When it comes to choosing the right cat food for a cat with a sensitive stomach, there are a few key things to consider. The most important factor is finding a food that is highly digestible and limited in ingredients. Cats with stomach sensitivities usually do better on a cat food made with a single protein source and limited carbohydrates. Avoiding ingredients like wheat, soy, dairy, and artificial additives is also recommended. Some great options to try are limited ingredient diets, grain-free foods, or homemade cat food made under veterinary supervision.
What causes upset stomachs in cats?
There are several potential causes for an upset stomach in cats:
- Food allergies or intolerances – Cats may have difficulty digesting or be allergic to certain ingredients like wheat, dairy, chicken, beef or fish.
- Abrupt diet change – Sudden changes in diet can disrupt digestion and lead to vomiting or diarrhea.
- Eating inappropriate things – Cats may ingest toxic or inedible items which irritate the GI tract.
- Bacterial, viral or parasitic infections – Infections from bacteria, viruses, or intestinal parasites can all cause stomach upset.
- Inflammatory bowel disease – Chronic gastrointestinal condition causing inflammation of the intestinal tract.
- Gastrointestinal cancer – Uncommon in cats but can occasionally cause vomiting, diarrhea, or other symptoms.
- Side effects of medications – Antibiotics or other drugs may sometimes lead to nausea as a side effect.
- Stress or anxiety – Stress can impact the function of the GI tract leading to symptoms.
If your cat has ongoing digestive upset, it’s important to take them to the veterinarian for an examination and diagnostic testing to determine the underlying cause.
What ingredients should I avoid for cats with sensitive stomachs?
Here are some common cat food ingredients to avoid for cats with easily upset stomachs:
- Wheat or other grains – Grains are common allergens and difficult to digest for some cats.
- Soy, corn, eggs – These can also be allergens and are harder to break down.
- Dairy – Most cats are lactose intolerant as adults and cannot digest milk products well.
- Artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives – These additives provide no nutritional value and may cause issues.
- Fish – Fish is linked to food allergies in some cats and has a strong scent/flavor.
Instead, look for cat foods with fewer, high-quality ingredients like:
- A novel protein source like venison, duck, rabbit or kangaroo which your cat hasn’t eaten before.
- A carbohydrate source like sweet potato rather than grains.
- Natural flavors and preservatives only.
What is the best cat food for sensitive stomachs?
Here are some top recommended cat food brands for sensitive stomachs:
| Brand | Food Name | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Canin | Gastrointestinal Fiber Response Dry | Prebiotics, probiotics and fiber for digestion. Limited ingredients. |
| Hill’s Science Diet | Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Cat Food | Clinically tested nutrition. Natural ingredients plus prebiotics and antioxidants. |
| Purina Pro Plan | FOCUS Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice | Salmon protein, rice carbohydrate. Fortified with live probiotics. |
| Natural Balance | Limited Ingredient Diets Green Pea & Salmon | Limited ingredients to minimize allergies. Contains digestive enzymes. |
Be sure to transition slowly when switching foods. Also check with your veterinarian, as they may recommend prescription cat food for certain conditions.
What should I look for when selecting a cat food for a sensitive stomach?
Here are some tips for choosing the best cat food for your sensitive kitty:
- Select a limited ingredient diet with a single protein source and carbohydrate. Novel proteins like rabbit or venison can reduce allergies.
- Choose digestible carbs like sweet potato rather than grains.
- Check for added probiotics, prebiotics and digestive enzymes which support healthy digestion.
- Avoid artificial additives, colors and flavors as well as allergens like wheat, corn and soy.
- Go for wet or canned food which is gentler on the stomach than dry kibble.
- Pick grain-free recipes without wheat, corn or soy.
- Consider prescription GI foods which are highly digestible and nutritionally balanced.
- Pick a product from a reputable brand recommended by your veterinarian.
What cat food ingredients help soothe upset stomachs?
Some beneficial ingredients to look for in cat foods for sensitive stomachs include:
- Prebiotics – Help support healthy gut flora.
- Probiotics – Live microorganisms that aid digestion like Bifidobacterium.
- Digestive enzymes – Help properly break down proteins, fats, and carbs.
- Fiber – Soluble fiber helps regulate gastrointestinal motility and stool formation.
- Omega-3 fatty acids – Have anti-inflammatory effects on the gastrointestinal tract.
- Antioxidants – Can help reduce inflammation in the GI lining.
Ingredients to avoid include common allergens like wheat, soy, corn, eggs, and artificial additives. Read labels carefully and stick to simple, high quality foods.
What signs indicate my cat has a sensitive stomach?
Watch for these signs of a sensitive or upset stomach in cats:
- Frequent vomiting
- Chronic soft stools or diarrhea
- Visible discomfort after eating
- Decreased appetite
- Increased gas
- Gurgling belly sounds
- Weight loss
- Increased or decreased thirst
- Change in litter box habits
- Change in behavior like decreased activity
Sudden vomiting or diarrhea may just indicate a minor stomach bug. But if gastrointestinal signs are recurrent, get your cat examined by a veterinarian.
Tips for transitioning your cat to a sensitive stomach diet
When switching your cat to a new food for digestive issues, keep these tips in mind:
- Gradually transition over 5-7 days, slowly increasing the new food while decreasing the old.
- Mix the new and previous diet in proportions like 25%/75%, 50%/50%, 75%/25% over several days.
- Feed smaller, more frequent meals during the transition.
- Ensure your cat has plenty of fresh water available at all times.
- Give digestive enzymes or probiotic supplements if recommended by your vet.
- Stick to scheduled feeding times instead of free-feeding.
- Monitor your cat’s litter box habits and appetite closely.
- Call your vet if you observe continuing vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy or other concerns.
Going slowly reduces stomach upset from sudden food changes. It may take 2-3 weeks on the new food to see if it resolves your cat’s GI problems.
Can I give my cat with stomach issues homemade food?
Homemade cat food can be a good option for cats with chronic gastrointestinal issues. However, it’s important to follow recipes formulated by veterinary nutritionists to ensure the diet is complete and balanced. Key tips include:
- Consult your vet before feeding homemade food for stomach issues.
- Follow recipes designed specifically for cats from reputable sources.
- Use digestible, novel protein sources like rabbit, duck or venison.
- Include bioavailable sources for all essential vitamins and minerals cats need.
- Supplement taurine which cats cannot naturally synthesize.
- Measure and track portions carefully to maintain proper nutrition.
- Work with a vet nutritionist to develop recipes tailored to your cat.
- Monitor your cat’s weight, energy, coat and litter box habits closely while feeding homemade.
Well-balanced homemade diets can benefit cats with GI disorders. But improper recipes can lead to nutritional imbalances over time. Work closely with your vet if pursuing homemade cat food.
Should I feed wet or dry food for sensitive cat stomachs?
Wet or canned cat foods are usually better options for cats with sensitive stomachs for several reasons:
- Canned food has a high moisture content which is better for digestion.
- The canning process creates a soft, smooth texture that is easy to digest.
- Wet foods tend not to have gluten or grains that may trigger allergies.
- Ingredients are less processed which can be easier on the stomach.
- Flavors are added after canning so fewer total additives are used.
- Broths can provide electrolytes helpful for cats with vomiting or diarrhea.
Dry kibble has some benefits like dental cleaning and being more affordable or convenient. But most cats with GI issues do better on wet food. Transition gradually between dry and wet food over several days if needed.
Are probiotics helpful for cat stomach problems?
Yes, probiotic supplements can often help improve gastrointestinal health in cats by:
- Restoring populations of beneficial bacteria
- Improving proper digestion and nutrient absorption
- Crowding out potentially harmful bacteria
- Reducing inflammation in the gut
- Normalizing bowel movements
Look for probiotic supplements specifically formulated for cats and administer them as directed by your veterinarian. Refrigerated products may provide more viable organisms. But even shelf-stable probiotics can be beneficial.
When should I seek veterinary help for a cat with stomach issues?
See your vet promptly if your cat shows any of these symptoms:
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea for more than 24 hours
- Signs of dehydration – Dry gums, lack of skin elasticity, sunken eyes
- Loss of appetite or refusal to eat for more than 48 hours
- Weight loss, particularly if rapid
- Blood or mucus in vomit or stool
- Painful abdomen, grunting or crying when picked up
- Lethargy, depression, lack of interest in surroundings
- Increased body temperature or fever
- Straining to urinate or defecate with little production
Acute gastrointestinal distress can advance quickly in cats and lead to dehydration. Seek medical attention as soon as you observe any concerning symptoms or lack of improvement after 48 hours of home care.
Conclusion
Cats with sensitive stomachs need easily digestible cat foods made with limited, novel protein sources to prevent allergies. Wet food and limited ingredient diets made with digestible carbs like sweet potato can help. Added probiotics, enzymes and fiber also improve digestion. Avoid common allergens like dairy, wheat and soy. Transition slowly and seek veterinary advice if symptoms don’t quickly improve. With some trial and error to identify triggers, most cats with stomach sensitivities can be managed successfully with the right diet.