Digestive disorders in cats

One way to improve your cat’s gastrointestinal problems is to improve how their digestive system functions overall—how it absorbs the food your cat ingests without stripping away the nutrients and energy they need.

Feed them a highly digestible diet

As you know, for your cat to be healthy, their organs have to be able to digest the food they eat to absorb all the nutrients and proteins their body needs. This process is less effective if they’re suffering from a GI issue.

To make things easier on your cat’s weakened system, choose a food with readily digestible ingredients. Veterinary gastrointestinal foods are formulated with high-quality, easy-to-digest proteins. They still deliver the amino acids your cat needs, without putting too much of a burden on their digestive system.

Maintain optimal fat levels

Fatty acids are an important source of energy for your cat and affect the function of many organs, including the skin. Because they’re calorie-dense, they also help counter weight loss.

But too much fat can slow digestion. Veterinary GI foods are formulated for digestibility while providing your cat with the fatty acids and energy they need.

Feed your cat an energy- and nutrient-rich diet

Tummy troubles can cause a loss of appetite, so you may notice your cat is eating less. A GI condition can also make it difficult to digest and absorb nutrients.

Combined, this can cause weight loss and nutritional deficiency. So you have to keep their overall health in mind. That’s why digestive care foods are designed by nutritionists to deliver all the nutrients and energy your cat needs, even when they’re eating much smaller meals.

Dietary fibre is beneficial to your cat’s everyday digestion in different ways—especially if their system isn’t as strong.

First, through its ability to absorb water, fibre affects the texture of the stool and how food moves through the intestinal tract. Depending on the GI issue and symptoms affecting the intestines (e.g., constipation, diarrhea), the right choice of fibre can help regulate things.

Prebiotic fibre, on the other hand, serves as food for the friendly bacteria of the gut. That way the good bacteria will outnumber the bad bacteria in your cat’s digestive system.

The different types of vet-recommended gastrointestinal foods are all formulated with a certain amount and combination of fibres. They may affect your cat’s system differently as a result. Ask your veterinarian which formula is right for your cat.

Digestive distress may cause different symptoms in your cat, none of which are pleasant:

• Nausea
• Colic
• Vomiting or retching
• Constipation
• Diarrhea

Vet-recommended GI food is formulated and tested to promote proper digestive function and allow their system and stool to get back to normal. That will solve some unpleasantries for both of you, so you can get back to enjoying life together.

Is your cat’s digestive distress caused by an adverse reaction to a certain ingredient? Your veterinary team can recommend a food specifically designed to exclude it. It’s another great way of controlling their symptoms.

Diminished appetite? As we mentioned earlier, a sluggish digestive system can cause nutritional deficiencies and sap your cat’s energy, which can affect their spirits, habits, and overall health. To keep kitty healthy and happy despite digestive problems, feed them specialized GI food to ensure they get the nutrients and energy they need to thrive. This will boost your cat’s overall health by maintaining their weight, muscle mass, and skin condition.

Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation on which digestive formula is right for your cat’s sensitive system. Fluffy will be feeling better in no time!