How To Improve Your Cat's Digestion?
Your cat’s gut health is essential for their overall well-being and happiness, affecting everything from digestion to immunity.
Learn more about ways to enhance your cat's gut health.
-- 3 minutes read --
1. What Does The "Perfect" Diet Look Like For Your Cat?
Cats are obligate carnivores. They have a unique digestive system designed to process a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. Unlike humans, the've evolved to efficiently digest animal-based proteins and fats.
a) Cats' Unique Digestive Systems
Key differences in their biology include:
- Short Digestive Tract: A relatively short digestive tract allows food to pass through quickly.
- Enzyme Deficiency: Cats produce lower levels of amylase, an enzyme necessary for breaking down carbohydrates.
- Highly Acidic Stomach: Cats have strong stomach acids that break down meat and kill bacteria.
b) Optimal Food For Gut Health
For optimal gut health, feed your cat a diet that reflects their natural eating habits:
- High-Quality Protein: Choose foods with high meat content, such as chicken, turkey, beef, and fish, which are essential for muscle maintenance and overall health.
- Wet Cat Food: Beneficial for its higher moisture content, aiding digestion and hydration, since cats don't typically drink water.
- Limited Carbohydrates: Avoid fillers like corn, wheat, and soy, as excessive carbohydrates can lead to obesity and digestive issues.
c) Differing Nutritional Needs For Adults And Kittens
Kittens require more calories, protein, and fat to support their rapid growth and development in comparison to adults.
Kitten-specific formulas are designed to meet these needs, while adult cats should have diets that maintain their health without causing weight gain. Kitten food is usually higher in protein and fat, providing the necessary nutrients for their developmental stages.
2. What Causes Gut Health Problems?
Your cat's gut health is crucial for digestion, immunity, and overall wellbeing. Several factors can disrupt it, including:
- Changes in diet
- Antibiotics or other medications
- Stress
- Infectious agents, such as bacteria from other animals or outdoor environments
Disruptions to the gut health can lead to inflammation, flatulence, diarrhoea or constipation and a weakened immune system.
It's essential to recognise that a cat's gut health is also influenced by its environment, which can affect stress levels and contribute to illness.
3. How To Improve Your Cat's Digestion?
a) Keep a Balanced Diet
Consider their profile—age, gender, and activity level—when determining the appropriate diet for them.
Ingredients to avoid include:
- Artificial Additives: Colours, flavours, and preservatives can upset your cat’s stomach. These additives offer no nutritional value and can lead to food sensitivities.
- High Carbohydrates: Grains and fillers can cause digestive issues and are not necessary for your cat's diet. Avoid foods with high percentages of corn, wheat, and soy.
- Dairy Products: Many cats are lactose intolerant and can’t digest dairy properly. While some cats can handle small amounts of dairy, it's best to avoid it to prevent stomach upset.
b) Introduce Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support a healthy gut flora.
Look for cat-specific probiotic supplements, as they can help balance gut bacteria, reducing digestive issues and improving overall health.
c) Avoid Antibiotics When Possible
While antibiotics are essential for treating infections, they can also eliminate both harmful and beneficial bacteria in your cat’s intestines, disrupting the gut microbiome and potentially leading to further issues.
d) Encourage Regular Exercise
More than half of cats in the US are overweight or obese, which can significantly harm their gut and overall health.
Active cats tend to have higher levels of Faecalibacterium in their guts compared to less active cats, reducing their risk of chronic digestive diseases and certain types of cancer.
Get them moving by playing with them, hiding treats around the house, or giving them toys that tap into their hunting instincts. Laser pointers and feather wands can also make playtime more fun and keep them active!
Extra Tips
When transitioning to a new diet, be patient; a sudden switch can cause digestive upset, including diarrhoea. Here’s how to transition smoothly:
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Gradual Transition: Mix a small amount of the new food with their current food, gradually increasing the new food over 7-10 days. This slow change allows your cat's digestive system to adjust.
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Monitor for Reactions: Keep an eye out for any signs of digestive distress, such as vomiting or diarrhoea. Adjust the transition pace if necessary, as each cat is unique and may react differently.
For more guidance, refer to our Feeding Guide on how to transition a cat. This resource is especially helpful for new cat parents who may be unsure about the process.