Does your cat frequently experience vomiting or hairballs? Many cat owners believe hairballs are a normal part of cat ownership, but surprisingly, they are not. A healthy cat’s digestive system is designed to process ingested hair naturally. Therefore, frequent hairballs, alongside vomiting, could indicate your cat has a sensitive stomach, possibly triggered by their food.
Gastrointestinal (GI) issues in cats are often linked to food that’s difficult to digest, food allergies, or artificial additives like flavorings and preservatives in their diet. Switching to a diet specifically formulated for sensitive stomachs can often alleviate or even eliminate these problems. However, it’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian before making any drastic changes to your cat’s diet.
This guide will help you understand the signs of a sensitive stomach in cats and how to work with your vet to find the ideal diet to soothe their digestive system.
Recognizing a Sensitive Stomach in Your Cat
Vomiting isn’t always a sign of food sensitivity; it can be a symptom of various underlying health conditions. Similarly, coughing up a hairball can sometimes be mistaken for coughing or sneezing, which might actually indicate feline asthma.
If your cat vomits food or hairballs more than once a month, or if you notice other signs like weight loss, it’s essential to schedule a veterinary check-up. Capturing a video of these episodes can be incredibly helpful for your vet to understand what’s happening at home.
During a vet visit, your veterinarian will look for clues to pinpoint the cause of your cat’s stomach upset. They might recommend diagnostic tests, including blood work, X-rays, or an ultrasound, to rule out other medical conditions. Identifying and addressing any underlying health issues is crucial before focusing solely on diet.
How to Choose the Right Cat Food for a Sensitive Stomach
Once your vet has ruled out other medical problems, you can start exploring dietary solutions for your cat’s sensitive stomach. Your veterinarian is your best resource for recommending foods that meet your cat’s specific nutritional needs. You can then consider your cat’s preferences to find a food they’ll enjoy and that will be gentle on their stomach.
Here are some strategies your vet might suggest when searching for the right Sensitive Stomach Cat Food.
Starting with a Diet Elimination Trial
After your cat receives a clean bill of health, a diet trial is a logical next step. This process helps you systematically test different cat foods to identify one that agrees with your cat’s digestive system. There’s no single “best” sensitive stomach cat food that works for every cat. Each cat will respond differently to various diets. Collaborate closely with your veterinarian to select the most appropriate food for your cat’s individual needs.
It’s important to understand that a diet trial takes time. It can take three to four months for your cat’s system to fully adjust to a new diet and eliminate the effects of the previous food, allowing you to accurately assess the new diet’s effectiveness.
Key Ingredients to Look for in Sensitive Stomach Cat Food
The best cat foods for sensitive stomachs are formulated to be easily digestible and avoid common irritants. Highly digestible formulas typically contain moderate levels of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. Many also include beneficial additives to support intestinal health, such as soluble fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and increased levels of antioxidant vitamins. Ideally, they should be free from gluten, lactose, artificial food coloring, and preservatives.
Considering Hypoallergenic Cat Food Options
Food allergies are a common cause of gastrointestinal upset in cats. Among dietary components, protein sources are the most frequent culprits behind food allergies. Cats can develop allergies to proteins they’ve been exposed to previously. For instance, a cat might be allergic to chicken or beef if these proteins have been part of their diet. However, if a cat has never eaten rabbit, they are less likely to be allergic to it because their immune system hasn’t been sensitized to rabbit protein.
Studies indicate that beef, chicken, and fish are among the most common food allergens for cats. For cats with suspected protein allergies, hypoallergenic cat foods are often the best solution.
Types of Hypoallergenic Cat Foods
There are three primary types of hypoallergenic diets available:
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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. Many limited ingredient diets are available over-the-counter, such as Natural Balance® L.I.D. Chicken & Green Pea Formula grain-free canned cat food. However, it’s important to note that these diets may not be produced in facilities that completely prevent cross-contamination with other ingredients.
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Veterinary Prescription Diets with Novel Protein: For cats with more severe allergies, veterinary prescription diets containing novel proteins are often recommended. These diets use a single protein source that is uncommon in most cat foods, like venison or duck, and are manufactured in facilities designed to minimize cross-contamination.
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Hydrolyzed Protein Diets: These diets, also requiring a veterinary prescription, utilize hydrolyzed proteins. Hydrolyzation is a process that breaks down protein molecules into smaller sizes, making them less likely to trigger an immune response. Royal Canin® Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein HP dry cat food is an example of this type of diet.
Other Strategies to Help a Cat with a Sensitive Stomach
Sometimes, managing a cat’s sensitive stomach involves more than just changing the type of food. Adjustments to the food’s form or your cat’s feeding schedule can also make a significant difference.
Changing the Form of Cat Food
If your cat experiences digestive issues primarily with dry food, switching to a high-protein, low-carbohydrate canned food diet might be beneficial. Options like Royal Canin® Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Moderate Calorie canned cat food or Purina® Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Formula canned cat food are worth considering.
Conversely, if your cat is currently on a wet food diet, transitioning to a dry food formulated for sensitive digestion, such as Royal Canin® Sensitive Digestion dry cat food, could be helpful.
Modifying Feeding Routines
Cats that consume large meals quickly are prone to vomiting shortly after eating – often referred to as “scarf and barf.” Cats have small stomachs, naturally designed for frequent, small meals throughout the day, mimicking their hunting behavior in the wild. Feeding a cat one large bowl of food once a day can overwhelm their digestive system and lead to regurgitation.
Smaller, more frequent meals are generally easier for cats to digest. This approach reduces the amount of food sitting in the stomach at one time, promoting better 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 twice daily, this kit uses small mouse-shaped feeders that you hide around the house, encouraging your cat to “hunt” for their food in smaller portions throughout the day. This method provides portion control, encourages activity, reduces stress, and can help minimize or eliminate vomiting related to eating too much at once.
By understanding the signs of a sensitive stomach and working with your veterinarian, you can find the best sensitive stomach cat food and feeding strategies to keep your feline companion happy and healthy.
