Cat Stomach Problems

Cats can suffer stomach problems for a variety of reasons. Disorders and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (GI system) affect the stomach and intestines, resulting in symptoms including diarrhea or constipation, flatulence, vomiting, and lethargy and general weakness.

  1. Inflammatory Bowel Disease

    • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a complex of conditions describing general stomach or intestinal upset, inflammation and possible infection due to a variety of causes. A cat may develop inflammatory bowel disease due to the irritating effect of worms (stomach or intestinal) or other internal parasites. IBD can result from eating rotten food or toxic plants or substances. Allergies or intolerance to certain foods or ingredients and sometimes stress can cause it, too.

    IBD: The "-itises"

    • Inflammatory bowel disease is a painful condition involving (often chronic) inflammation of the stomach or intestines. Gastritis refers to symptoms and inflammation primarily affecting the stomach. Enterocolitis describes inflammation of both the large and small intestines. Enteritis refers to inflammation in the small intestine only, and colitis refers to inflammation of the large intestine.

    Constipation

    • Constipation is another common ailment in cats, particularly because cats don't have a strong thirst drive and because they consume hair while grooming themselves, resulting in intestinal blockage. Yet, like diarrhea, sometimes constipation is harmless and easily treatable, and sometimes it's indicative of a more serious underlying problem, including diseases of the bowel, prostate or spinal cord; hormonal imbalances or disorders; tumors; or trauma.

    Diarrhea

    • It is common for cats and kittens to suffer from diarrhea, but it is important that the cause be diagnosed as soon as possible. Young kittens dehydrate easily, and if fluids are not replaced the kitten runs the risk of dying.
      Diarrhea can result from many causes, including parasites such as worms (hookworms, tapeworms, roundworms) or single-celled organisms (giardia, coccidia or trichomonas); eating rotten food or food that is very rich or spiced; a change in diet; or problems with the function of internal organs.

    Pancreatitis

    • The pancreas is a gland located near the stomach. It secretes insulin and produces enzymes needed for the digestion of food. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas and can be caused by certain infections and diseases such as liver fluke, calcivirus, toxoplasmosis and inflammatory bowel disease; medications and insecticides; abdominal surgery; or trauma.