Causes of an Upset Stomach in Cats
And just as the signs can vary, so can the causes. An upset stomach is pretty non-specific, meaning it could arise from something as simple as eating a new food or be a symptom of a potentially life-threatening situation, like eating a toxic plant.
The most common causes of upset stomach in cats include:
Food Indiscretion (Eating Something They Don’t Normally Eat)
Some cats have a sensitive stomach. Changing their diet too quickly or giving them food or treats they don’t normally eat can upset their digestive system and cause stomach trouble.
This can also happen if you feed them human food toxic to cats, or difficult for them to digest.
Eating Things They’re Not Supposed To
In a similar vein, cats are known for being curious creatures, and sometimes that means they get into something they shouldn’t.
An upset stomach can be a result of a blockage from ingesting a foreign object, like a string. Dental floss, ribbon, hair ties and yarn are common culprits, according to Dr. Tarantino. It can also be a result of eating a toxic plant, like lilies. Eating any part of lilies, even the pollen, from true lilies in the Lilium species, or daylilies in the Hemerocallis species, is a life-threatening medical emergency that can result in kidney failure if not treated promptly.
Stress
Stress can also cause an upset stomach in cats, according to Alison Birken, DVM, owner of Victoria Park Animal Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Just like with humans, excessive stress in cats can cause indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
If stress is the cause, your cat may also seem tense and withdrawn and be more reactive to their environment.
Intestinal Parasites
Intestinal parasites, also known as worms, can affect cats of all ages, but they’re especially common in kittens who haven’t been wormed yet, says Dr. Tarantino.
If you suspect parasites in your cat or kitten, seek veterinary care ASAP. If left untreated, parasites (and the diarrhea that often come with them) can make cats and kittens sick very quickly.
Food Allergies or Sensitivities
Just like humans, cats can develop allergies or sensitivities to certain foods and proteins. The most common food allergens for cats include beef, chicken, fish, and dairy.
While food allergies can certainly trigger an upset stomach, the most common reaction is constant itching and licking that doesn’t seem to wane with the seasons.
Underlying Health Issues
Some health issues can also cause an upset stomach. Typically, these more serious conditions are accompanied by other symptoms, like vomiting, weight loss, coat changes, and lethargy, among others.
Some of the most common underlying conditions causing stomach upset in cats include:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Gastroenteritis
- Hyperthyroidism
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Pancreatitis
- Cancer
- Diabetes
Hairballs
Coughing up an occasional hairball can be normal behavior in cats, and Dr. Birken says you don’t need to be overly concerned with this. However, if your cat is having a difficult time coughing up a hairball, or frequently throws up hairballs, that can be a sign of underlying disease.
If you are concerned, you should talk to your veterinarian. They may prescribe a supplement or transition them to a diet formulated to help with hairballs. You can also brush or comb your cat more frequently to decrease the amount of hair they ingest while grooming.
