Cats suffer from an upset stomach for a myriad of purposes. This can include an introduction to a new supplement or eating too quickly. If you observe recurrent symptoms like vomiting, flatulence, or diarrhea in your cat, it could be possible that your cat has a sensitive stomach. 

After all, you are not the only one who has encountered cat puke in their homes. An upset stomach is among the prevalent causes of cats being taken to a veterinarian. Read on to learn the common reasons for upset stomach in cats and how to help calm your feline’s tummy and make it feel better. 

Primary Reasons for a Cat’s Upset Stomach

An upset stomach could be the consequence of various reasons. The causes for an upset stomach can be categorized as problems within and problems outside the gastrointestinal tract. Any inflammation in the GIT could cause an upset stomach. This inflammation can be due to the following reasons:

  • Parasites
  • Any foreign material in the intestines like threads
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease IBD
  • Hairballs
  • Any toxins ingested
  • Sensitivity to any edibles 
  • Bacterial overgrowth 
  • Stomach ulcers and many others

As mentioned earlier, conditions outside the gastrointestinal tract could also cause an upset stomach. These include:

  • Liver and Kidney problems 
  • Pancreatitis 
  • Urinary Tract Infections 
  • CNS disorders that can cause Vertigo 
  • Hormonal disorders like hyperthyroidism or diabetes
  • Pain, stress, or infections
  • Cancer of any system

If your feline is sensitive, any minor adjustments in the diet could also lead to an upset stomach. For this reason, opting for cat food for sensitive stomach is recommended. This, however, will be further discussed under the heading of managing your cat’s upset stomach.

Treatment and Management of your Cat’s Upset Stomach

The treatment and management for an upset stomach majorly focus on addressing any underlying reason while relieving symptoms like nausea and inflammation. The individual diagnosis determines the course of treatment.

Management of liver illness, for example, differs significantly from care for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which varies considerably from medication for intestinal parasites. In some cases, surgery or biopsy protocols could be required. Your veterinarian may recommend lab tests or imaging examinations, like abdominal ultrasounds or X-rays.

While alleviating the underlying symptoms, it is also necessary to take care of the pain and suffering your feline is experiencing. An anti-nausea medicine, antacids, antibiotics, probiotics, prokinetics, or pain-relieving medications could also be prescribed, considering your cat’s condition and requirements. 

An appropriate diet is also essential for an upset or a sensitive stomach. An inflamed gastrointestinal tract is usually compromised and unable to properly digest food. Feeding your feline the right food could speed the recovery and reduce pain, discomfort, and nausea.

For moderate cases, a change in diet such as switching to a stomach-sensitive formula could be enough for alleviating the symptoms. To provide extra water through mealtime, it is good to feed a mix of moist and dry food.

Your veterinarian may recommend a highly nutritious therapeutic diet to soothe and heal the intestines in more severe cases. When uncertain, consult your veterinarian for dietary advice. If you do decide to switch diets, ease into it by combining your cat’s past and present feeds for a few days.

Feeding a Cat with an Upset Stomach

Your feline must constantly eat, as a lack of appetite might be dangerous for the cat. If your cat is not eating correctly, it could develop fatty liver disease. This can be fatal and result in prolonged anorexia in your cat, which can be life-threatening. If your cat refuses to eat, you can attempt the following ways while consulting with your veterinarian to address its symptoms with medicines:

  • Warm up the food in an oven for 10-15 seconds to make it smell more enticing.
  • Try switching between moist and dry food.
  • Make the encounter more enjoyable by speaking gently to it and petting the cat while offering food.
  • When switching your cat’s food, keep increasing the new diet by 20-25% every three to four days for a quicker transition. Replace a part of the prior diet with boiled rice and consider including a feline probiotic in the food. 

During your next appointment, ask your vet if the change in diet is safe for the cat.  If it is not, inquire for a suggestion on the types and variations you are thinking about.

Many human meals are unsuitable for kitties and can irritate their stomachs. Feeding them leftover food fosters begging, making it more challenging to overcome the habit afterward. This makes them less inclined to consume their appropriate food.

Conclusion

While being unpleasant, your cat’s upset stomach is not insurmountable. Most cats’ gastrointestinal problems may be resolved with appropriate vet care and diet, which will hopefully preserve your carpet.