Cat Upset Stomach: Causes and Effective Solutions

Cat upset stomachs are common concerns among pet owners, often causing distress for our feline friends. Recognizing the causes behind these issues and implementing effective solutions is crucial for ensuring your cat's digestive health and well-being.

Common Causes of Cat Upset Stomachs

Hairballs:

While coughing up hairballs is a typical behavior in cats, sometimes they might struggle or experience excessive hairballs, leading to an upset stomach. In such cases, supplements can be a solution. The Vets Best Hairball Relief Tabs is a great hairball solution.

Ingestion of Non-food Items:

Cats, known for their curiosity, might ingest non-food items like plants, toys, or toxic substances, leading to stomach issues. A disturbed stomach might occur due to an obstruction or the ingestion of a foreign object.

Stress or Anxiety:

Changes in routine, environmental stressors, or anxiety can also contribute to digestive disturbances in cats. Stress stands as a prevalent trigger for cat upset stomachs, inducing symptoms like indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. A stressed cat might display signs of tension, withdrawal, and heightened reactivity to its surroundings.

Pre Existing Health Issues:

Certain health issues can contribute to upset stomachs in cats. Usually, these severe conditions manifest alongside additional symptoms as weight loss, indigestion, vomiting and diarrhea.

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

• Gastroenteritis

• Hyperthyroidism

• Kidney disease

• Liver disease

Dietary Changes:

Abrupt changes in a cat's diet, introduction of new foods, or eating too quickly can upset their stomachs. Read our blog on "How to Correctly Switch Pet Foods" to learn more about properly switching pet foods.

Food Allergies or Intolerances:

Some cats may exhibit stomach discomfort due to allergies or intolerances to certain ingredients in their diet. Although food allergies can lead to upset stomachs, the predominant reaction tends to be persistent itching and licking that persists throughout the seasons without subsiding. Common allergies include chicken, dairy, soy and grains.

Symptoms of Cat Upset Stomachs

Recognizing the signs of an upset stomach in cats is essential for prompt intervention. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, straining to defecate, lack of appetite, or lethargy.

Effective Solutions for Cat Upset Stomachs

Dietary Adjustments:

Transitioning your cat's diet gradually or choosing easily digestible foods can help alleviate stomach issues. Read our blog on "How to Correctly Switch Pet Foods" to learn more about properly switching pet foods. While your cats stomach is upset a simple diet, which might include boiled chicken and rice or a small quantity of pumpkin and plain greek yogurt, can be beneficial for a cat experiencing an upset stomach.

Regular Feeding Schedule:

Establishing a consistent feeding routine with smaller, more frequent meals can aid digestion.

Stress Reduction:

Creating a calm environment, providing hiding spots, and minimizing stressors can help reduce anxiety-related stomach upset.

Conclusion

Understanding the causes of upset stomachs in cats and implementing appropriate solutions is vital for maintaining their digestive health. By addressing dietary issues, seeking veterinary advice, and creating a stress-free environment, pet owners can ensure their feline companions enjoy a comfortable and healthy life.