What Can I Add to My Cat's Food to Aid in Digestion?

Learn how to improve your cat's digestive system with the right food and supplements. Discover tips for optimal gut health and the best cat food for digestion.

As cat parents, we always want what's best for our feline friends, especially when it comes to their health and well-being. In this article, we'll explain how a cat’s digestive system works and share tips on how you could better support them.

Understanding Your Cat's Digestive System

Cats are obligate carnivores. They have a unique digestive system designed to process a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. Unlike humans, they evolved to digest and use animal-based proteins and fats efficiently.

A cat's biology is different from that of an omnivore or herbivore. Their digestive tract is shorter, and they lack certain enzymes needed to process plant materials and carbohydrates effectively.

How Cats' Digestive Systems Differ

• Short Digestive Tract: A relatively short digestive tract means food passes through more quickly.
• Enzyme Deficiency: Cats produce lower levels of amylase. Our mammalian bodies require this enzyme to break down carbohydrates.
• Highly Acidic Stomach: Cats' stomachs produce strong acids. This is suited for breaking down meat and kill bacteria.

These differences give us a basic understanding on what food may work for our cats. A diet that aligns with their natural digestive capabilities can prevent common issues like upset stomachs, vomiting, or diarrhoea.

Optimal Foods for Your Cat's Gut Health

For optimal gut health, feed your cat a diet that mirrors what they would eat in the wild:

• High-Quality Protein: Choose foods with high meat content. Chicken, turkey, beef, and fish are excellent sources. Protein is crucial for muscle maintenance and overall health.
• Wet Cat Food: Wet cat food is beneficial because it contains higher moisture content. This aids in digestion and keeps your cat hydrated. Hydration is vital since cats are not naturally inclined to drink a lot of water.
• Limited Carbohydrates: Avoid foods with fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. Excessive carbohydrates can lead to obesity and digestive issues.

Do Cats and Kittens Need Different Food?

Yes, kittens require more calories, protein, and fat to support their rapid growth and development. Kitten-specific formulas meet these needs, whereas adult cats need food that maintains their health without causing weight gain. Kitten food is usually higher in protein and fat, providing the necessary nutrients for their development stages.

Transitioning Your Cat’s Food

Changing your cat's food can be tricky. A sudden switch can lead to digestive upset, including diarrhea. Here's how to transition smoothly:

1. Gradual Transition: Mix a small amount of the new food with their current food. Gradually increase the new food over 7-10 days. This slow change allows your cat's digestive system to adjust.
2. Monitor for Reactions: Watch for any signs of digestive distress, such as vomiting or diarrhoea. Adjust the transition pace if needed. Each cat is unique, so pay close attention to their reactions.
3. fur/ball Transition Guide: fur/ball provides a detailed guide on transitioning your cat's food to ensure a smooth change over. This guide can be a valuable resource for new cat parents who are unsure about the process.

Digestive Aids for Cats

Enhance your cat's diet with digestive aids to improve their gut health:

• Probiotics: Beneficial bacteria that support a healthy gut flora. Look for cat-specific probiotic supplements. Probiotics can help balance the gut bacteria, reducing digestive issues and improving overall health.
• Pumpkin: A natural source of fibre that can help with both constipation and diarrhoea. Adding a small amount of pureed pumpkin to your cat's food can regulate their bowel movements.
• Bone Broth: Adds moisture and nutrients, and can be soothing for the digestive tract. Bone broth is also rich in collagen, which supports joint health.
• Wet Food: Heating up wet food can make it more palatable and easier to digest. fur/ball offers a range of wet food options that your cat will love. Heating the food can release aromas that attract cats and make the food more appealing.

Ingredients to Avoid

Certain ingredients in cat food can harm or be difficult for cats to digest:

• 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.

Best Cat Foods for a Sensitive Stomach

Choosing the right food for a sensitive stomach can make a world of difference. Look for:

• Limited Ingredient Diets (LID): Fewer ingredients mean fewer chances of allergens. LID foods minimise food sensitivities by using a single protein source and a limited number of ingredients.
• Grain-Free Options: Easier to digest for many cats. Grain-free diets focus on high-quality protein and lower carbohydrate content. This suits a cat’s natural dietary needs better.
• fur/ball’s Sensitive Stomach Range: Specifically designed to be gentle on your cat's digestive system. We formulated our recipe with curated list of ingredients that promote digestive health and are easy on the stomach.

Can fur/ball Support a Healthy Digestion?

fur/ball’s formulated wet food offers an excellent solution for cats with sensitive stomachs. We use high-quality, natural ingredients that mirror your cat's natural diet. Each recipe includes high meat content, essential for muscle maintenance and overall health. We ensure our wet food is low in carbohydrates, reducing the risk of digestive issues.

During our development, we specifically designed our product to support sensitive stomachs. This makes it easier for your feline friend to enjoy their meals without any tummy troubles.

For an easy transition and optimal digestion, try fur/ball with 10% off the first month of subscription.