How To Help A Cat With An Upset Stomach

 

Estimated Read Time: 3 minutes 

Summary: Cat upset stomach? In this blog, we’ll learn the symptoms of an upset stomach in cats, what to give a cat for an upset stomach and whether there are home remedies that can help...

 

Symptoms of Upset Stomach in Cats 

If your kitty is feeling under the weather and is experiencing nausea and/or an upset stomach, signs can include: 

• Licking their lips 
• Vomiting 
• Disinterest in food 
• Loose stools 
• Hiding in unusual places 
• Being less active 

PetLab Co. Pro Tip: Producing a hairball is not the same as vomiting in cats. Read more about hairballs and cats here.  

Causes of an upset stomach in a cat can range from intestinal parasites (e.g. worms), eating something that didn't agree with them, switching their food too quickly, and general food sensitivities to more serious issues like foreign objects obstructing their digestive tract (like string), pancreatitis, bacteria overgrowth, stomach ulcers, hyperthyroidism and/or other renal or gastrointestinal issues.  
 
If your cat has vomited multiple times in a day or ignored their food for 48 hours, they should see a vet as a matter of urgency. If your cat is not being given parasitic preventatives, you should also contact your vet – particularly if they’re throwing up more than once per month. 

 

What To Give A Cat For An Upset Stomach 

If your cat is still interested in food, offer them blander food until they’re feeling more themselves. You can buy specifically formulated food from your vet or from most reputable pet stores that are suitable for cats with sensitive stomachs.  

If your cat really doesn’t seem themselves, doesn’t seem to be improving at all, and/or it’s surpassed 48 hours, take them to your vet who will be able to help them via an anti-nausea shot and investigate further into why their tummy is so disgruntled.  

 

Cat Upset Stomach 

There are a few things you can do to boost your cat’s gastrointestinal health, promote the robustness of their digestive system and gut after sickness, and prevent future ill stomach health. 

• Feed them a high-quality, balanced diet 
• Make sure they’re given regular parasitic preventatives 
• Consider giving them a feline-specific daily probiotic supplement which can improve the good, essential bacteria present in the gut and help promote overall health. 

If you have any concerns about your cat’s health, always consult with their veterinarian.  

Sources

“How To Relieve Cat Stomach Issues” Pet MD, Aug 28. 2018 https://www.petmd.com/cat/how-relieve-cat-stomach-issues  

Author Dr. Wooten, Sarah “Cat’s Upset & Sensitive Stomach: Treatments & Food Choices” Hill’s Pet, Sept 10. 2019 https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/healthcare/cat-sensitive-stomach  

Author Grześkowiak, Lukasz and Endo, Akihito and Beasley, Shea and Salminen, Seppo “Microbiota and probiotics in canine and feline welfare” National Library of Medicine, Apr 08. 2015 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7111060/