Diseases of the Cats' Digestive System

Gastritis or inflammation of the stomach is produced by overfeeding and too frequent feeding, or feeding with irritating food, or by the ingestion of foreign bodies or poison in the stomach. It may also be secondary to constitutional diseases.

The symptoms of gastritis are vomiting, first of the contents of the stomach, then of a thick, frothy mucus, and later, perhaps, of blood. The animal shows pain upon pressure on the stomach just at the lower border of the last ribs, which is more or less severe according to the intensity of the inflammation.

If the cat is outside and is able to get at fresh grass, it will itself eat a sufficient quantity to act as a medicine that induces nausea and vomiting, which affords temporary relief. In the house-cat this can be replaced by a cup of tea which is an old remedy used for upset stomachs in people. Brew up a strong cup of tea and allow it to cool and give your cat 1 tablespoon three times a day.

Vomiting is a common problem for cats If your cat is profusely (i.e. every few hours) vomiting then they are probably becoming dehydrated and in need of veterinary care. If your cat is still drinking water and occasionally vomiting then you could try the home remedy.

Constipation and Diarrhea

Constipation is much less frequent in the cat than in other animals. On the contrary, there is a tendency in the cat, especially in one kept in the house, to have a certain amount of looseness of the bowels, which would be looked on in other animals as suspicious. When this looseness becomes excessive, and the discharges become watery, or mixed with mucus, or even bloody, it takes the name of diarrhea.

When the diarrhea becomes chronic, or is excessively severe, it takes the name of dysentery. In this case there is usually great straining, with very little discharge at each evacuation, and sometimes protrusion of the mucous membrane. Diarrhea is frequently produced in the cat by feeding it out of soiled pans in which the milk or other food has been allowed to ferment. It is produced by irregular feeding or over-feeding the animal at one time and allowing it to starve at another. The use of fatty meat, of putrid meat, and too much liver or sour milk are also causes.

Diarrhea can be caused by a number of different things, from them eating out of a garbage can, to have parasites, to infectious agents (such as parvovirus). Most cases of diarrhea respond well to home treatment. Herbal treatment you could use Slippery Elm which is helpful for chronic diarrhea. Chamomile is useful for mild indigestion and peppermint helps with intestinal gas and cramping. Canned pumpkin is good for both.

This information is intended as an informational guide only. This is not to be substituted for professional veterinarian care. Always ask your Veterinarian for advice and have them explain why they have chosen that treatment and what the side affects are.