If your cat has repeated bouts of diarrhea, vomiting or loss of appetite, you should see your vet as soon as possible.
Most of the time, diarrhea and vomiting are resolved in a few days. However, beware of more serious cat digestive problems that need to be addressed and treated by your veterinarian.
Signs vary depending on the underlying cause, but abdominal pain is often characterised by: Vocalisation, wincing or attempts to bite when picked up or touched under the abdomen. Resentment of attempts to touch the abdomen. Restlessness, inability to sit in one position.
#1 A Short Fast
You don't have to withhold water, but if they are drinking too much water and vomiting that up as well, only let them have a small amount of water at a time. A short fast could allow your cat's upset tummy an opportunity to rest.
Withhold Food: Most veterinarians will recommend fasting a kitty who has stomach issues for 24 hours, so that the culprit can work its way out. A Bland Diet: If withholding isn't working, vets also advise giving cats plain, boiled chicken and rice, or pumpkin.
Withholding food for up to 24 hours and gradually starting on a mild diet will help most of the simple GI upsets. It is important that you call and have your pet examined if any of the following apply to him or her: If vomiting and diarrhea persists for longer than 24 hours and/or your pet is not acting normally.
While some stomach upsets are fairly benign and will resolve themselves, others can be serious or even fatal. That's why it's important to recognize the signs of a serious problem so you can seek help for your feline friend if they need it.
Examples of diets that may cause your cat to have diarrhoea include raw cat food or a BARF diet, or a diet higher in fibre. Cats can also be sensitive to cow's milk, which in some cases causes diarrhoea. Even swapping from dry to wet food or vice versa can upset a cat's stomach.
Yes, cats can eat yogurt providing it's plain and unsweetened. Although it's true that many cats are lactose intolerant, the lactose that yogurt contains is actually easier for cats to break down, as the live bacteria within the yogurt can help your cat to break it down.
Yes, as previously mentioned, some cats in pain (particularly severe, sudden pain) will cry out or howl. If you see this, take them to the vet immediately to have them checked out, even if you can't see anything else wrong with them.
Sick cats usually become withdrawn and may hide, although this does depend on the personality of the individual cat. Some cats become more clingy or demanding of attention, while others just become cranky. As a general rule, cats that are sick will have lower energy levels.
If you're wondering, “Can cats get stomach bugs?” the answer is yes. Rotavirus, a common cause of gastroenteritis in humans, can be passed to your cat. If you have a stomach bug, stay away from your cat until you feel better to keep the virus from spreading.
Vomiting (sometimes with blood), diarrhea (also with blood), loss of appetite, weight loss, and lethargy are the most common signs. Constipation, straining to defecate, abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, and abdominal infection associated with the rupture of the affected bowel have also been reported.
Rice is safe for feline consumption as an occasional treat, as long as it is adequately cooked and served in moderate amounts. Due to its high fiber content, rice has been known to help with diarrhea and stomach issues in cats.
Many cats do develop allergies to dry foods This causes intermittent vomiting over a long period of time. If the cat is fine, looks healthy, maintains a normal weight, doesn't look ill and has normal energy levels, but throws up occasionally, you should consider a food allergy as the possible cause.
It is also a great addition to your cat's diet because it helps them absorb more nutrients. While wet food is generally recommended more for cats with sensitive stomachs, dry food can still be a good option, as long as your cat gets a sufficient amount of hydration.
Rich or fatty foods can cause digestive stress for your cat. For example, turkey, ham or other meats rich in fat will result in diarrhea. Excessive fat intake can also cause a life-threatening inflammatory disease called pancreatitis.
Signs Of Obvious Distress
Cats are typically very stoic animals, so if your cat suddenly seems to be in distress, it is a cause for concern. Howling, crying, hiding, and otherwise acting in a way that is out of character for your pet should alert you that something may be seriously wrong.
A cat's stomach should feel soft and tender, and if you are giving it a gentle rub, they shouldn't flinch or suddenly attempt to move away. If you suspect your cat may be bloated, take care when examining them.
Cats usually have healthy digestive systems, so you should speak to your vet if your cat is vomiting or has diarrhoea for longer than 24 hours or if these symptoms are accompanied by other symptoms like tiredness.
Sick cats often lie quietly in a hunched position. They might neglect grooming. They may be purring, which cats do not only when they're happy, but also when they're sick or in pain. A cat with breathing difficulties may refuse to lie on his side and may keep his head raised.
Keep Your Sick Cat Comfortable
The cat might not like noise or high traffic, so keep him in a quiet space, away from any commotion. Provide a warm sleeping space, special food, and an easy-to-reach litter box. Make sure you don't provoke your cat or try to rile them up. Let them rest.
If your cat isn't feeling well enough to eat, or if they're repeatedly vomiting, having issues urinating or defecating, or they're lethargic and not moving around much, take them to the vet.