Taking care of your cats is as important as your own or your kids’. Regular visits to the vet, proper diet and nourishment, and a loving environment are a pet’s basic needs.
Keeping a close eye on your cat’s behavior is a great way to ensure good health. Your cats’ food is one of the most critical factors in determining your cat’s health. One of the most common problems faced by cat owners is a sensitive stomach. Most of the time, sensitive stomachs result from irritants or allergens in your cat’s food.
There are a lot of signs and symptoms of an upset stomach. But for people with less experience with cats, these might be hard to point out. Do not, however, confuse an upset stomach with the occasional throwing up of hairballs.
Most cats inhale hair while grooming themselves and then spit them out in the form of a ball. This behavior is considered completely normal in cats. Some cats might throw up after eating food, but you should not worry about it if it is not consistent.
Signs and Symptoms of a Sensitive Stomach
The signs of a sensitive stomach can be internal or external. Some of these symptoms that you need to keep an eye out for are: Vomiting, regurgitation immediately after eating, diarrhea, itching on the skin, changes in the appearance of the coat, and weight loss.
For some cats, the symptoms might be acute and appear immediately. However, in some cats, the symptoms are chronic and develop as time progresses. If you observe any of these symptoms, consult a professional vet immediately to find out the underlying medical condition.
Taking Care of a Cat With Sensitivities
The most important thing to do for a cat with a sensitive stomach is to get professional veterinary help and start a food formula that caters to your cat’s needs. But this is not enough. Taking proper care of the cat is vital to a quick recovery.
First of all, hydration is very important for a sensitive stomach. Therefore, keep a bowl of fresh and clean water lying around the house in addition to wet cat food. Another essential step towards quick recovery is to cut down on the treats. According to professional vets, the treats should not make up more than 10% of your cat’s daily diet.
Make sure to provide your cat with a stress-free environment and keep the cat in a place that is not frequently disturbed.
The following list of wet cat foods has been carefully generated after considering a few essential things and the quality of these companies’ products. The most crucial factor that makes the following brands stand out among others is that these are not harsh on the stomach; therefore, cats can easily ingest and digest them.
1. Ziwi Peak Mackerel and Lamb Recipe (Canned)
The Ziwi Peak is located in New Zealand and uses raw material that is 100% organic and ethically sourced. All the essential nutrients and proteins critical for your cat’s health are incorporated into the formula. As the name indicates, the primary constituents are blue mackerel fish and grass-fed lamb.
This canned cat food has a significant amount of vitamins and omega-3 that give your cat a fluffy soft coat along with a healthy stomach. Another important constituent of this meal is green mussels.
Packed with omega-3, iron, and selenium, green mussels help improve metabolism and play a vital role in muscle growth. In addition to that, green mussels are a significant source of chondroitin and glucosamine, both of which are responsible for improving feline joint health.
Ziwi cat food is free of irritants and allergens like preservatives, sugar, grains, rice, and glycerin. Therefore, all breeds and stages of cats can safely consume the Ziwi Peak Mackerel and Lamb Recipe.
The only downside to this product is that most cats do not prefer it because it contains fish. Mixing it with other foods and getting the cats used to this meal is a bit of a hassle.
2. Royal Canin Digest Sensitive Gravy Cat Food
Royal Canin is based in France and makes customized meals that cater to the different needs of pets. Founded decades ago by a vet, the company aims to provide the best nutrition to pets.
The local small-scale suppliers of Gard, France, provide the raw materials to Royal Canin headquarter. This measure not only supports the local businesses but also reduces carbon footprint and provides fresh products. The company is transparent and honest about its manufacturing processes and sourcing.
Royal Canin has made a name for itself in the pet food industry due to its products’ high quality that exceeds the nutritional merits.
The company explicitly designs meals that are suited for cats with sensitive stomachs. The way Royal Canin balances the carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the meals is unparalleled to this day even.
The cats love the soft, digestible texture and pleasant taste of the food. It also reduces the stench of the stool and promotes ideal weight in cats. People who have cats with sensitive stomachs, highly recommend this formula for a quick recovery.
3. Royal Canin Feline Gastrointestinal Canned Cat Food
This formula is fortified with proteins and prebiotics making it easy for your cat to digest without putting excessive stress on the guts. The prebiotics in the meal promotes gut flora activity and counter the adverse effects of antibiotics on the stomach.
The high-calorie content of the meal is suitable for cats that are picky eaters as even a small portion of the meal can provide enough vitamins and nutrients and makes up for the calories lost during excessive diarrhea or vomiting. For the cats suffering from long-term stomach issues, this helps restore weight loss.
The high-calorie content being a beneficial factor of this formula can also be a downside. It is not recommended for cats that are obese as it can add extra pounds. You should refrain from this formula if your cat suffers from pancreatitis. This meal has been found to intensify the disease.
Cats with an upset stomach can easily eat and digest it because of its soft and chewy texture and pleasant taste. It makes the stool firm, which helps the cat get better quickly.
4. Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-free Canned Cat Food
The term ‘Limited Ingredient Diet’ implies that this meal contains one animal as a source of protein and only one type of vegetable. The manufacturers take this measure to eliminate as many allergens as possible to make the meal safe for all cats.
The soft texture of this meal makes it very easy for the cats to digest it without over-working their stomach and intestines. Loaded with amino acids, this formula strengthens your cat’s immune system, thus protecting against several diseases. The high-calorie content provides a good energy boost to your cat and makes up for the loss of essential nutrients due to the upset stomach.
The company has tried its best to minimize compounds that might trigger allergies. Therefore, this meal is free of gluten, preservatives, dairy, and grains. However, it is high in calorie content; therefore, it is essential to have some knowledge about your specific calorie requirement. If given in excess, it can make your cats gain extra pounds, which are challenging to get rid of.
5. Halo Grain-free Natural Wet Cat Food
Halo aims to provide the best quality food for your pets. The meat sources are GAP (Global Animal Partnership) and MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certified. GAP certificate implies that the animals have been raised and taken care of, conforming to the standards. MSC certificate suggests that the fish have been obtained according to the standards of a certified sustainable fishery.
Halo food products contain whole animal meat like chicken, turkey, and salmon. This meal includes natural meat and no animal by-products; therefore, it poses no health hazards for your cats.
The formula is free of all types of grains, preservatives, artificial flavors, grains, or genetically modified vegetables to make it safe even for cats with allergies. The natural ingredients and high moisture content make it easy for your cat to digest it. The moisture also maintains the amount of water in the body, thus preventing dehydration.
Taurine and amino sulfonic acid are the main components of this formula. Both these ingredients are responsible for improving gastrointestinal functioning as well as the eyes and brain. It also provides the necessary energy boost for your cats.
The product might cause discomfort in the gut, but these are mild side effects that go away with time.
Buyers Guide
Whether you are purchasing something for yourself or your pets, skimming through a buying guide is equally important. It gives you an insight into the product you are looking for. This significantly saves your time and spares you the scrutiny of going through several brands and having bad experiences.
The first and foremost thing to do is find out the irritant that is causing the stomach sensitivity in your cat. It is best to consult a vet to pinpoint the cause of the problem. This step can help narrow down the search for the best food in the market.
The best practice is to make your cat fast for 10-12 hours. Fasting will allow your cat’s stomach to rest for a while and then start a bland diet for a few days. A bland diet may be a puree or boiled chicken that is free of all irritants and provides your cat with enough nutrition.
However, you should not continue this diet for a long time as it is not a substitute for a proper diet. In the meanwhile, look for the appropriate formula that accommodates your cat’s requirements.
Non-Inflammatory Formula
The first step is to look for food that would not irritate your cat’s stomach. This means choosing a formula with proteins that your cat has not consumed before. This reduces the chances of triggering an inflammatory response. Adding omega-3 rich ingredients to your cat’s diet can also help fight against inflammation and irritation.
Easily digestible
Choosing a highly digestible formula is very important since it does not put pressure on the already stressed stomach. Foods that contain whole animal meat instead of animal by-products are more digestible. Similarly, animal proteins and fats are far more easily digestible as compared to plant proteins and fats.
Since most companies do not provide in-depth detail about the proteins and fats on the packaging, it is advisable to contact the company before buying a product.
Probiotics
A healthy gut environment is very important for the optimum functioning of the digestive tract. A favorable environment helps the gut flora reproduce and flourish to keep the functioning of the digestive tract at maximum capacity. An imbalance in the population of gut flora can severely affect the functioning of GIT and lead to disorders like Irritated Bowel Disease.
The intake of antibiotics is a significant cause of bacterial imbalance as it kills the harmful bacteria and the good ones.
To counter this problem, it is vital to introduce your cat to a formula that is packed with prebiotics. Prebiotics are essential for the production of beneficial gut bacteria and promote their activity. This helps improve your cat’s immune system and keeps the digestive system functioning at its optimal capacity.
Reputation
This factor might seem insignificant here, but the reputation of the cat food company is crucial. Just like manufacturers of human products, these companies use substandard products to minimize the manufacturing cost.
Poor quality food can pose severe threats to your cat’s health. It might be disastrous if your cat is already allergic or suffering from an upset stomach.
FAQs
If you still have some queries gnawing at your brain, you are not the only one. Go through these frequently asked questions quickly and get the answers you are looking for.
1. What Food Is the Best for Cats With Allergies and Sensitivities?
This depends on the types of allergies. The allergies and sensitivities differ from cat to cat, and several formulas are available in the market. Every formula has its specifications that cater to the different needs of cats. Consult a vet beforehand to find out about your cat’s nutritional needs. After that, look for products that cater to your cat’s needs. Testing products on your own is not generally a good idea.
2. How Is Wet Food Different From Dry One?
Wet food formulas have a high moisture content, making them very easy for the cats to digest. In addition to this, wet formulas are an excellent choice for older cats suffering from dental or digestive problems.
3. Does Excess Wet Food Cause Diarrhea?
Cats need a certain amount of moisture in their food. Water is essential for cats with sensitive stomachs as dry food has less moisture content. However, feeding more than required wet food can have adverse effects on your cat’s health.
It is, therefore, better to fix a meal portion and a time to feed your cat. Do not let your cat eat whatever it wants and however much it wants. A general rule is to feed your cat twice a day.
4. Does Wet Cat Food Affect the Dental Health of Cats?
Contrary to popular belief, a diet, whether it is wet or dry, does not harm the teeth of cats in any way. There is, however, a diet with extra nutrition and supplements to help cats already suffering from dental issues.
5. How to Determine the Shelf-Life of Wet Cat Food?
Almost all companies manufacture cat food products while keeping the shelf-life in mind. Manufacturers conduct rigorous researches before making the products available in the market. This measure ensures the optimum quality of food.
If you want to know more about the freshness of the product you are purchasing, you can easily approach the company’s customer services team in this regard. The companies do provide their contact numbers and email addresses on their official websites.
6. Can a Protein-Rich Diet Cause Disorders of the Kidneys in Cats?
A diet packed with proteins has nothing to do with kidney problems in cats. It is all just a myth. Most vets suggest diets high in protein and easy to digest for the cats.
Conclusion
In conclusion, keeping track of your cat’s diet is vital to good health. Many companies claim to provide the best quality cat food, however not all of those can support their claims.
Therefore, it is your responsibility to conduct thorough research before buying cat food. Some key points to keep in mind are the reputation of the company or brand, the nutritional value of the food, allergies or sensitivities of your cat, and the food requirement of your cat.
However, being careful on your own can not surpass the importance of professional advice from a vet. Always get your cat thoroughly examined by a professional and devise a proper plan with the vet’s help before you take measures on your own. Only then will your cat be able to grow up healthy and happy.
