Relieving Your Cat's Upset Stomach: Causes,
Symptoms, and Natural Remedies
- Introduction
- What Causes an Upset Stomach
in Cats?
- Recognizing the Symptoms of
an Upset Stomach
- Home Remedies to Soothe Your
Cat's Upset Stomach
- Fasting
- Slippery Elm
- Ginger
- Probiotics
- Bone Broth
- Tummy Massage
- When Should You Take Your
Cat to the Vet?
- Preventing Upset Stomachs in
Cats
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Introduction
Cats can suffer from upset
stomachs for a variety of reasons, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea,
loss of appetite, and lethargy. 😿 Seeing your furry
friend dealing with gastrointestinal distress can be worrying for any pet
owner. While mild, intermittent cases often resolve on their own, recurrent or
prolonged tummy troubles require veterinary attention.
Fortunately, there are several
natural remedies you can try at home to soothe your cat's stomach woes and get
their digestion back on track. This comprehensive guide will explore the
potential causes of feline upset stomachs, how to recognize the signs, home
treatment options, prevention tips, and when to seek professional vet care. Arm
yourself with the knowledge to diagnose the problem and take action to relieve
your cat's tummy ache fast.
What Causes an Upset Stomach in
Cats?
Multiple factors can disrupt your
cat's gastrointestinal equilibrium and cause an upset stomach. Here are some of
the most common potential culprits:
Dietary Changes
Sudden changes to your cat's diet
are a prime suspect when tummy troubles flare up. Their digestive system needs
time to adjust to new foods. An abrupt switch between formulas, flavors, or
brands can overwhelm your cat's stomach. Transitioning slowly by mixing old and
new food over 7-10 days reduces the likelihood of adverse reactions. However,
even gradual transitions can still trigger upset stomachs in some sensitive
cats.
In addition, eating spoiled,
stale, or contaminated food can also cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Make
sure to store cat food properly, check expiration dates, and inspect cans or
bags for damage before serving. Discard anything that smells off or looks
unappetizing. Changing feeding amounts or schedules suddenly can also impact
your cat's GI rhythm.
Eating Inedible Objects
Cats are notorious for eating
random, inedible objects that can wreak havoc on their stomachs and intestines.
Houseplants, string, rubber bands, socks, tinsel, and other strange items often
tempt cats' curiosity. However, ingesting these foreign objects can obstruct or
injure their digestive tract. Cats who eat harmful houseplants may experience
excessive salivation, vomiting, or diarrhea. Stringy objects can tangle in the
intestines or anchor objects together into a large mass. Sharp items may puncture
or scratch the delicate lining.
Make sure to keep any toxic
plants, small objects, or sharp items out of your cat's reach. Inspect their
poop to look for proof they've swallowed something unusual. If you suspect your
cat ingested something dangerous, contact your vet or animal poison control
right away. Do not wait for symptoms to develop.
Infections
A variety of infections in the
stomach or intestines can be behind your cat's nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and
other signs of gastrointestinal upset. Pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease
(IBD), bacterial or viral infections, intestinal parasites, and other
conditions affect your cat's ability to digest food properly.
Infections often require
prescription medications or special diets recommended by your vet. Diagnostic
tests like bloodwork, fecal analysis or imaging help identify the type of bug
responsible for the tummy troubles. Prompt treatment keeps gastrointestinal
infections from worsening over time.
Medication Side Effects
Certain medications like
antibiotics, steroids, anti-inflammatories, chemotherapy drugs, and more can
potentially cause adverse side effects in your cat's stomach or intestines as
the chemicals pass through the digestive tract.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss
of appetite, and changes in thirst are common medication-related problems.
Normally these symptoms resolve once the course of medication is complete and
the drugs are out of their system. However, contact your vet if your cat
experiences persistent vomiting or diarrhea while on any prescription
medication or supplement. Your vet can provide supportive treatments to ease
medication side effects.
Stress and Anxiety
Like humans, cats' digestive
health suffers when they feel stressed or anxious. Changes to their
environment, routine, diet, relationships with animal housemates, or amount of
attention from their human family can manifest as gastrointestinal issues like
vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or loss of appetite.
Cats are territorial creatures
and very sensitive to disruptions in their surroundings. Introducing a new
family member (human or animal), moving homes, remodeling, traveling, boarding,
loud noises, or other sources of emotional upset for a cat can negatively
impact their stomach and bowel regularity.
Minimizing stressors through
patience, slow introductions, calming techniques and adhering to their normal
routine as much as possible will help prevent tummy troubles. Your vet may also
recommend anti-anxiety medication or natural calming supplements to relieve a
high-strung cat's gastric distress related to stress.
Hairballs
Grooming and swallowing their own
fur are a normal part of a cat's behavior. Usually, swallowed hair passes
easily through the digestive tract uneventfully. However, when a cat ingests an
excessive amount of fur, it can accumulate into a hairball that causes
constipation, lack of appetite, and even vomiting as it irritates the stomach.
Long-haired cat breeds that groom
frequently are most prone to problematic hairballs. Providing frequent brushing
and hairball control treats or foods can help minimize excessive swallowing and
allow hair to pass through more easily. See your vet if hairballs become
chronic or lead to vomiting, appetite issues or constipation.
Motion Sickness
Car rides, flights, or other
movement can trigger a sense of nausea and upset stomach in some sensitive cats
prone to motion sickness. Transporting your cat in a carrier force them to
visually focus on close objects that seem to spin or rock as the carrier moves,
which can induce dizziness and vomiting.
Cats that turn vocal, drool,
vomit, or seem agitated during travel likely experience motion sickness. Your
vet can prescribe sedative medication prior to trips which can prevent nausea.
Some natural supplements made for calming anxious cats during transport may
also help alleviate motion-induced tummy troubles.
Rapid Eating
Some cats eat their food so
quickly they swallow air, eat before fully chewing, and overload their stomach
all at once. These habits can lead to indigestion, gas, and vomiting soon after
mealtime. This is another scenario were eating too much too fast upsets the
stomach's equilibrium.
Slow-feeder bowls, puzzle
feeders, or placing balls in your cat's regular bowl forces them to eat more
slowly and deliberately. Breaking meals into smaller portions throughout the
day also moderates speedy eaters. Rule out underlying factors (like competition
with other pets for food) that cause rushed eating.
Liver or kidney disease
Sometimes, chronic vomiting and
diarrhea indicates serious liver or kidney problems. These organs help filter
waste and toxins from the bloodstream. When their function is impaired, it
allows buildup of waste materials that can irritate the digestive tract and
cause ongoing tummy troubles.
Increased thirst and urine output
often accompany the nausea and diarrhea resulting from kidney issues. Yellowish
skin, gums or ear tips hints at a potential liver disorder. Diagnostic testing
like bloodwork, urinalysis and ultrasound are necessary to evaluate liver and
kidney function if disease is suspected. Strict dietary changes and medications
will be needed to manage this condition.
Cancer
Cats can develop various types of
cancerous growths or masses affecting their digestive system, which cause
persistent vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, appetite changes and lethargy.
Tumors affecting the esophagus, stomach, intestines, or colon obstruct normal
digestion and lead to gastrointestinal distress.
Catching cancer early is key to
successful treatment. Diagnostics like biopsy, endoscopy, or imaging help
detect abnormal cell growths. Treatment options will depend on cancer type,
location and progression. Unfortunately, the prognosis is poorer once cancer
spreads extensively.
Recognizing the Symptoms of an Upset
Stomach
How can you tell if your cat has
an upset stomach? Be on the lookout for the following signs:
Vomiting
Frequent vomiting is a classic
symptom of gastrointestinal upset in cats. Throwing up undigested food, yellow
or greenish fluid, hairballs, and foam indicate irritation or inflammation
affecting their stomach.
Take note of the timing,
frequency, volume, color, and contents of your cat's vomit. Is it happening
right after eating, first thing in the morning, or randomly? Persistent
vomiting several times per day is much more concerning than an occasional
isolated hairball. Projectile or excessive vomiting also warrants quicker
veterinary care.
Diarrhea
Loose, watery stools indicate
your cat's intestines are irritated and digestion is off track. A single loose
stool now and then is no cause for alarm. However, significant diarrhea lasting
more than 24 hours risks dehydration, especially in smaller cats.
Monitor if your cat is straining
unsuccessfully to pass stool. Bloody diarrhea, dark or tarry stools, mucus in
the stool, or a foul sulfur-like odor are also red flag symptoms requiring
prompt veterinary attention. These indicate serious underlying issues like
parasitism, cancer, gastrointestinal ulcers or aggressive bacterial infections.
Decreased Appetite
One of the most obvious clues
your cat has an upset stomach is a lack of interest in food. Nausea,
discomfort, altered sense of smell or taste, mouth pain and other
gastrointestinal issues lead to poor appetite. However, cats who normally
gobble meals may go a meal or two without eating now and then, which is not
necessarily concerning.
Significant changes in water
consumption can also occur with stomach upsets. Monitor if your cat is drinking
much more or less than usual. Appetite stimulation techniques, engaging their
senses, providing warm, aromatic foods, and patience usually tempt turned-off
tummies to eat. But contact your vet if anorexia lasts beyond 24 hours to rule
out serious concerns.
Lethargy
Sick cats almost always sleep and
rest more than usual as their body directs energy towards healing. Inactivity
and lethargy often accompany stomach bugs while your cat recovers. But severely
depressed energy levels and a highly listless or limp appearance warrants
medical intervention to identify the cause.
Excessive Salivation
While nausea and vomiting cause
some drooling, overt, profuse salivation to the point their chin and chest fur
get soaked indicates a more serious problem. These signs may mean they ingested
something highly irritating or toxic. Excess ptyalism warrants an urgent vet
visit.
Hunched Posture
A hunched or crouched posture
with the head hanging down can indicate abdominal pain related to
gastrointestinal conditions. Likewise, laying on their side with all four legs
extended signals discomfort. These positions seem to alleviate pressure from
cramping or irritation.
Lip Licking or Swallowing
Frequent lip licking and
exaggerated swallowing motions are a sign of nausea in cats. They salivate
extra in response to nausea and attempt to repeatedly swallow the excess fluid.
This is often accompanied by visible discomfort.
Restlessness
Your cat may seem unable to get
comfortable, moving from place to place while vocalizing distress. Fruitless
attempts to vomit without producting anything also signal they feel unwell.
These actions reflect their nauseous discomfort.
Home Remedies to Soothe Your Cat's
Upset Stomach
For mild, intermittent cases of
upset stomach not requiring veterinary intervention, try the following natural
home remedies:
Fasting
Withholding all food and treats
for 12-24 hours allows your cat's overly full gastrointestinal system to
completely rest. This gives the inflammation, irritation, and excess food or
fluid already in their stomach and intestines time to settle.
Cats' instincts drive them to
fast when ill, so letting them skip 1-2 meals is perfectly fine. In fact, it's
preferable to their stomach versus forcing food they clearly don't want. Once
the fast is over, transition back to their normal diet gradually over several
small meals. Avoid fatty, sugary foods at first.
Do continue encouraging your cat
to drink during a fast to prevent dehydration. Offer plain water, unflavored
electrolyte drinks, or bone broths. Ice cubes or frozen broths in cube trays
are great to encourage licking. Just don't force it if they refuse. And never
allow young kittens to go more than 8 hours without calories.
Slippery Elm
The inner bark of the Slippery
Elm tree contains soothing mucilage that coats and protects irritated tissues
when mixed with water. For cats with vomiting and diarrhea, slippery elm powder
can provide relief for tender stomach and intestinal linings.
Give 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon per 5
pounds of body weight every 2 to 4 hours during bouts of stomach upset. Stir
the powder into canned pumpkin puree, broth, or a small amount of wet food to
mask the taste. Feed slippery elm via syringe or spoon if your cat is refusing
food. The mucilage it produces also helps firm up loose stools.
Ginger
A pinch of powdered ginger
stimulates digestion and soothes nausea through its anti-inflammatory compounds
called gingerols. Adding just 1/4 teaspoon per meal can help settle motion
sickness, indigestion, gas, and loss of appetite when stomach issues strike.
Ginger's calmative properties on
the gastrointestinal tract make it a helpful home remedy. Introduce it
gradually mixed into your cat's meals. Use fresh grated ginger very sparingly,
as the strong flavor often deters cats. Bottled ginger ale is not recommended,
as the carbonation and sugar cause more gas and irritation.
Probiotics
Supplementing with probiotic
strains supports healthy populations of beneficial bacteria in your cat's
digestive system. When the natural balance of good bacteria is disrupted, it
can lead to indigestion, diarrhea, and reduced immunity against pathogens.
Probiotics containing
Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces species help
restore proper microbial balance following antibiotic use, diet change,
infections, or other stomach upsets. Give pet-specific probiotic products in
recommended dosages. Offering plain yogurt with active cultures can also
provide probiotics.
Bone Broth
Homemade or canned low-sodium
bone broth made from chicken, beef or fish provides hydration and nutrients
when your cat is refusing solid foods. The rich, meaty flavor and aroma entice
finicky tummies. Give several small servings throughout the day.
Bone broth contains amino acids
like glycine that promote healing of the stomach lining and healthy digestion.
Broths are very gentle on sensitive stomachs, providing electrolytes, minerals,
and hydration without taxing the digestive system further like solid foods can.
Try freezing broth into cubes to help relieve nausea too.
Tummy Massage
Gently massaging your cat's
abdomen in a clockwise motion for 5-10 minutes 1-2 times per day can assist
with digestion and relieve gassy discomfort. Focus around the center to upper
abdomen. Apply light pressure and make circles with your fingers tips.
Cats tend to enjoy light belly
rubs, but stop if they seem uncomfortable or resentful. The stimulation helps
move food and fluid through the gastrointestinal tract while providing comfort.
Tummy massage is especially helpful for constipation relief.
When Should You Take Your Cat to the
Vet?
While home remedies can provide
relief for mild or transient stomach upset, they are not solutions for ongoing
vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or anorexia. Contact your vet promptly if any of
the following occur:
- Vomiting or diarrhea lasting
more than 24 hours
- Presence of blood, dark matter,
pus or foul odor
- Loss of appetite beyond 1-2
missed meals
- Severe lethargy, fever, or
depression
- Significant weight loss from
extended poor intake
- Dehydration - dry gums,
weakness, lack of skin elasticity
- Difficulty passing stool or
zero stool production
- Your cat seems to be in
significant pain
- No improvement in 3 days
following home treatments
A physical exam, diagnostic
tests, anti-nausea medications, IV fluids, prescription diet, and possible
hospitalization overseen by your vet are crucial for recovery when cats decline
or chronic issues emerge. Never try to force feed cats at home - it can lead to
aspiration pneumonia.
Seeking prompt veterinary
attention for acute gastrointestinal signs prevents dangerous fluid/electrolyte
imbalances, weight loss, liver problems, and even seizures from developing. So
do not delay. The sooner the underlying cause is identified, the better the
outcome will be.
Preventing Upset Stomachs in Cats
While intermittent tummy troubles
are hard to avoid completely, there are ways to minimize flare ups:
- Make any diet changes gradually
over 7-14 days
- Stick to scheduled mealtimes;
avoid free-feeding
- Limit exposure to stressful
triggers
- Slow down rapid eaters with
puzzle toys/bowls
- Groom long-haired cats daily to
control hairballs
- Ask about anti-nausea meds
before car travel
- Follow all medication
directions carefully
- Keep toxic plants and dangerous
objects out of reach
- Disinfect food and water bowls
regularly
- Treat parasites and infectious
diseases promptly
- Clean the litter box
frequently
Stay alert for any signs of
gastrointestinal upset. Being proactive and perceptive about changes in your
cat's health allows early intervention when their stomach seems unexpectedly
upset.
Conclusion
Cats experience upset tummies
just like their owners, but they have a more limited ability to communicate the
cause or severity. 😿 Therefore, pet owners
must watch closely for changes in appetite, energy level, litter box habits,
and behaviors indicating nausea, pain or discomfort.
Act quickly, yet judiciously when
your cat has an upset stomach. Mild, intermittent problems can often be managed
with natural home treatments like slippery elm, broth, fasting, ginger,
probiotics and belly rubs. However, persistent or severe symptoms necessitate a
prompt vet visit for diagnostics and prescription relief/supportive care.
While unplanned trips to the vet
for stomach issues are frustrating, timely medical intervention can identify
underlying conditions and prevent prolonged suffering or expensive
complications. Know when to enlist your trusted veterinarian’s expertise.
Arm yourself with knowledge of
potential causes, telltale symptoms, and the appropriate home remedies and
veterinary treatments outlined here. Understanding feline digestion will help
you make the right decisions when your cat’s tummy seems upset. Being prepared
and responsive when stomach problems arise can relieve distress faster and
promote full recovery.
With attentive care and early
intervention when warranted, your cat’s digestive troubles can often be managed
effectively. Avoid dietary pitfalls, reduce stress, and follow your vet’s
directions to keep your kitty’s sensitive stomach healthy. Recognize changes
promptly, and employ the appropriate remedies to get their digestion running
smoothly once more.
FAQs
What foods help soothe an upset cat stomach?
Some of the best foods for a cat
with an upset stomach include:
- Bone broth - Provides hydration
and electrolytes
- Probiotic yogurt - Contains
gut-healthy probiotics
- Boiled chicken - Gentle on the
stomach
- Canned pumpkin purée - High
fiber helps firm up stools
- Oatmeal - Rich in soluble fiber
to ease digestion
Feed small, frequent portions of
these foods during bouts of stomach upset. Stick with bland, low-fat,
low-fiber, and low-seasoning recipes to allow the gastrointestinal tract to
rest and recover.
When should I take my cat to the vet for an upset stomach?
Take your cat to the vet promptly
if vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than 24-28 hours, you notice blood in their
vomit/stool, they seem extremely lethargic or depressed, exhibit a fever, or no
improvement occurs after 3 days of home treatment. A persistent upset stomach
risks dehydration, weight loss, and other complications, so identifying the
underlying cause is important.
What causes chronic upset stomach in cats?
Common causes of chronic or
frequent upset stomachs in cats include:
- Food allergies and
sensitivities
- Gastrointestinal infections
- Inflammatory bowel disease
(IBD)
- Cancer in the digestive tract
- Medication side effects
- Stress and anxiety
- Hairballs
- Liver or kidney disease
- Hyperthyroidism
Diagnostic tests help determine
the underlying reason for recurrent gastric upset. Treatment will depend on the
specific cause identified.
How long can I safely fast my cat for an upset stomach?
It is generally safe to fast an
adult cat with an upset stomach for 12-24 hours. Kittens should never go more
than 8 hours without calories. Provide access to water, broths, or electrolytes
during the fast. If symptoms persist beyond 24 hours without improvement, take
your cat to the vet for treatment.
What OTC medications can I give my cat for an upset stomach?
There are no over-the-counter
medications that are safe or approved for cats with upset stomachs. Do not give
your cat any OTC human stomach medications like Pepto Bismol without explicit
veterinary direction. Some ingredients like salicylates are extremely toxic for
cats. Only give medications prescribed specifically for your individual cat by
a licensed vet.
How can I make my cat with an upset stomach more comfortable?
To help an upset stomach cat feel
better:
- Encourage rest in a peaceful
area
- Gently brush or pet them
- Prevent dehydration with small
sips
- Use towels warmed in the dryer
across their belly
- Scoop litter box frequently
- Consider calming supplements
- Avoid stomach pressure by
carrying properly
What home remedy helps soothe a cat’s stomach the best?
Some of the best home remedies to
soothe an upset cat stomach include:
- Bone broth provides hydration
- Slippery elm coats and soothes
the stomach lining
- Ginger settles nausea and aids
digestion
- Probiotics restore healthy gut
flora
- Belly massage stimulates
digestion
Using a combination of these
gentle home treatments can provide relief when symptoms flare up. The
appropriate remedy depends on the cause and symptoms involved.
Is it normal for my cat to vomit yellow liquid?
Occasional vomiting of small
amounts of yellow fluid is fairly common in cats and is composed of bile from
an empty stomach. However, frequent projectile vomiting of yellow liquid can
indicate a serious issue like liver disease, pancreatitis, intestinal blockage,
or systemic infection. Contact your vet if it occurs repeatedly.
What does it mean if my cat has bloody diarrhea?
Bloody diarrhea or stools with
red streaks are not normal and require prompt veterinary attention. Causes can
include parasites, bacterial infections, cancer, toxins, colitis, IBD, or
allergies. Left untreated, bloody diarrhea can become fatal. Take your cat to
the vet immediately for diagnosis.
How do I get my sick cat to eat when they have an upset stomach?
Tips for encouraging your sick
cat to eat when they have tummy trouble:
- Warm canned food to enhance
aroma
- Try enticing food toppers
- Hand feed them small, frequent
portions
- Offer foods they crave when
well
- Avoid forcing food; patience is
key
- Use calming pheromone diffusers
nearby
If poor appetite persists beyond
24 hours or your cat seems weak, dehydrated, or lethargic, get veterinary
advice.