Some cats have a sensitive digestive system and need specific remedies for upset stomachs.
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Best remedies for your cat's upset stomach
Some cats have a sensitive digestive tract and suffer from stomach problems after eating. They can experience various unpleasant symptoms, including diarrhoea, vomiting, and constipation.
Fortunately, there are kibbles to help your cat's digestion, as well as several special remedies to ease cat digestive problems. Choose a treatment that's easy to administer, either directly into the mouth or mixed into the food. Some are very palatable, and your cat will consider the tablets to be good treats!
Naturally, it is also advisable to consult a vet as soon as your cat shows any unusual behaviour. The vet may advise you to put your pet on a diet for a few days or to make a smooth transition to a new diet. Don't forget to deworm and vaccinate your cat regularly.
Does your cat have diarrhoea? Does it often vomit after eating? Help them by adding digestive enzymes for cats to their medicine cabinet. We've highlighted several products in this buying guide. Your cat will soon be back in top form!
Summary
What can cause stomach problems in cats?
Stomach problems in cats can have many causes. If your cat is vomiting regularly, it may be suffering from a viral infection, a hernia, kidney failure, or food poisoning. In all cases, it's essential to consult a professional. If vomiting is occasional, it may simply be a matter of eating too quickly!
As for diarrhoea, it can result from indigestion, the presence of bacteria or parasites, or an infection. All these intestinal affections are painful for the cat and require an appointment with a veterinarian.
Cat digestive issues can also be caused by viral diseases, such as intestinal coronavirus. Many cats live with it but suffer from lifelong stomach pains. Parasites in the small intestine and colon can also cause stomach problems in cats such as flatulence or loose stool.
How can I help my cat with digestion?
If you see your cat having trouble digesting, be sure to break their meals into several small portions. In the wild, felines eat a little at a time but have multiple meals throughout the day. Due to a short digestive tract, they digest better this way. Cats' digestive system is different from humans'.
In case of cat stomach problems, you can also set up a small 24-hour diet to give your cat's digestive tract time to rest. Make sure to consult a vet before you introduce any changes to your cat's meals. In any case, don't forget to leave fresh water near your cat at all times.
Is your cat dewormed? If not, it may be suffering from parasites that are disrupting its intestinal transit. To deal with parasites, simply administer an effective dewormer.
If digestive problems are recurrent, opt for medical kibbles, specially developed for cat gastrointestinal problems.
What are the symptoms of digestive disorders in cats?
The symptoms of stomach problems in cats are very diverse. Since cats cannot verbally complain, you should be very attentive to any change in your pet's behaviour.
If they regularly emit odorous flatulence, this is a sign of poor digestion caused by inadequate food or stress. Diarrhoea and vomiting should also alert you, as should regurgitation and constipation.
Stomach problems in cats make them quieter than usual. They often lie down and have little appetite.
What to do when your cat has digestive problems?
If your pet seems to have digestive problems, make sure they are dewormed. Remember, this should be done regularly, even if your cat only lives indoors. Deworming will protect your pet from parasites and several diseases that cause digestive problems. Adult cats should be dewormed once a year.
If your cat suffers from diarrhoea or vomiting and is properly dewormed, you can put them on a diet for 12 to 24 hours. This allows their digestive tract to rest for a while. Even in that case, remember to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.
At the end of the diet, reintroduce the food in small quantities. You may have to change the type of food to one that the cat can tolerate better.
How to treat stomach problems in cats?
Several food supplements can help relieve digestive problems in cats. Pet shops offer a variety of prebiotics and probiotics for cats, along with products that facilitate the passage of hairballs, thanks to a lubricating effect. They are generally presented in the form of capsules, to be put directly in the cat's mouth. There are also food supplements in the form of powder, which you simply disperse in the cat food or on its kibble.
If your cat is vomiting, your vet may prescribe an antiemetic. This should be given to your pet about half an hour before each meal. Antacids are also effective in preventing vomiting. They protect the stomach lining.
As for antispasmodics, they relieve abdominal pain and diarrhoea. This treatment is often prescribed by the veterinarian when the animal produces very loose stools. Diarrhoea should never be taken lightly, as it can lead to severe dehydration.
