Causes of Upset Stomach in Cats
There are several potential causes of an upset stomach in cats:
- Dietary changes – Switching your cat’s food too quickly or introducing a new food can disrupt their digestive system and cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (https://vetster.com/en/wellness/signs-your-cat-has-an-upset-stomach).
- Eating spoiled food – Eating food that has gone bad can lead to food poisoning and stomach upset.
- Eating too fast – Cats that eat too quickly may swallow air which can cause bloating and discomfort.
- Allergies – Food allergies or environmental allergies can cause stomach inflammation and gastrointestinal issues.
- Parasites – Worms, protozoa, or bacteria can infect your cat’s intestinal tract leading to vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite (https://www.petmd.com/cat/how-relieve-cat-stomach-issues).
- Viruses – Feline panleukopenia and other viruses target the gastrointestinal tract.
- Stress – Stress is a very common cause of upset stomach in cats. Changes to their environment or routine can easily upset their digestive system (https://be.chewy.com/upset-stomach-in-cats/).
Symptoms of Upset Stomach in Cats
There are several common symptoms to watch for if you suspect your cat has an upset stomach. These can include:
- Vomiting – Repeated vomiting or throwing up food, liquid, or bile is a telltale sign of stomach upset in cats.
- Diarrhea – Loose, watery stools indicate irritation of the digestive tract.
- Loss of appetite – Your cat refusing food or treats is often one of the first signs of an upset stomach.
- Gagging – Gagging noises without vomiting can indicate nausea in cats.
- Flatulence – Excess gas or flatulence points to digestive issues.
- Excessive licking – Obsessively licking the lips or abdomen can signal stomach pain or nausea in cats.
- Restlessness – A stomach ache may cause your cat to pace, fail to settle, or act agitated.
According to experts, vomiting and diarrhea are the most common signs of gastrointestinal upset in cats. However, subtle appetite or behavior changes can also indicate tummy troubles. If your cat exhibits any of these symptoms, consult your veterinarian, especially if the symptoms persist more than 24 hours (https://www.petmd.com/cat/emergency/common-emergencies/e_ct_abdominal_distention). Stomach issues in cats can progress quickly, so prompt evaluation is key.
When to See the Vet
If your cat is showing signs of an upset stomach, it’s important to monitor them closely and know when to seek veterinary care. According to vetster.com, you should take your cat to the vet if they have been:
- Vomiting for over 24 hours
- Having diarrhea for over 48 hours
- Not eating for over 2 days
- Showing signs of dehydration like lethargy or dry gums
- Having blood in their vomit or stool
- Experiencing concerning weight loss
- Being extremely lethargic or weak
An upset stomach that persists for more than a couple days could signal a more serious health issue that requires veterinary attention. It’s also crucial to watch for signs of dehydration, which can occur rapidly in cats and become life-threatening if not treated. Don’t hesitate to call your vet if your cat’s symptoms are severe or lasting longer than expected.
Home Remedies
There are some simple home remedies cat owners can try first when a cat has an upset stomach. One of the most important steps is to withhold all food for 12-24 hours to allow the gastrointestinal system to rest and settle.1 Offering a bland diet after this fasting period can also help. Things like boiled chicken, rice, and pumpkin are gentle on the stomach. It’s critical to provide plenty of fresh water during this time to prevent dehydration. Keeping the litter box extremely clean is also important, as cats with GI issues may have loose stools or vomiting.
Over-the-Counter Medications
There are a few over-the-counter medications that can help soothe an upset stomach in cats when used appropriately and under the guidance of your veterinarian. These include:
Antacids like Tums, Rolaids, or Mylanta can help neutralize stomach acid and provide some relief from nausea and vomiting. They typically come in flavored tablets that can be crushed and mixed with food.
Anti-diarrheal medications containing bismuth subsalicylate like Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate can help firm up loose stools. Loperamide or kaolin-pectin based antidiarrheals may also be recommended by your vet.
Probiotics can help restore the natural balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut and ease digestive upset. There are probiotic supplements formulated specifically for cats that can be mixed into their food.
It’s important to consult with your vet before giving any over-the-counter medication to ensure proper dosing for your cat’s size and needs. Never give your cat medication made for humans without veterinary approval.
Prescription Medications
Certain prescription medications may help relieve an upset stomach in cats. Some of the main types of prescriptions given for gastrointestinal issues include:
Antiemetics
Antiemetics help control nausea and vomiting. Some common prescription antiemetics for cats include maropitant (Cerenia), ondansetron (Zofran), and prochlorperazine (Compazine) (Chewy).
Antidiarrheals
Antidiarrheals help control diarrhea. Examples include sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) and metronidazole (Flagyl) (Wedgewood Pharmacy).
Antibiotics
If a bacterial infection is causing the upset stomach, antibiotics may be prescribed. Common options are metronidazole (Flagyl), tylosin, and amoxicillin.
Steroids
For cats with inflammatory bowel disease, steroids like prednisolone help reduce inflammation in the GI tract.
It’s important to follow vet instructions carefully when giving prescription medications for an upset stomach. Never give human medications to pets without first consulting a veterinarian.
Avoiding Certain Foods
When a cat has an upset stomach, it’s important to avoid feeding them certain foods that could worsen their symptoms. Fatty and spicy foods are common triggers for upset stomachs. The high fat content is difficult to digest, while spices contain irritants that can further upset the digestive system. Dairy products should also be avoided, as many cats are lactose intolerant. Milk, cheese, ice cream and other dairy can lead to diarrhea or vomiting.
Gas-forming foods like beans and lentils are difficult for cats to digest properly and may cause painful gas or bloating. It’s best to avoid these while your cat recovers from an upset stomach. Too many treats or table scraps can also overwhelm your cat’s digestive system. Stick to their normal food in proper portions.
Additionally, any abrupt changes in diet can shock the digestive system and cause upset. When transitioning to a new food, do so slowly over the course of 5-7 days, gradually adjusting the ratio of old to new food. This gives the stomach time to adjust.
Check with your veterinarian for tailored advice on avoiding problematic ingredients for your cat during an upset stomach episode. Careful diet management can help speed recovery.
Foods That Can Help
When a cat has an upset stomach, feeding them bland, easy-to-digest foods can help soothe their stomach and reduce vomiting and diarrhea. Some foods that are gentle on a cat’s stomach include:
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Boiled chicken – Plain, cooked chicken without any seasoning is gentle on the stomach. Be sure to boil or bake the chicken rather than frying it.
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Plain cooked rice – White rice is a good source of bland starch to settle the stomach. Avoid any seasonings or butter.
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Canned pumpkin – Make sure to get plain pumpkin without any spices. The fiber can help with both constipation and diarrhea.
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Bone broth – The collagen and gelatin in bone broth can help coat and heal the GI tract. Get an unseasoned variety.
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Probiotic yogurt – Plain, unsweetened yogurt with live probiotic cultures can help restore good bacteria to the gut. Give just a spoonful.
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Slippery elm – This natural supplement can help soothe inflammation in the stomach and intestines. Give according to package directions. [source]
Feed smaller, more frequent meals of these bland foods for a couple days. Then slowly transition back to the cat’s normal diet. Avoid fatty, heavily seasoned, or processed foods until the stomach has fully settled.
Prevention
There are several steps cat owners can take to help prevent upset stomachs in their feline companions:
Feed a high-quality diet – Cats with sensitive stomachs do best on a high-protein, low-carb, limited ingredient diet made with easily digestible ingredients. Avoid cheap brands with fillers. Gradually transition between diets.
Feed smaller, more frequent meals – Eating smaller meals more often throughout the day puts less pressure on the digestive system. Splitting up the daily food amount into 3-4 meals is ideal.
Ensure adequate hydration – Dehydration can worsen gastrointestinal issues. Provide fresh, clean water at all times and consider adding water to food.
Limit human foods and treats – Things like milk, garlic, onion, chocolate, and excess fat trimmings can upset a cat’s stomach. Limit treats to 10% of daily calories.
Reduce stress – Stress can aggravate stomach troubles. Provide a predictable routine and minimize changes. Give cats outlets for exercise and play. Use calming aids like pheromones if needed.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Cats with an upset stomach can quickly take a turn for the worse. According to veterinaryemergencygroup.com, you should seek emergency veterinary care if your cat is exhibiting any of the following symptoms:
- Unproductive vomiting for over 12 hours
- High fever
- Severe abdominal pain or bloating
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Collapsing or inability to stand
Prolonged vomiting can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and even liver and kidney damage. A high fever, abdominal pain, or bloody vomit/stool may indicate a life-threatening issue like pancreatitis, intestinal obstruction, or poisoning. Collapsing is a medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary treatment and stabilization.
If your cat is exhibiting any of these symptoms, don’t wait – seek emergency veterinary care right away. The longer you wait to get treatment, the higher the risk of complications or death. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when your cat’s health takes a sudden turn.