Some cats have a sensitive stomach: they vomit now and then, have soft stools or gas, or react badly to certain foods. Changing the diet can often help, but it’s important to find out what’s causing the problem first, because digestive signs can also be caused by illness.
See your vet before changing your cat’s diet if your cat vomits more than once or twice a month, has diarrhea lasting more than a day or two, has blood in its stools, is losing weight, is eating less or seems unwell. These signs can be caused by parasites, infections, inflammatory bowel disease, food allergies, kidney, liver or thyroid disease and other conditions that need treatment. Read more about vomiting and diarrhea in cats.
Common Causes of Tummy Upsets
- sudden changes of food;
- eating too quickly, or eating too much at once;
- fatty foods, table scraps and dairy;
- food sensitivities or allergies;
- hairballs;
- stress;
- intestinal parasites. Read more about worms in cats.
Choosing a Food for Sensitive Digestion
Foods labeled for sensitive stomachs or sensitive digestion are usually:
- highly digestible, with good-quality protein and carefully chosen carbohydrates such as rice;
- moderate in fat;
- made with prebiotic fibers, such as beet pulp or FOS, to support healthy gut bacteria;
- often based on fewer ingredients, or a single animal protein source.
If your vet suspects a food allergy, they may recommend a strict elimination diet using a hydrolyzed or novel-protein prescription diet for at least 8 weeks. Over-the-counter “limited ingredient” foods aren’t reliable for diagnosing allergies, because they can be contaminated with other proteins. Read more about allergies in cats.
Probiotics made for cats may help some cats, but ask your vet which one to use.
Feeding Tips for Cats with Sensitive Stomachs
- switch foods very gradually, over two weeks or more. Read more: how to switch your cat to a new food;
- once you find a food that suits your cat, stick with it rather than constantly changing flavors;
- feed small meals several times a day;
- for cats that gulp their food and then vomit, use a slow feeder, a puzzle feeder or spread food on a flat plate;
- avoid table scraps, milk and fatty treats;
- brush your cat regularly to reduce hairballs;
- keep your cat’s parasite treatments up to date;
- provide plenty of fresh water.
