What To Feed Cats With An Upset Stomach
Cats can be delicate creatures. And just like us humans, they can also suffer from an upset stomach. The causes can be many, from eating something they shouldn’t have to underlying medical conditions. But as loving pet owners, it is our responsibility to ensure that we know what to feed our feline friends when they are not feeling at their best.
The following foods may help with your cats upset stomach:
Chicken and Rice:
If your cat has diarrhea or vomiting, boiled chicken and plain white rice in their diet can help to soothe their stomach. Chicken is easy to digest, and the rice provides much-needed fiber to firm up their stool. Avoid adding any extra spices or flavors to the mix. Stick to plain boiled chicken and white rice for a few days, then slowly start to reintroduce their regular food over time.
Low-Fat Canned Food:
Cats with upset stomachs may not have much appetite. So, it’s essential to feed them something that’s both tasty and easy for them to digest. Look for low-fat, easy-to-digest canned food specially made for cats with digestive issues. You can also add a little bit of water to make the food even softer, making it easier for your cat to swallow.
Pumpkin:
Raw or cooked pumpkin is an excellent source of fiber for cats. It can help cats with diarrhea or constipation by adding bulk to their stool. Always consult with your veterinarian before adding pumpkin to your cat’s diet and make sure that you don’t overdo it. A teaspoon of pumpkin puree or canned pumpkin mixed into their food should be enough.
Bone Broth:
If your cat is not interested in eating, try bone broth. Bone broth is rich in nutrients and can be an excellent way to encourage your cat to eat without overloading their digestive system. Bone broth is gentle on the stomach and easy to digest. You can make your own at home using chicken or beef bones.
Probiotics:
Probiotics are an excellent dietary supplement for cats with an upset stomach. Probiotics help to improve the gut’s overall health, and they are particularly helpful for cats that have been on antibiotics or have a weakened immune system. You can add probiotics to your cat’s food or get them in supplement form.
If the foods above do not seem to fix the upset stomach issue, fasting the cat maybe the best solution. This is a strategy that a cat in the wild naturally adheres to.
However, for domesticated cats, this might not be as simple as some cat foods can be unresistable. So you the human will have to stop leaving food out for 8-12 hours.
Possible one-time causes of upset stomachs in cats
- Using a different brand of cat food
- Hairballs
- Eating something that blocks their stomach (like string or another object)
- Medication side effects
- Eating something toxic
- Diseases
- Parasites
- Viral or bacterial infections
- Plus more…
Possible recurring causes of upset stomachs in cats
- Diseases
- Cancer
- Bacterial or fungal infections
- Metabolic disease (hyperthyroidism, kidney failure, liver failure, etc.)
- Plus more…
When it comes to feeding cats with an upset stomach, it’s important to stick to a bland diet with food that’s easy to digest. Chicken and rice, low-fat canned food, pumpkin, bone broth, and probiotics are just a few options to help soothe your cat’s stomach, try not to change the cats branded food regularly as the most common cause of upset stumach in cats is due to new food. Always remember to talk to your vet first before making any changes to your cat’s diet, and monitor your cat closely for any signs of improvement or worsening. By giving them the right food, you will help your feline friend feel better in no time!
