strongly recommended. Capturing a video of these behaviors can be incredibly helpful for your veterinarian to diagnose the issue.
During the vet visit, diagnostic tests like blood work, X-rays, or ultrasounds may be performed to identify the underlying cause of the gastrointestinal upset. Ruling out other medical conditions ensures your cat receives the appropriate treatment.
Finding the Right Food for a Sensitive Stomach
Once your veterinarian has addressed any other health concerns, you can work together to select the best food for your cat’s sensitive stomach. Your vet can guide you on appropriate nutritional requirements, and you can then consider your cat’s preferences.
Diet Trials: A Step-by-Step Approach
A diet trial is a systematic process to find a food that agrees with your cat’s sensitive stomach. It’s important to remember that there isn’t a universal diet for all cats; each will respond differently. Your veterinarian will be your partner in this process. A diet trial can take three to four months to complete, allowing your cat’s system to fully clear the old diet and for you to evaluate the new one’s effectiveness.
Key Features of Sensitive Stomach Cat Food
The ideal food for a cat with a sensitive stomach should be highly digestible and free from irritating ingredients. These diets typically feature moderate fat, protein, and carbohydrate levels. They often include beneficial additives like soluble fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and increased antioxidant vitamins. Crucially, they should be free from common irritants such as gluten, lactose, artificial colors, and preservatives.
Exploring Hypoallergenic Diets
Food allergies are a common cause of gastrointestinal upset in cats, with protein sources being the most frequent culprits. Allergies can develop to any protein a cat has been exposed to. For instance, if a cat has never eaten rabbit before, they are less likely to be allergic to it. Studies suggest that beef, chicken, and fish are among the most common allergens. Hypoallergenic diets are specifically formulated to help cats experiencing sensitivities to certain proteins.
Types of Hypoallergenic Diets
There are three primary types of hypoallergenic diets:
- Limited Ingredient Diets (LID): These often contain a single protein and carbohydrate source. While some LIDs can be purchased without a prescription, they may not have strict regulations against cross-contamination. An example of a limited ingredient diet is Natural Balance® L.I.D. Chicken & Green Pea Formula.
- Veterinary Prescription Diets with Novel Proteins: For cats with more severe allergies, these diets feature a single protein source and are manufactured in facilities designed to prevent cross-contamination.
- Hydrolyzed Protein Diets: These prescription diets break down proteins into smaller components that are less likely to trigger an immune response. Royal Canin® Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein HP dry cat food is an example of such a diet.
Additional Ways to Support a Cat with a Sensitive Stomach
Beyond food changes, adjusting your cat’s feeding routine and the form of their food can also make a difference.
Experimenting with Food Form
If your cat struggles with dry food, consider transitioning to a low-carbohydrate, higher-protein canned food. Options like Royal Canin® Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Moderate Calorie canned cat food or Purina® Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Formula canned cat food are designed for digestive health. Conversely, if your cat is on wet food, a trial of dry food like Royal Canin® Sensitive Digestion dry cat food might be beneficial.
Rethinking Feeding Routines
Cats are naturally inclined to eat small, frequent meals due to their digestive anatomy and predatory instincts. Feeding one large meal can lead to “scarf and barf” behavior. Implementing a routine of small, frequent meals aids digestion and nutrient absorption. The Doc & Phoebe’s™ indoor hunting cat feeder kit can help mimic this natural feeding behavior by distributing food into multiple small portions hidden around the house. This not only provides portion control but also encourages activity and reduces stress, potentially decreasing or eliminating vomiting.
Consulting with your veterinarian is the most effective way to determine the best diet and feeding strategy for your cat’s sensitive stomach, ensuring they receive the proper nutrition and support for optimal digestive health.
