Does your feline friend frequently vomit or cough up hairballs? While many cat owners consider hairballs a normal part of cat ownership, frequent hairballs and vomiting are not typical and could indicate a sensitive stomach. In fact, hairballs themselves are not normal for cats; their digestive systems are designed to process ingested hair naturally.
If your cat is experiencing these issues, it might be reacting to something in their diet. Gastrointestinal (GI) upset in cats is often triggered by food that is difficult to digest, food allergies, or artificial additives like flavorings and preservatives in their food.
Switching to cat food specifically formulated for sensitive stomachs can often alleviate and even resolve these problems. However, it’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your cat’s diet. A vet can help rule out other underlying health issues and guide you toward the best dietary solutions.
Here’s how to recognize if your cat has a sensitive stomach and how to find the ideal diet to help them feel better.
Recognizing the Signs of a Sensitive Stomach in Cats
Vomiting isn’t always just a sign of a sensitive stomach; it can be a symptom of various illnesses. Similarly, coughing up a hairball can sometimes be mistaken for general coughing or sneezing, which might actually be signs of feline asthma.
If your cat vomits food or hairballs more than once a month, or if they are also losing weight, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian. These symptoms warrant a professional check-up to ensure there are no serious underlying conditions.
To help your vet make an accurate diagnosis, try to record a video of your cat when they are exhibiting these symptoms. This visual information can provide valuable insights into what’s happening at home.
During a veterinary visit, your vet will look for clues to identify the cause of your cat’s stomach issues. They might recommend diagnostic tests such as blood work, X-rays, or an ultrasound to pinpoint the problem. By eliminating other potential medical conditions, you can ensure your cat receives the correct treatment for any underlying health issues, and then focus on diet if necessary.
Finding the Best Cat Food for Sensitive Stomachs
Once your veterinarian has ruled out other health concerns, you can begin working together to determine the best food for your cat’s sensitive stomach. Your vet can provide recommendations based on your cat’s specific nutritional needs, and you can further refine the choices based on your cat’s preferences to find a food they enjoy and tolerate well.
One of the primary approaches to finding the right food is starting with a diet trial.
Starting a Diet Trial for Cats with Sensitive Stomachs
After your cat has been given a clean bill of health, a diet trial is the next logical step in identifying food sensitivities. It’s a process of systematically trying different foods to see which one best suits your cat’s digestive system.
It’s important to understand that there isn’t a universal “best” cat food for sensitive stomachs. Each cat is unique and will respond differently to various diets. Collaborating closely with your veterinarian is crucial to finding the most appropriate food for your cat’s individual needs.
Allow sufficient time for each diet trial to be effective. It can take up to three to four months for your cat’s system to fully adjust to a new diet and eliminate the effects of the previous food. This duration is necessary to accurately assess how well your cat is truly doing on the new food.
Key Ingredients to Look for in Sensitive Stomach Cat Food
The most suitable cat foods for sensitive stomachs are typically highly digestible and free from ingredients that commonly cause irritation. Highly digestible formulas usually contain moderate levels of fat, protein, and carbohydrates, making them easier for your cat to process.
Many Sensitive Stomach Cat Foods include beneficial additives that support intestinal health. These can include soluble fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and increased levels of antioxidant vitamins. Additionally, they often exclude common irritants like gluten, lactose, artificial food coloring, and preservatives. When choosing the right sensitive stomach cat food, always check the ingredient list for these beneficial components and absence of potential irritants.
Considering Hypoallergenic Cat Food Options
Food allergies are a significant cause of gastrointestinal issues in cats. Among dietary components, protein sources are the most frequent culprits behind food allergies in cats.
Cats can develop allergies to proteins they have been exposed to previously. For instance, even common proteins like chicken or fish can trigger allergies if a cat has consumed them before. However, a novel protein – one your cat has never eaten – is less likely to cause an allergic reaction because their immune system has not yet become sensitized to it.
Research indicates that beef, fish, and chicken are among the most common proteins associated with food allergies in cats. For cats with suspected protein sensitivities, hypoallergenic diets are often the best choice.
Types of Hypoallergenic Diets for Cats
There are three primary types of hypoallergenic diets designed to help cats with food sensitivities:
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Limited Ingredient Diets: These diets are formulated with a minimal number of ingredients, typically featuring a single protein source and a single carbohydrate source. They are available over-the-counter, making them a convenient first step. An example includes Natural Balance® L.I.D. Chicken & Green Pea Formula grain-free canned cat food. However, it’s important to note that these diets are not always strictly regulated to prevent cross-contamination with other ingredients.
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Veterinary Prescription Diets with Novel Protein: For cats with more pronounced allergies, veterinary prescription diets containing novel animal proteins are often recommended. These diets use a single, uncommon protein source and are produced in facilities designed to prevent cross-contamination. This ensures a purer diet, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions.
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Hydrolyzed Protein Diets: These prescription diets utilize a process called hydrolysis, where proteins are broken down into very small fragments. This reduces the likelihood of the immune system recognizing them as allergens. Hydrolyzed protein diets, such as Royal Canin® Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein HP dry cat food, are particularly effective for cats with severe food allergies.
Other Strategies to Help Cats with Sensitive Stomachs
Sometimes, managing a cat’s sensitive stomach involves more than just changing the type of food. Adjustments to the food form or feeding schedule can also make a significant difference.
Changing the Form of Cat Food
If your cat is experiencing digestive issues primarily with dry food, switching to a wet food diet might be beneficial. Consider trying a low-carbohydrate, high-protein canned food option. Examples include Royal Canin® Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Moderate Calorie canned cat food or Purina® Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Formula canned cat food.
Conversely, if wet food seems to be the problem, transitioning to a dry food formulated for sensitive digestion could be helpful. Royal Canin® Sensitive Digestion dry cat food is a suitable option in this case. Experimenting with different food forms can sometimes uncover a simple solution to your cat’s digestive sensitivities.
Adjusting Your Cat’s Feeding Routine
The way you feed your cat can also impact their digestion. Cats that consume large meals at once are more prone to vomiting shortly after eating – a phenomenon sometimes humorously called “scarf and barf.”
Cats naturally have small stomachs, roughly the size of a ping-pong ball. Their physiology is adapted for eating multiple small meals throughout the day, mimicking their natural hunting behavior. Consuming one large meal daily can overwhelm their digestive system and lead to regurgitation.
Feeding smaller, more frequent meals is generally better for a cat’s digestion. This approach reduces the amount of food sitting in the stomach at one time, improving digestion and nutrient absorption.
You can mimic this natural feeding pattern using tools like the Doc & Phoebe’s™ indoor hunting cat feeder kit. Instead of filling a bowl once or twice a day, this kit allows you to distribute food into smaller portions hidden in toy mice around the house. This method encourages natural foraging behavior, provides portion control, increases activity, and reduces stress, which can collectively decrease or eliminate vomiting related to feeding habits.
By understanding the signs of a sensitive stomach and exploring different dietary and feeding strategies, you can help your cat live more comfortably and reduce digestive upsets. Always consult with your veterinarian to ensure you are addressing your cat’s specific needs and ruling out any underlying medical conditions.
