One of the more common complaints vets hear from cat parents is that their cat has a sensitive stomach and vomits — maybe once a week, maybe twice a week, but always on the carpet (or somewhere else that's hard to wash). Even though digestive upset in some cats can happen regularly, it is never normal, even if there is plant material or a hairball in the puddle on the floor.
There are a number of reasons why your cat may have a sensitive stomach. It is important to always have your veterinarian assess your cat to help identify the cause and develop an individualized plan to manage the problem. Today, we are just going to talk about two possible reasons for cats to have a sensitive stomach - food intolerance and food allergies. While these two issues sound similar, they are not the same thing.
Food Intolerance
Food intolerance is a term that refers to an abnormal response to a food that is not caused by the immune system and can occur in pets of all ages. Causes of digestive upset due to food intolerance can include food poisoning, histamine in spoiled fish, lactose intolerance and getting into the garbage and eating things the pet would not normally receive. Discussing the possible causes with your veterinarian is a good first step.
Some cats with food intolerance may need a change in food. One option your veterinarian may recommend for your kitty is to switch to an easily digestible food.
Easily Digestible Foods
Digestibility refers to how easily a cat or dog can process and get essential nutrients from what they eat. The factors that most influence digestibility are the ingredients, ingredient quality and processing methods used in making a food. Foods for pets with sensitive stomachs are usually made with highly digestible ingredients but will also include a small amount of fiber to help support the pet’s gut microbiome. They are also complete and balanced to make sure that your cat receives all of the essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals it needs to stay healthy.
Food Allergies
A food allergy is the result of an abnormal immune reaction to an ingested food. Luckily, food allergies are uncommon in cats. They can develop at any age but the pet must be repeatedly exposed to the offending allergen (for example, by eating it every day) to develop signs of a problem. Those signs can include vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, loss of appetite, itchy skin, hair loss or reddened skin. If your pet shows any of these signs, it is time to visit your veterinarian.
True food allergies are rare in cats. But, believe it or not, beef, dairy are the most common causes. If you've ever suspected your kitty may be reacting to an ingredient, you're not alone: Veterinary Practice News writes that most "food allergies" are misdiagnosed by concerned pet parents during a simple stomach upset.
Tasty Tips
What to Do About Food Allergies
If you or your vet suspect this condition, then a therapeutic cat food may be part of the plan that your veterinarian recommends.
If you are thinking about heading down to the pet store and picking up some new food yourself instead of visiting the vet, wait a minute. This is a common pet parent mistake when dealing with a cat's sensitive stomach. Switching foods around will only confound the issue and make it harder for your vet to figure out the right way to treat your kitty's dietary woes.
The only way to accurately diagnose food allergy is with a strict diet trial. Food trials should be conducted with therapeutic foods specifically designed for this purpose. We will discuss what makes these therapeutic foods so special in just a minute. Limited-ingredient wellness foods found at the pet store should not be used. Proper food trials will take about 10–12 weeks and your cat must eat the new food and nothing else — no treats, no scrambled eggs and no kitty toothpaste, unless it is cleared by your vet. If your cat has a true food allergy, then any sensitive stomach issues should clear up in 2 to 4 weeks. Symptoms like itchy skin will take longer to resolve. If you have been religious about your food trial but your cat is still having problems, then the issue is unlikely to be a food allergy and your veterinarian may recommend additional testing to assess other causes.
“Hypoallergenic,” Novel and Hydrolyzed Protein Foods: What Are They?
While there are no official definitions for hypoallergenic pet foods, you may see products labeled as "hypoallergenic" and people may use this term to describe a variety of different food types and ingredient combinations. Because 'hypoallergenic' is not a legally defined term for pet food, products may not be suitable or effective for cats with food allergies.
There are 2 types of therapeutic foods your veterinarian may recommend if a food allergy is suspected. The first type uses hydrolyzed proteins, which means the protein has been broken down into such small pieces that your cat's immune system does not recognize the allergen. The second type is a food with a novel protein like duck or venison. These protein sources are likely new to your cat and therefore the immune system does not recognize them as a problem.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Tuna Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Tuna Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Chicken Dinner Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
null Hill's Science Diet Kitten with Salmon
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced salmon to help build immunity and a healthy digestive system
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Hairball Control cat food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Dinner Pouch Variety Pack Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Salmon Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced salmon to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Liver & Chicken Entrée
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Dinner Pouch Variety Pack Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Liver Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced turkey & liver to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Liver & Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Indoor Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports brain health and beautiful fur in mature indoor cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Fewer calories for less active cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports brain health and beautiful fur in mature cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Indoor Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in mature indoor cats
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Salmon & Vegetable Canned Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful fur for adult cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Salmon & Vegetable Medley Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory salmon and vegetables
Related articles
Cat Lumps After Spay or Neutering: Potential Hernia Concerns?
A cat hernia is usually not a cause for concern, but does require surgical correction. Learn more about how cat hernias may occur after spay or neutering.
Cat Tooth Extractions: What to Expect
Learn when a cat tooth extraction might be necessary, what the recovery process can entail for cat teeth removal and how to prevent the need for an extraction in the future
Real Life Stories of Caring for Cats with Disabilities
Read about the journey of three cats with disabilities and how, despite their handicaps, they're just as lovable and capable as any other cat.
Rehoming a Cat: Tips for Finding a New Home
Learn situations which might necessitate rehoming a cat, as well as tips for researching new homes and how to prepare a cat for a new forever home.
Top 5 Tips For You After Adopting a New Cat
Adopting a cat feels like an easy choice, but ensuring their comfort takes preparation. Follow these tips for a lifetime of love with your new cat.
The Science Behind Your Cat's Traits
Curious to know more about your cat? From how fast she runs to how high she can jump, learn what science has found out about your cat's distinct traits.
Cat Kidney Health: What You Need to Know
Cat obesity is a significant problem - learn more about helping your cat become trimmer and healthier through improved nutrition.
Cats Think They're in Charge, Not You
Cats believe that they are in charge of you, not the other way around, and here are three behaviors that might just prove that it's true.
Preparing Your Cat for a New Baby
Learn how your cat's behavior might change if you bring a newborn baby into the home and how you can keep both baby and cat safe.
Everything You Need to Know About Cat Tongues
Why does your cat's tongue feels so rough? Why does their tongue hang out of their mouth sometimes? Learn fun and interesting info about your cat's tongue.
Cats and Fireworks: How to Keep Your Cat Calm
Is your cat afraid of fireworks? Cats and fireworks aren't always a good pair. Here's how to tell if your kitty is stressed and how to keep them calm.
Cats and Candy: Halloween Safety for Your Cat
Learn about ingredients in Halloween candy & treats that can either cause an upset stomach for your cat, or be downright toxic and dangerous to ingest.
Cats and Christmas Trees: How to Keep Both Safe
While it might be nearly impossible to separate your cat from your Christmas tree, learn ways you can combat her curiosity and keep her out of harm's way.
What Is FIV in Cats?
Learn important information about FIV in cats, including common symptoms, how it's diagnosed, and management options for cats that have it.
Cat's Upset & Sensitive Stomach: Treatments & Food Choices
Just like people, cats can experience occasional stomach upset. If your cat exhibits any of the following, especially after eating, she may have a sensitive stomach.
Food Allergies, Intolerance & Your Cat's Sensitive Stomach
Learn about how food allergies might be responsible for your cat's sensitive stomach & vomiting, and how trying a hypoallergenic cat food can help.
Probiotics and Prebiotics for Cats
Learn all about probiotics and prebiotics for cats, including what they are, how they work, how they are different and their role in overall cat health and well-being.
Brushing & Food: Keys to Maintaining Your Cat's Oral Health
Brushing your cat's teeth is just as important as brushing your own. Learn signs or oral health problems in your cat and how to avoid them.
Stomatitis in Cats: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment
Learn about stomatitis in cats, an inflammation of the mouth, including the two types, symptoms of the condition, and treatments your vet might recommend.
Cat Parents: Bringing Your New Cat Home
Discover ten ways to care for your new cat after adoption, from preparing your home before she arrives to making her feel comfortable once she's arrived.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.