Worried about your cat’s sensitive stomach? Often, cats have digestive troubles due to stress, parasites, or even hairballs. So, before you panic and switch their food, it's important to know the real culprit behind their distress. In this blog, we’ll explore what might be causing your cat’s tummy troubles, how to spot the symptoms, and the best solutions to keep them feeling their best. Get expert tips and advice for managing your cat’s sensitive stomach effectively!
Are you a concerned pet owner, puzzled over why your pet seems to have a sensitive stomach? But before you toss out their favorite kibble in a fit of worry, here’s something reassuring: a sensitive stomach isn’t always about the food. Believe it or not, true food sensitivities and intolerances are pretty rare in cats. More often, these issues manifest as itchy skin or bumps rather than stomach issues. So, what’s exactly is the cause of their discomfort? In this blog, we’ll explore the possible reasons behind your cat’s sensitive stomach, symptoms to watch, and expert advice to help you choose the best diet, including some hypoallergenic options that might help.
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Causes of Sensitive Stomachs in Cats
Cats can be just as prone to tummy troubles as we are, and figuring out the cause can feel like solving a mystery. Could it be stress from a recent move, or perhaps something they ate? Understanding the reasons behind a sensitive stomach can help keep your feline friend comfortable and healthy. Given below are some of the most common causes of sensitive stomachs in cats:
Hairballs
Hairballs are a normal part of a cat’s life, especially since they groom themselves so meticulously. However, if your cat is coughing up hairballs more than once a month, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue.
Stress
Just like us, cats can get stressed out too! Whether it’s a move to a new home, rearranging furniture, or introducing a new family member, these changes can be quite unsettling for them. Stress can lead to an upset stomach or even inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Parasites and Bacterial Infections
Parasites and bacteria can wreak havoc on your cat’s digestive system. Outdoor cats are more prone to picking up these pesky invaders, but indoor cats aren’t entirely safe either.
Foreign Material and Objects
Cats are curious creatures and they might ingest non-food items, leading to digestive problems or even intestinal blockages. This can happen accidentally during play or because of a condition called feline pica, where cats eat non-food items due to stress or nutritional deficiencies.
Food Intolerances
Food intolerances can cause your cat’s stomach to react poorly to certain ingredients, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating. Unlike food allergies, which involve the immune system, intolerances are purely digestive.
Food Allergies
Though rare, food allergies can also cause digestive issues in cats. An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system mistakes a food ingredient as harmful. Common culprits include beef, chicken, fish, and dairy. If your cat is scratching excessively or has red fluid-filled bumps on their skin, they might have a food allergy.
Most Common Symptoms of Sensitive Stomachs in Cats
Cats often hide their pain due to their instinctive survival skills, making it tricky for us to know when something’s wrong. Stomach problems can sneak up on them gradually or hit suddenly. Even if they show one or two signs, it’s worth paying attention. Listed below are some of the common symptoms indicating gastrointestinal distress:
- Frequent or repeated vomiting
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Flatulence
- Acid Reflux
- Loss of Appetite
- Weightloss
- Lethargy
- Licking Lips (a subtle sign of nausea)
Choosing the Right Diet for Your Cat
If you’ve got a cat with a sensitive stomach or constant issues, it might be time to rethink their diet. High-quality pet foods are essential for cats with sensitive stomachs. But what makes cat food high-quality?
Well, the key is finding food that’s highly digestible and free from irritating ingredients such as fillers, additives, preservatives, and by-products. For cats with a delicate digestive system, you want a diet that’s moderate in fat, protein, and carbohydrates. Now let’s talk about some specific ingredients that can help.
Easily Digestible Proteins
Did you know cats are obligate carnivores? This means their diet is primarily meat-based, making up about 70% or more of what they eat, including muscle and organ meat. Chicken and fish are great choices as they are easy to digest. However, fattier animal proteins like beef, lamb, and pork might be tougher on a sensitive stomach. Just remember, raw food is the least digestible since it requires more effort from your cat’s stomach.
Wholesome Carbohydrates
Unlike dogs, cats don’t handle carbs very well. They lack specific enzymes needed to break down carbs efficiently. So, if you’re including carbs, make sure they’re from nutrient-dense sources like organic fruits, veggies, and seeds.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3s are like magic for your cat’s health. They reduce inflammation and keep the digestive tract healthy. Plus, they’re fantastic for the immune system, joints, coat, and skin. You might notice your cat’s fur getting shinier with the right amount of Omega-3s in their diet.
Fiber
In the wild, cats get fiber from indigestible parts of their prey, like fur and bones. For our indoor kitties, fiber from their food helps keep things moving in their digestive tract. The trick is not to overdo it, aim for cat foods with 1% to 8% crude fiber.
Grain-Free Diet
You might find grains like corn, wheat, oats, barley, rye, and rice in many dry cat foods. But do they really need these grains to stay healthy? The short answer is no. Most of these cat foods are too high in carbohydrates and gluten. For handling sensitive stomachs, your cat needs a high-protein, low-carb diet. Grain-free cat food is exactly what it says on the tine: it’s free from grains.
Probiotics & Prebiotics
Probiotics and prebiotic fibers are the unsung heroes of gut health. They promote a balanced microbiome, which is crucial for digestion and overall immune health. Whether through food or supplements, probiotics can make a significant difference. And don’t overlook the benefits of antioxidants.
Hydrating Foods
Hydration plays a vital role in your cat’s digestion. A dehydrated cat may struggle with constipation, exacerbating sensitive stomach issues. Wet cat food or dry cat food with added water can boost hydration, improving urinary and digestive health.
Homemade Food
Wondering if there’s a way to pamper your kitty with a sensitive stomach without compromising their health? Homemade food might be the answer! It gives you the power to pick exactly what goes into their meals, avoiding those allergens that can upset their tummies.
Criteria for Choosing the Foods for Cats with Sensitive Stomachs
Selecting the right food can make a big difference in managing your cat’s sensitive stomach. Listed below are the criteria you need to use to select the best cat food that’ll keep your furry friend feeling their best.
Meet AAFCO Standards
First and foremost, look for foods that meet the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This ensures the food is formulated to support your cat’s needs with the right nutritional balance. AAFCO sets nutritional standards for cat foods across different life stages.
High-Quality Animal Protein
When it comes to cat food, protein is king! You have to prioritize foods that include easily digestible proteins like chicken, turkey, or fish as their main ingredients.
Moisture Content
Ever notice how cats don’t always drink enough water? That’s why the moisture content in their food is so important! It helps with digestion and prevents dehydration-related issues.
Ingredients List
Here’s a little insider tip: check the ingredients list. Ingredients are listed in order of weight, so you want to see muscle meat proteins at the top. Bonus points for added ingredients like probiotics, prebiotics, and omega-3 fatty acids which support digestion and reduce inflammation.
Calorie Content
Understanding calorie content is also important. Your cat’s calorie needs will vary based on age, activity level, and health. For example, a growing kitten will need higher-calorie meals more frequently than an adult cat.
Expert Formulations
Finally, choose brands that meet quality control standards recommended by WSAVA i.e. World Small Animal Veterinary Association. This means the food is crafted by veterinary nutritionists or PhD-level animal nutritionists.
Ingredients to Avoid
If your cat has a sensitive stomach, it is usually caused by certain ingredients in their food. Given below are some ingredients that need to be avoided for cats with sensitive stomachs:
If your cat has a sensitive stomach, it often comes down to the ingredients in their food. Given below are some ingredients that need to be avoided for cats with sensitive stomachs:
- Low-Quality Proteins: Low-quality proteins are the junk food of the cat food world. They’re tougher on your cat’s digestive system and don’t provide the best nutrition.
- Dairy: We’ve all seen the cute image of a cat drinking milk, but in reality, most cats can’t handle dairy. They lack lactase, the enzyme needed to digest milk properly.
- Wheat, Corn & Soy: You might not realize it, but wheat, corn, and soy are often the sneaky culprits behind many feline food sensitivities. These grains are commonly used in cheaper cat foods to bulk up the recipe, but they’re not the easiest for cats to digest.
- Additives: Additives such as artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives can cause digestive issues and allergic reactions. Even common thickeners like guar gum and carrageenan can upset your cat’s tummy.
If you choose to switch to a new diet for your cat’s sensitive stomach, it’s important to do it slowly. Gradually mix the new food with your cat’s current diet, increasing the new food’s portion over seven to 14 days. This gradual change helps your kitty adjust without causing stress or additional stomach issues. For more expert advice tailored to your cat’s needs, consult Dr.Tail!