Digestive disorders are one of the most common reasons for consulting a vet
Christmas can be a dangerous time for cat's digestion - with
turkey, Christmas pudding and tons of sweets and presents
around the house, it's easy to miss what your cat has just
slipped away with. If you suspect a digestive disorder or
notice signs such as diarrhoea or vomiting, take your cat to
the vet as soon as possible.
For every animal - cats, dogs and humans alike - digesting
food and absorbing nutrients is vital to overall health and
wellbeing. The term 'digestive disorder' refers to any
condition that prevents digestion from happening properly, or
which alters the rate at which food passes through the
digestive tract.
Digestive disorders are one of the most frequent reasons for
consulting a veterinary practice. The two main signs to look
out for are vomiting or diarrhoea. However, there are other
less obvious signs, such as a weight loss, change of appetite,
flatulence, stomach gurgling or sudden inactivity.
If you notice any such changes, you should visit your vet as
soon as possible. If a digestive disorder is diagnosed, your
vet will discuss the most likely cause with you. The most
frequent causes are:
• An inflammation and irritation of
the stomach (gastritis)
• Developing an adverse reaction to a
food, or simply eating something that has 'disagreed' with your
dog
• The small intestine may be inflamed
or have an excessive growth of bacteria (Small Intestine
Bacterial Overgrowth, or SIBO)
• Inflammation of the large intestine
(colitis) which results in frequent diarrhoea, often
accompanied by blood or mucus
• The pancreas may be inflamed
(pancreatitis) or it may not be producing enough digestive
enzymes to process food properly
As a result, your vet may recommend changing your cat's food
or prescribe medication to help get her back to health more
quickly. That's because vomiting and diarrhoea can lead to
fluid loss (dehydration) as well as loss of vitamins and
minerals. Also the gut wall will often be inflamed and need the
right nutrients to recover quickly.
Ask your vet Hill's™ Prescription Diet™ Feline
i/d™ which is specifically formulated to help your
cat heal and recover more efficiently.
Hill's Prescription Diet Feline i/d is recommended by vets
because it:
- Is deliciously appealing to help get your cat eating
again
- Has a gentle, non-irritant texture to help the gut
recover
- Is highly digestible with a moderate fat content to help
the absorption of vital nutrients
- Contains the correct levels of vital minerals to replace
those lost through vomiting and diarrhoea
- Features our Superior Antioxidant Formula to support a
healthy immune system
- Is suitable for short term recovery as well as long-term
feeding
- Is ideal for kittens as well as adult cats
- Is available in wet and dry formulas
Once the underlying cause of the digestive disorder has been
diagnosed, your vet may then recommend switching to feeding
other foods in the Hill's range. However, only feed the food
recommended by your vet - do not be tempted to 'home-cook' food
or mix it with another brand. You can also ask your vet for
advice on feeding several small meals a day, and always provide
plenty of clean, fresh water.
By following the recommendation of your vet, you can help
your cat quickly get back on the road to recovery. However, if
the signs do not get better (or if they improve and then come
back) you should always contact your vet.