An upset stomach in cats can be a distressing experience for both the pet and their owner. Recognizing the signs and understanding potential causes are crucial steps in helping your feline companion recover. This guide delves into the common symptoms, causes, treatment options, and preventative measures for stomach issues in cats, drawing from veterinary expertise.
Symptoms of a Feline Upset Stomach
Cats experiencing stomach upset may exhibit several noticeable signs. Dr. Elizabeth Arguelles, medical director at Just Cats Clinic, highlights licking the lips as a common indicator of nausea. Other symptoms can include vomiting, a refusal to eat, and changes in behavior, such as decreased activity or hiding. Dr. Mark Rondeau, a veterinarian at PennVet, emphasizes that behavioral changes are significant indicators, as cats often mask discomfort.
It’s important to distinguish between vomiting and hairballs. Vomit typically contains partially digested food or bile, while a hairball is a distinct mass of hair that cats may occasionally expel. While occasional hairballs are normal, persistent vomiting warrants veterinary attention.
Potential Causes of Stomach Upset in Cats
Several factors can contribute to an upset stomach in cats. Frequent or rapid changes in cat food are a common culprit, as are intestinal parasites, particularly in younger cats and kittens. Food intolerments, allergies, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are also frequent causes.
More serious underlying conditions, such as gastrointestinal cancers, kidney disease, and hyperthyroidism, can also manifest as vomiting. If you suspect your cat is unwell, seeking immediate veterinary care is essential.
Veterinary Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing the exact cause of vomiting is critical, often requiring a veterinary visit. Cats that vomit multiple times in a day or haven’t eaten for 48 hours need urgent medical attention. Veterinarians can prescribe anti-nausea medications, such as Cerenia, as well as treatments for diarrhea and appetite loss. A temporary bland diet may be recommended during recovery.
In some cases, deworming medication or monthly parasite prevention, like Revolution, Advantage Multi, or Heartgard, may be prescribed, as some of these also combat intestinal parasites. Radiographs (X-rays) can help identify obstructions or foreign bodies, while lab work can detect metabolic issues like kidney disease or hyperthyroidism. If initial tests are inconclusive, an abdominal ultrasound may be performed to examine the stomach and intestines more closely, potentially revealing inflammatory bowel disease or gastrointestinal lymphoma, which would require intestinal biopsies for definitive diagnosis.
Chronic vomiting, even without lethargy, warrants a veterinary check-up, especially if accompanied by weight loss.
Preventing Future Stomach Issues
Preventing future stomach upset involves a multi-faceted approach. Consistent monthly prevention for intestinal parasites, feeding a balanced, high-quality diet, and regular veterinary check-ups (at least annually) are key recommendations.
High-Quality Diets and Dietary Management
Dr. Rondeau stresses the importance of a high-quality diet and consistency. Avoiding table scraps and sticking to a trusted brand and flavor can help maintain digestive health. Rapid diet changes can disrupt a cat’s system. In cases of diarrhea, a diet change alone can resolve the issue about half the time, though it may take several days to see improvement.
For cats with fiber-responsive diarrhea, adding fiber to their diet can be beneficial. This can be achieved through prescription cat foods like Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Fiber Response, which contains ingredients such as brewers’ rice, B vitamins, and psyllium husk. Alternatively, adding canned pumpkin or supplements like Metamucil or Nummy Tum-Tum Pure Organic Pumpkin to their food can provide additional fiber. Pumpkin is also sometimes recommended for constipation.
Probiotics for Feline Gut Health
Probiotics can offer additional support for cats experiencing diarrhea. These supplements introduce beneficial bacteria to the digestive tract, promoting a healthier gut environment. Dr. Arguelles recommends specific probiotic supplements such as Purina’s FortiFlora and Nutramax’s Proviable, which contain live microorganisms and, in the case of FortiFlora, antioxidant vitamins. These can be easily mixed with a cat’s food.
Close monitoring of your cat’s activity and behavior, coupled with consistent communication with your veterinarian, is the most effective strategy for ensuring your cat maintains a healthy stomach and overall well-being.
