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 Adult 7+ Tender Dinner Pouch Variety Pack Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Tuna Dinner
Carefully made, gourmet daily nutrition. Tasty chunks with Salmon & Tuna in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Liver & Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Low calorie formula with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to help promote an ideal body weight
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Tuna Dinner Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Stew Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Ocean Fish Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender ocean fish smothered in a rich 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 Turkey & Liver Casserole Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken & Rice Medley Cat Food
Delicious roasted chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Cat Food
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Chicken Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for cats age 7+
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Poached Salmon & Spinach Medley Cat Food
Delicious poached salmon paired with tender spinach in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Adult Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Cat Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful fur for adult cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Salmon, Brown Rice, and Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Spinach Casserole Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Related articles
Cat Grass: Is it Safe for My Cat?
Learn what cat grass is, whether it's safe for your kitty and why it may be beneficial for certain breeds, especially ones that are prone to hairballs.
Why Do Cats Lick Their Paws? Can it Become Excessive?
Learn common reasons why cats lick their paws, as well as signs when it might be excessive (such as hair loss) & what to do if it seems like a problem.
Five Common Cat Digestive Problems
Discover some vet-recommended advice about some common cat digestive problems, including how to deal with upset stomachs, worms, hairballs, and more.
Cat Jumping? How to Keep Her Paws on the Ground
Learn why cats like to jump and be up high, as well as how to provide her with alternative options for jumping off your countertops and furniture.
What Is Cat Chirping and Why Do Cats Do It?
Discover what cat chirping sounds like, why cats make that sound and what their body language when they chirp might mean.
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.
Stress and Feline Urinary Problems: How to Deal With It
Learn how to identify and reduce the chances of feline urinary issues by helping alleviate stress in her life.
Cat Clicker Training for Beginners
Learn the benefits of using a clicker to help train your kitten to have good habits and follow the correct behavior.
Understanding & Managing Congestive Heart Failure in Cats
Learn about congestive heart failure in cats, including most common symptoms and complications, treatment options and whether it can be prevented.
Cat Leukemia: Symptoms, Testing and Prevention
Learn important information about cat leukemia, including how it spreads, common symptoms, testing & diagnosis info, treatments and prevention options.
Do Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds Exist? (& Which Breeds Shed the Least?)
Even though all cat breeds still produce allergens, those that shed less can be a good choice for allergy sufferers. Learn which breeds might work for you.
Healthy Homemade Cat Treat Recipes
Learn how to make homemade kitten treats that are healthy for your pet. Enjoy this cat treat recipe from Hill's Pet to supplement a cat's healthy balanced diet.
A Guide to Trimming Cat Claws
Learn helpful tips for trimming your cat's claws, including nail clippers you'll need and how short you should trim her claws.
Debunking Myths: Is Wet Food Bad for Cats' Teeth?
Is wet food bad for cats' teeth? Furthermore, does wet food cause dental problems in cats? Get your facts straight here.
Important Information About Kidney Disease in Cats
Kidney disease and renal failure can kill your cat. Know these 4 facts about feline kidney disease, the symptoms to look for, and when to call your vet.
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.
Helping Your Cat Lose Weight: Cat Foods for Weight Loss and Exercise Tips
How do you get a cat to lose weight? Learn all about cat foods for weight loss, including how to choose weight control cat food and exercise tips.
Training Your Cat: Basic Things to Work On
With proper understanding and patience, cats can be trained. Learn how to properly train your new cat or kitten with these easy-to-follow tips.
Cat & Kitten Swollen Belly: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment
Learn the many causes that can give your cat or kitten a swollen belly, from organ-related issues to simple gas, how it's diagnosed and treatment options.
Cat Bullying: What It Is & How to Stop It
Learn what a bully cat is, why cats demonstrate bullying behavior, and how to stop one cat from constantly bullying others.
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.