Digestive Problems in Cats: What Owners Should Know

Cats can be very good at hiding when they are not feeling well, which is why digestive problems can sometimes go unnoticed until symptoms become more obvious. Occasional vomiting or a short-lived upset stomach may not always be serious, but ongoing or repeated digestive issues should never be ignored.

Understanding the common signs of digestive trouble in cats can help owners act early and make sure their pet gets the right care. In this guide, we explain some of the most common digestive problems seen in cats, including vomiting, diarrhoea and food sensitivities, as well as when to contact your veterinary surgeon.

This article is intended for general guidance only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or showing concerning symptoms, please contact your veterinary surgeon.

Common signs of digestive problems in cats

Digestive issues can affect cats in different ways. Some signs are mild and short term, while others may point to a more serious condition. Common symptoms to watch for include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Reduced appetite or refusing food
• Weight loss
• Bloating or a swollen tummy
• Straining in the litter tray
• Changes in stool consistency or frequency
• Lethargy or seeming quieter than usual
• Signs of discomfort when picked up or touched around the abdomen

Some cats may also groom less, hide away more than usual, or become irritable if they are feeling uncomfortable.

Vomiting in cats

Vomiting is one of the most common digestive complaints in cats. It can happen for several reasons, ranging from something relatively mild, such as eating too quickly, to more serious illness.

Why cats may vomit

Possible causes of vomiting include:

• Hairballs
• Eating too quickly
• Sudden diet changes
• Food intolerance or allergy
• Parasites
• Infections
• Inflammation of the stomach or intestines
• Foreign bodies, such as string or other swallowed items
• Kidney disease, liver disease or other underlying health conditions

An occasional hairball may not be unusual in some cats, particularly long-haired breeds. However, frequent vomiting is not something to put down to “just hairballs” without proper assessment.

When vomiting is more concerning

You should contact your veterinary surgeon promptly if your cat:

• Vomits repeatedly in a short period
• Cannot keep food or water down
• Seems weak, dehydrated or unusually sleepy
• Has blood in the vomit
• Has a swollen or painful abdomen
• May have eaten something toxic or unsuitable
• Is a kitten, elderly, or has another known health problem

Cats can become dehydrated quite quickly, especially if vomiting is ongoing.

Diarrhoea in cats

Diarrhoea means passing loose, watery or more frequent stools than normal. It may be mild and settle quickly, or it may be a sign of infection, inflammation or another health issue that needs treatment.

Common causes of diarrhoea

• Changes in food
• Eating spoiled food or scavenging
• Food intolerance
• Intestinal parasites such as worms
• Bacterial or viral infections
• Stress or environmental changes
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Problems affecting the pancreas, liver or intestines

If your cat also goes outdoors or hunts, this may increase the risk of picking up parasites or eating something that upsets the stomach.

What to look out for

Alongside loose stools, you may notice:

• Urgency to use the litter tray
• Mucus or blood in the stool
• Straining
• Reduced appetite
• Weight loss if the problem has been going on for some time

If diarrhoea lasts more than a day, keeps coming back, or is accompanied by vomiting, tiredness or blood in the stool, it is best to speak to your veterinary surgeon.

Food sensitivities and intolerances

Some cats have sensitive stomachs and do not cope well with certain ingredients. Food sensitivity or intolerance can lead to digestive signs such as vomiting, diarrhoea, wind or poor appetite. In some cases, skin signs such as itching may also occur.

A food intolerance is different from a true food allergy, but both can cause ongoing symptoms. Common triggers may include certain proteins or ingredients in the diet.

Signs your cat may have a food sensitivity

• Repeated stomach upsets
• Loose stools that come and go
• Vomiting after meals
• Excessive wind
• Poor coat condition
• Itchy skin alongside digestive signs

If a food sensitivity is suspected, your veterinary surgeon may recommend a special diet trial. It is important not to keep changing foods without guidance, as this can make it harder to work out the cause of the problem.

If your cat has been prescribed a special diet or digestive support products, you can browse our cat food and treats and cat digestion products collections for suitable options recommended as part of ongoing care.

Other digestive problems owners may notice

Constipation

Constipation is less common than vomiting or diarrhoea, but it can still be a significant problem. A constipated cat may strain in the litter tray, pass very small or hard stools, or stop passing faeces altogether.

This can be caused by dehydration, pain, poor gut movement, hair ingestion or underlying disease. Cats that are straining should always be checked carefully, as straining can also be mistaken for urinary problems, which may be an emergency.

Hairballs

Hairballs are often seen as normal in cats, but frequent hairballs are not ideal and may suggest overgrooming, dietary issues or poor movement through the digestive tract. If your cat is regularly retching, coughing up hairballs, or vomiting more often than usual, it is worth discussing this with your veterinary surgeon.

Inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease, often shortened to IBD, happens when the digestive tract becomes chronically inflamed. This can lead to long-term vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss and poor appetite. It usually requires veterinary diagnosis and ongoing management.

When to contact your veterinary surgeon urgently

While mild digestive upset may sometimes settle, urgent advice is needed if your cat:

• Is vomiting repeatedly
• Has severe or persistent diarrhoea
• Has blood in vomit or stools
• Seems dehydrated or collapses
• Stops eating for more than a short period
• Appears painful or distressed
• May have swallowed a foreign object
• Has a bloated abdomen
• Is very young, elderly or has an existing medical condition

Cats that stop eating can be at risk of developing serious complications, especially if the loss of appetite continues. It is always safer to seek advice sooner rather than later.

How digestive problems in cats may be treated

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Your veterinary surgeon may recommend:

• A physical examination
• Stool testing for parasites
• Blood tests
• Urine testing
• Imaging such as X-rays or ultrasound
• A prescription diet
• Medication to control nausea, inflammation or infection
• Fluid therapy if your cat is dehydrated

It is important never to give human digestive remedies or pain relief to cats unless your veterinary surgeon has specifically advised it. Many human medicines are unsafe for pets.

If your cat has been prescribed treatment, we can help owners order responsibly through our prescription medicine ordering page. You can also read our prescription FAQs for more information about how the process works in the UK.

Simple ways to support digestive health

Not every digestive problem can be prevented, but a few sensible steps can help support your cat’s gut health:

• Make any diet change gradually over several days
• Feed a consistent, high-quality diet suited to your cat’s age and needs
• Ensure fresh water is always available
• Keep up to date with worming and parasite prevention
• Reduce access to spoiled food, rubbish and unsafe objects
• Groom regularly if your cat is long-haired or prone to hairballs
• Monitor litter tray habits so changes are spotted early

For preventative care, our cat flea, tick and worming products and wider cat collection may be useful for owners looking to support ongoing health and wellbeing at home.

Monitoring your cat at home

If your cat has a mild digestive upset and your veterinary surgeon is happy for you to monitor them at home, keep a close eye on:

• How often they are vomiting or passing diarrhoea
• Whether they are eating and drinking
• Energy levels and behaviour
• Any signs of pain or distress
• Changes in weight
• What the vomit or stools look like

Keeping notes or photographs can be useful if symptoms continue and you need to update your veterinary surgeon.

Conclusion

Digestive problems in cats can range from a mild upset stomach to something that needs prompt veterinary attention. Vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and food sensitivities are all relatively common, but repeated or ongoing symptoms should always be taken seriously. Early action can make a real difference and help your cat feel better sooner.

If you are concerned about your cat’s digestion, speak to your veterinary surgeon for advice and a proper diagnosis. If treatment, digestive support products or parasite prevention are recommended, we are here to help you access genuine pet healthcare products and prescribed medications responsibly through Vetscriptions.

You can also explore our cat digestion products, cat supplements and contact page if you need further help with ordering or finding the right product for your pet’s needs.

At Vetscriptions, we are committed to helping UK pet owners make informed, confident choices about their pets’ health, always with veterinary guidance where needed.