A guide to sensitive stomach cat food

Does your cat mysteriously (and silently) appear by your side the moment you have food in your hands? Does their selective hearing suddenly become ultra-sonic as you open a pouch of their favourite food? Cats love food. But when they start showing signs of a sensitive stomach, it's time to re-think what you're feeding them.

Unfortunately, sensitive stomachs are a common occurrence in cats. And while there could be a variety of reasons for it, most of the time, it's because of the grains, fillers and other ingredients in their food. Here, we'll explore what signs to look out for if your cat has a sensitive stomach, the possible causes behind it and how you can help them with fresh cat food.

Sensitive stomach cat food is food made with easy-to-digest ingredients. That means high-protein, low carb and no artificial fillers or animal by-products. Cats are obligate carnivores and have all the enzymes necessary to digest real meat. This is what they need. 

Our real, human-quality meat fresh food is gently-cooked and designed to be the very best for your cat. Completely grain-free, packed with healthy nutrients and soft on sensitive stomachs, say goodbye to thrown-up food.

The most common signs that your cat has a sensitive stomach are:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Loss of appetite

• Lethargy and sleeping more

• Lip smacking – excessive lip licking that’s a sign of nausea

Your cat could have a sensitive stomach for several reasons. Many domestic cats can develop an allergy or tolerance to ingredients in low-quality food, such as corn, soy, wheat and other fillers. If you've fed your cat the same food for years and suddenly switched it up, this could unbalance their gut microbiome and cause an upset stomach. Another cause for a sensitive stomach is if your cat's diet is high in fats, so opt for leaner animal proteins.

Stress is another common factor for sensitive stomachs in cats. If you've recently moved, added a new addition to the family or are away for a long time, the emotional distress can make them unwell.

Medication or eating something they shouldn't, such as a bug outside, a plant leaf, or some human foods, can also irritate their stomachs.

Cat food allergies and good intolerances are two different conditions. A food intolerance means that your cat does not have the enzymes needed to digest particular foods. For example, cats are lactose intolerant and likely have an upset stomach after drinking milk or eating other dairy products. Gluten found in grains, and vegetable proteins are other intolerances that many cats have.

Cats with sensitive stomach symptoms are more likely to have a food intolerance than an allergy. But, if you're concerned that your cat has an allergy, we recommend taking them to the vet to get checked out.

Cats may not always have had a food intolerance. It could be something that has developed over time. Lactose, for example, primarily affects adult cats rather than kittens.

Here are some reasons why a food intolerance may develop:

An underlying disease, such as pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, hyperthyroidism or cancer, can have an impact on your cat's digestive system and cause food intolerances and a sensitive stomach. If you suspect your cat has a disease, visit the vet for a full diagnosis.

If not treated in time, a bacterial or parasitic infection could lead to problems with your cat's digestive system.

Generally, pregnant cats will see an increase in appetite as they provide more nutrients for their kittens. But, in the later stages of pregnancy, some may develop a food intolerance or a sensitive stomach.

A change in their daily routine, a new addition to the household, a house move or a traumatic event, such as a cat fight, are all things that can cause psychological distress in your cat, leading to a sensitive stomach, food intolerance or loss of appetite completely.

If your cat shows signs of a sensitive stomach, change their diet. Look for food made with high-quality ingredients and avoid anything that includes cheap fillers or grains. High meat protein diets work best for cats as it's what they're designed to digest. So, real meat foods replicating the nutritional value of what they would eat in the wild will be the easiest food for your cat's sensitive stomach. 

Real meat. Gently cooked. Frozen to stay fresh. At KatKin, we are the only brand making high-protein, high-moisture, high-quality and no-grain food cats would eat in the wild. Making it an ideal choice for cats with sensitive stomachs. 

By feeding your cat a real meat diet, you can expect:

• Better digestion.

• More energy and playfulness.

• Shinier, thicker coats.

• Fewer hairballs.

• Easy to maintain healthy weight.

Fresh food is best for cats with sensitive stomachs. With plenty of moisture locked in after it's been gently cooked and frozen, it helps keep your cats hydrated and allows them to absorb more nutrients. If your cats have been suffering from diarrhoea or vomiting, then the higher water content in fresh food will be very beneficial and prevent them from dehydrating.

Of course, if your cat has any specific diseases or health issues, make sure you consult your vet to make sure that KatKin is right for them!

For more information, check out our page on why you should choose fresh food for cats.