Colic in Cats

Cats of all ages are susceptible to colic. Colic is a buildup of gas in the abdomen, causing abdominal pain. Just as infants are more susceptible to colic, kittens are more prone to colic than are adult cats.

  1. Causes

    • Eating spoiled food can cause colic in cats.

      Feeding low-quality commercial foods with additives and preservatives can cause colic in cats. Ingesting spoiled food, garbage or toxic substances such as household products or pesticides can cause colic in cats. Colic can also be caused by a bacterial, viral or parasitic infection; liver failure, kidney disease, ulcers, inflammatory bowel or other disease.

    Warning Signs

    • Colic in cats can become life-threatening.

      Warning signs that a cat may have colic include abdominal pain, arched back, abdominal distention, loss of appetite and overall weakness. As abdominal pain increases, a cat may roll around or thrash on the floor or, in very acute cases, may be lethargic or lose consciousness.

    Diagnosing Colic

    • An animal appearing to be in acute distress needs immediate, professional treatment.

      If a cat becomes unconscious or the colic is acute, the cat should be immediately taken to a veterinarian. A veterinarian may need to x-ray or to perform an abdominal ultrasound or other testing on the cat to properly diagnose.

    Treating Colic

    • Treatment includes withholding food for at least 24-hours, feeding the cat a bland diet of cooked rice and chicken, and electrolyte therapy.

    Homeopathic Remedies

    • Anise is an herb used to prevent and to treat mild colic.

      Herbs, botanicals and homeopathic remedies may act as a digestive aid and detoxify a cat's system.

    Tips to Prevent Colic

    • Avoid sudden dietary changes. Do not feed your cat table scraps.

      There are a number of things that you can do to relieve the symptoms and prevent the onset of an episode of colic. Feed your cat a high-quality, well-balanced commercial food which is, preferably, all natural and without additives or preservatives. Keep spoiled food, garbage, chemicals and poisons away from your cat. Provide plenty of clean, fresh water. At the first sign of abdominal distress, discontinue food for 24-hours to rest the stomach.