Behind intestinal parasites, chronic enteropathy — previously known as inflammatory bowel disease — is one of the most common causes of recurrent vomiting or diarrhea in cats. Discover the signs and causes of this chronic inflammatory disease and what to expect from your veterinarian, including diagnosis methods and treatment options.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella term used to describe a group of diseases associated with inflamed bowels. With IBD, chronic inflammation causes the bowels to thicken (a clue for your vet), leading to inadequate nutrient absorption. This chronic inflammation recruits inflammatory cells to your cat's gastrointestinal (GI) tract walls.

Location of Inflammation

Depending upon the affected region of the GI tract, IBD is labeled accordingly:

• Gastritis: Stomach inflammation

• Enteritis: Small intestine inflammation

• Colitis: Large intestine (colon) inflammation

It's also possible for more than one area to be affected. For instance, gastroenteritis indicates inflammation of the stomach and small intestine.

Inflammatory Cell Type

IBD can be further classified based on which inflammatory cells are involved. Different types of immune cells have distinct functions that require different treatments.

While it's not necessary for you to take an immunology course to learn about these different cells, this classification provides a great deal of information to veterinary professionals, especially as it pertains to treatment. This level of diagnosis requires a biopsy and evaluation of the tissue under a microscope.

The exact cause of IBD in cats remains unclear. Currently, IBD is believed to result from complex interactions between your cat's gut microbiome, immune system function, nutrition and other environmental factors. Genetics may also play a role.

Arriving at an IBD diagnosis isn't usually a quick process. Your vet may suspect IBD based on your cat's health history and physical exam findings, but their full workup can include baseline bloodwork, fecal examinations, radiographs (X-rays) and an ultrasound. Still, the diagnosis isn't definitive until your vet can perform a biopsy of the affected tissue and send the sample to a specialist for evaluation under a microscope. Biopsies occur either through exploratory abdominal surgery — where your vet can evaluate other organs in the abdominal cavity — or through a small camera called an endoscope, either inserted through the mouth or rectum.

Specific types of chronic enteropathy, such as small cell intestinal lymphoma and food-responsive enteropathies, require different treatment and management, making accurate diagnosis essential.

While the diagnosis and treatment phases can take time and may feel overwhelming, the good news is IBD generally has a positive prognosis. If your cat is diagnosed with IBD, your vet can help minimize gut inflammation to support your pet.

With the proper attention and care, many cats with IBD go on to live healthy and comfortable lives. Because you know your cat better than anyone, you play a critical role in their well-being by monitoring your cat for signs of illness and partnering with your vet to get them the support they need.