In this article on our site we are going to give the keys to identify the symptoms of a cat with a sick stomach Digestive problems can manifest in an acute way, that is, sudden, or chronic, in which more or less mild symptoms will occur that will last over time. Unless the digestive problems are very mild, punctual and resolve spontaneously, we will need to go to the vet to identify the cause of the discomfort and prescribe the treatment, in which food will play an important role.
If you suspect that your cat may be suffering from a digestive problem, keep reading to discover each of the symptoms and find out how to know if your cat has a stomach ailment.
How do I know if my cat has a sick stomach?
The symptoms of a cat with a sick stomach are usually the following:
- Stools of a soft consistency, sometimes with mucus or blood, which can be passed in the usual pattern 1-2 times a day or more often.
- Diarrhea, which consists of passing liquid stools every so often.
- Vomiting, from undigested food, bile, foam, etc.
- Bowel sounds known as rumbling sounds.
- Furthermore, when digestive problems intensify, the cat will have a coat in poor condition and will lose body condition, that is, it will we will notice thinner, anorexic and apathetic, which may be due to the cat having a stomach ache.
- In some conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, the cat may have an increased appetite.
That a cat vomits once is not worrying, we must ensure that its diet is adequate, it is internally dewormed and we control the hairballs. But if the vomiting is intense, frequent or repeated for weeks, we should consult the vet The same can be applied to loose stools or diarrhea.
Diseases of the digestive system that cause stomach pain in cats
Once the symptoms of a cat with a sick stomach have been identified, we must know that the causes that can lead to digestive pathologies are numerous. We will review the most common :
- Parasites of the digestive system, especially in kittens or adults with other diseases that weaken their immune system.
- Infectious diseases, such as panleukopenia, which are characterized by causing bloody diarrhea and a characteristic odor, as well as dehydration, fever, anorexia, etc.
- Sometimes the digestive problem is secondary to other conditions. For example, kidney disease is responsible for vomiting.
- poisonings can also damage the digestive system. Among the toxic drugs you can find drugs that have vomiting, nausea or diarrhea among their side effects.
- A intestinal obstruction can also cause digestive problems. Cats, although in a lower percentage than dogs, can also ingest foreign bodies such as threads, bone fragments or thorns.
- Any condition that manages to irritate the digestive system can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, of greater or lesser intensity. In addition, cats can suffer from inflammatory bowel disease, a disorder that becomes chronic, such as malabsorption syndrome or food intolerances or allergies.
- There may also be neoplasms.
What to do if my cat has a sick stomach?
Although the symptoms of a cat with a sick stomach are very similar, we see that they can be caused by multiple causes. Therefore, if they do not subside, worsen or more symptoms appear, we must contact the veterinarian, since to get the treatment right we must find the cause.
Among the tests to reach this diagnosis is the observation of feces under a microscope, the blood test or the abdominal ultrasoundBlockages may require surgery. Although the drugs to be used will depend on the cause, in all cases the diet, and its reintroduction after the disease and during it, is an important pillar for recovery, as we will see.
Baby cat sick to stomach
We dedicate this section to kittens because of their special vulnerability to digestive problems. In them, a parasite infestation can be fatal. Coccidia or giardia stand out, sometimes difficult to detect, which cause considerable diarrhea. The problem in the little ones is that if they eliminate more liquids than they take in, they can become dehydrated in a short space of time. Therefore, they will require immediate veterinary assistance. In addition, if they are not yet vaccinated, they can contract diseases as serious as panleukopenia, for which only supportive treatment can be applied.
In summary, if we adopt a baby cat we should go to the vet for a check-up, deworming and vaccination, in addition to taking it to a consultation if we observe symptoms like those we have described.
What can a cat with a sick stomach eat?
In this section we will distinguish two phases, the one corresponding to the recovery after the symptoms of a cat sick to the stomach, whatever the pathology, and the feeding of the cat with chronic disease:
- It is normal that if a cat has not eaten for a while and is weak, it does not show much interest in food. We can start offering you some specially formulated for convalescence, very easy to digest and highly palatable, with a paste or liquid texture. Tempering the food or using his favorite foods can help him start eating.
- On the other hand, if our cat suffers from a chronic gastrointestinal disease, the veterinarian will be the one to prescribe the most appropriate diet. We must be strict in its follow-up, since other foods could trigger the symptoms. We can choose between feed or wet food. If we want to opt for homemade food, we must prepare a menu in collaboration with our veterinarian If the digestive disorder is caused by a systemic disease, the diet must be specific to it.
