If you have ever had a cat puke in your house, you are not alone. One of the most common reasons pet parents take their cat to the veterinarian is for an upset stomach. Continue reading to learn about common causes of stomach problems in cats and how to make your kitty feel better.
1- Why Does My Cat Have a Stomach Ache?
There are numerous reasons why your cat’s stomach may be upset. If your cat is particularly sensitive, even a minor change in its food could be the source of the problem.
Acute gastroenteritis: An inflamed digestive tract, usually short-term eating rancid or spoiled food, swallowing foreign objects, eating toxic plants, internal parasites, stress, food allergies, and some disease conditions can all cause.
– Colitis
More common in kittens under the age of five, colitis is an inflammation of the large intestine that results in frequent, painful feces passing. If your cat has colitis, mucus and blood may be present. Colitis is most commonly caused by tumors or polyps, a change in food, allergies (including food allergies), swallowed foreign objects, and certain other diseases.
– Diarrhea
This condition is the result of infections, internal parasites, stress, a change in cat food, table scraps or rich snacks, eating spoiled food from the garbage, and organ dysfunction.
– Constipation is The Cause of Stomach Problems in Cats
It is commonly caused by dehydration, insufficient fiber intake, ingestion of hair or other foreign objects, aging, tumors, trauma or fractures, spinal cord disease, large bowel nervous disorders, metabolic or endocrine disorders and debilitation, and a lack of exercise.
– Pancreatic is The Cause of Stomach Problems in Cats
Inflammation or infection (an elongated, tapered gland that is located behind the stomach). Often, the origins are unknown. Infections, disease, or trauma are all potential causes of decreased blood flow (due to dehydration or other disease processes).
– Irritable Bowel Syndrome
This condition has something to do with chronic inflammation and discomfort in the bowels of cats, but it is not always associated with gastrointestinal disease. Food intolerances and the ability of cat food to pass through the gastrointestinal tract are two possible causes. Mental distress may also play a role in this condition.
– Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Weight loss, increased appetite, and large amounts of soft feces are symptoms of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. The most common cause is chronic pancreatitis.
– Malabsorption is The Cause of Stomach Problems in Cats
It impairs nutrient absorption, resulting in persistent diarrhea, weight loss, and loss of appetite in your cat.
– Food Variations
Any food change can cause digestive issues. Even when switching to a healthier diet, it takes time for the body to adjust. As a result, you have to take dietary changes gradually over the course of 1-2 weeks. This gradual transition will make a kitty more likely to accept a new type of food, in addition to minimizing digestive upset.
– Stress
In cats, stress can cause digestive issues such as decreased appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea. Because cats are creatures of habit, any significant change in their environment or routine may cause stress. Even if stress is the root cause, it is critical to seek veterinary care as needed. Complications such as dehydration can occur regardless of what initially caused a cat’s digestive symptoms. Talk to your vet about supplements to help your kitty during times of transition, such as moving or traveling. Consider Feliway products, which contain a soothing cat pheromone.
2- How Can I Treat Stomach Problems in Cats?
Treatment for an upset cat’s stomach should aim to address the underlying cause while also making your cat feel better by reducing nausea as well as inflammation.
Diagnosis will determine the specific treatment. The one for liver disease, for example, is not the same as treatment for IBD, which is not the same as treatment for intestinal parasites. In some cases, your cat may need surgery or surgical biopsy procedures. Your veterinarian may also suggest laboratory tests or imaging studies, such as abdominal ultrasounds or X-rays.
While proper treatment must address the underlying cause, it is also critical to alleviate your cat’s pain and suffering. Your veterinarian may prescribe anti-nausea medication, that you need to give your cat orally or by injection. Depending on your cat’s needs, your vet will prescribe additional medications such as antacids, antibiotics, dewormers, probiotics, prokinetics, or pain relievers.
Can Eating the Right Food Help My Cat’s Stomach?
Appropriate nutrition is critical for calming a cat’s upset stomach. A sick or injured GI system is frequently weakened and unable to properly digest food. The right food for your cat can help speed recovery and reduce pain, nausea, and discomfort.
3- How Do I Get My Cat to Eat When They Have an Upset Stomach?
It is critical that your cat continues to eat on a regular basis because the prolonged loss of appetite can be harmful to your cat. If your cat does not eat, it may develop fatty liver disease, which can be fatal, and prolonged anorexia in a cat can be fatal.
– Keep plenty of fresh water on hand at all times to keep them hydrated. Diarrhea causes your cat to lose fluid, so this is an important step.
– Allow your cat to tell you what they require first. Some cats, like us, will want to eat while others will want to starve themselves, so trust your cat’s instincts while keeping an eye out for signs that they are struggling (such as dehydration where the skin loses its ability to bounce back, weakness or any other symptoms that might seem serious). Your cat may seek warmth, or they may seek cold, which is uncommon. However, if a collapsed cat seeks heat or cold, be cautious because it may not be able to regulate its temperature; in such cases, consult your veterinarian.
– Examine your cat’s diet carefully. Have you introduced something new that they may not like? If there is nothing new, switch to a bland diet for three to five days, such as fresh meat, boiled chicken, and possibly some rice, or a therapeutic cat food formulated for Gastro Intestinal problems (the therapeutic diet can often be obtained at your veterinarian’s office or at pet supply stores).
4- Why is my cat dropping food when eating?
There could be several reasons why your cat is dropping food when eating. One possible reason is dental problems such as missing or loose teeth, gum disease, or oral pain, which can make it difficult for your cat to chew and swallow food.
Another reason could be a behavioral issue, where your cat is playing with its food or being finicky about what it eats. Additionally, certain medical conditions such as gastrointestinal issues or neurological disorders can also cause cats to drop food while eating.
It is important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment for your cat’s condition. In some cases, switching to a different type of food or feeding method may help alleviate the issue.
5- Why is my cat only eating 100 calories a day?
There could be several reasons why your cat is consuming only 100 calories a day. One possible reason is that your cat may be experiencing a reduced appetite due to an underlying health issue such as dental problems, gastrointestinal disturbances, or metabolic disorders. Another reason could be stress, changes in the environment, or a recent illness that has affected your cat’s appetite.
Additionally, certain medications or dietary changes may also impact your cat’s food intake. It is crucial to consult with a veterinarian to determine the root cause and appropriate treatment for your cat’s condition.
Your veterinarian may recommend specific dietary adjustments, medications, or other interventions to address the issue and ensure your cat receives adequate nutrition.
Why is my cat not eating after receiving a Convenia injection?
If your cat has recently received a Convenia injection and is not eating, it could be due to a number of factors. Convenia is a long-acting antibiotic that can be used to treat a variety of bacterial infections in cats.
However, like any medication, it can have side effects. One common side effect of Convenia is gastrointestinal upset, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite. Additionally, the injection itself can be painful or uncomfortable, which may also contribute to your cat’s reluctance to eat.
If your cat is not eating, it is important to monitor them closely and consult with a veterinarian if their appetite does not improve within a day or two. In the meantime, you can try offering small, frequent meals of bland, easily digestible food such as boiled chicken and rice.
It is also important to ensure your cat stays hydrated by offering water and, if necessary, administering subcutaneous fluids. If your cat continues to refuse food, your veterinarian may recommend alternative treatments or further diagnostic testing to determine the underlying cause of their decreased appetite.
And While wondering why your cat not eating after Convenia injection, remember that sometimes is just a minor behavior after visiting the vet.
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Last Words
Your cat may face some sensitive stomach problems. To make sure that your cat is okay, you need to carefully notice their behaviors and see if they show any unusual signs. And check our guide about cats food, to understand more about cats’ nutrition and which human food to avoid from your cat’s diet.
