Feline IBS Symptoms

In humans, this condition is called irritable bowel syndrome. In cats, it is more commonly referred to by veterinary professionals as feline inflammatory bowel disease or feline IBD. Suspected causes include bacteria or food allergies to meat proteins, additives, artificial coloring and preservatives, milk protein or gluten. In some cases, such as with the Siamese breed, a cat has a genetic predisposition to this condition.

  1. Diarrhea

    • According to the Cat Health Guide website, approximately 40 percent of cats suffering from IBD have diarrhea that worsens as the disease progresses. Defecation resulting from small intestine irritation is generally a bulky, large and soft feces. Defecation when the large intestine is inflamed is more normal-looking in appearance but may contain mucus or blood.

    Vomitting

    • Most cats with IBD vomit. While cats are famous for bringing up hairballs, this habit is actually another sign of a gastronomic problem. Approximately 80 percent of cats will vomit less often than once per day. Therefore, if your cat is vomiting at least one or more times a day for several days in a row, something is wrong.

    Weight Loss

    • As with any animal, cats experiencing diarrhea and vomiting are not keeping their food in the digestive tract long enough to absorb the necessary nutrients. This leads to weight loss as the body burns fat stores in an effort to maintain the animal.

    Fatigue/Depression

    • Having diarrhea and vomiting isn't much fun. Cats feel the same way that we do when this is going on. It is a tiring process that leaves the cat sad and lethargic.

    Flatulence/Rumbling/Gurgling

    • All of the irritation in the lining of the cat's stomach and intestinal tract can trigger the cat to pass gas or have loud rumbling or gurgling noises emitting from his belly.

    Abdominal Pain

    • This symptom is very hard to gauge as cats often attempt to mask pain because it is sign of weakness in their undomesticated state. However, an inflamed stomach and intestinal tract can and will cause pain. If your cat resists touch to her belly when she used to love to be scratched there, this is a sign that something is wrong inside.

    Blood in Stool

    • The appearance of bright red blood in your cat's stool indicates the walls of the stomach and intestinal tract are inflamed enough to be shedding or losing blood vessels. This is a very serious symptom and should not be ignored.