Like people, cats can suffer from upset stomachs. In today's post, veterinarians discuss some of the most common symptoms of an upset stomach in cats, and what you should do if your cat is sick.
Signs & Symptoms of Upset Stomachs in Cats
Vomiting and diarrhea are common signs of inflamed, irritated stomach and intestines, or gastrointestinal upset in cats or kittens.
Vomiting is your cat's way of emptying their stomach of indigestible material to prevent it from getting further into their system. When that indigestible material makes its way fully through your cat’s digestive system diarrhea is often the result.
Other signs that your cat has an upset stomach include licking lips (a sign of nausea), loss of appetite and lethargy.
Causes of Upset Stomachs in Cats
There are many possible causes for your cat's upset stomach including, viruses and parasites, a reaction to eating something bad, or more serious conditions such as cancer or organ problems.
If your cat exhibits any severe symptoms, take them to the vet immediately. Depending on the severity of your cat's symptoms, your vet can make a proper diagnosis.
Typically there are two different types of conditions that can cause your cat to have an upset stomach, conditions affecting the inside of your cat's gastrointestinal tract (GI) and conditions from outside of your cat's GI tract.
Issues within your cat's GI tract include:
- Parasites
- Intestinal foreign bodies
- Cancer
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Hairballs
- Ingestion of toxic substances
- Stomach ulcers
- Food sensitivities & allergies
- Bacterial overgrowth
Issues outside of your cat's GI tract include:
- Liver disease
- Urinary tract infections (UTI)
- Infections
- Cancer
- Kidney disease
- Hormonal disorders
- hyperthyroidism
- Pain or Stress
- Pancreatitis
- Brain disorders (Vertigo)
- Cancer of almost any system
- Diabetes
What To Do If Your Cat Has an Upset Stomach
Treatment of upset stomach in cats focuses on the underlying problem. Depending on what has caused your cat's symptoms, treatment can be as simple as temporarily withholding food or as complex as surgery or chemotherapy.
Periodic or Infrequent Vomiting
If your cat is vomiting periodically or infrequently, avoid giving your cat any food for approximately 12 hours. Provide your cat with a couple of tablespoons of water every 30 minutes or provide them with ice cubes during this brief fasting time.
Reintroduce the water bowl after the 12 hours have passed, and offer your cat with a few teaspoons of easy-to-digest bland food. If your cat is able to keep down their food and water, continue to feed them small amounts of food every hour or two.
If the vomiting stops, return to feeding them as usual the next day.
For Severe Vomiting
If your cat is having repeated bouts of vomiting or diarrhea contact your vet immediately. Continuous or severe vomiting and diarrhea could be a sign that your cat is seriously ill and requires immediate treatment.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.