Cats love food and don't we cat owners know it. Sometimes cat food can be the biggest problem in a cat's diet that makes it a little bit less enjoyable - for both you and your kitty.
According to Zooplus, around two-thirds of pet owners think their cats suffer from sensitivity in their diet due to food intolerances. That's a lot of kitties having troubles in their tummies!
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Signs of a sensitive stomach for pets usually include a change in stools, more flatulence, wind, vomiting, lethargy and not eating. If you're seeing these symptoms in your cat, then it may be time to double-check what you're feeding them.
What causes upset stomachs in cats?
Some of the symptoms of sensitivity can be a rather smelly or uncomfortable trip to the litter box for your cat. The reason for this can be as simple as an allergy or even just simply eating too fast. Here are some of the things that cause sensitive stomachs specifically in cats.
Eating too fast
We've all been there - the biscuits are barely out of the packet and a cat will come running in no time! If you're finding that your cat is simply gobbling up their food too fast and the whole plate is gone, they may be eating too fast. Just like us humans, this can become a problem for digestion and your cat may be throwing up after eating. We recommend putting out smaller portions to begin with, or investing in a slow feeder.
Medication
Cat's can't tell us when they're feeling sick or nauseous but if there's been a recent change in medication or your vet has put your cat onto something new this could be a cause of their stomach problems.
Allergies
Surprisingly, cats have common allergies just like us humans. Look out for ingredients such as chicken, beef, fish, dairy and eggs and see if this is what is causing your cat's sensitive stomach. It may be a case of working with your vet to remove these ingredients slowly so make sure you check in before you remove anything suddenly.
The best cat food for sensitive stomachs UK 2021
To make it easier for your cat owners, we've broken it down into wet and dry food categories, so you know exactly what you're getting for your kitty. Some kitties like dry food and some prefer wet, so this makes it extra easy for you to choose.
Our choice of the best dry cat food for sensitive stomachs
Firstly, we're kicking off with our top choices of dry cat food. Dry food helps to keep plaque off your kitty's teeth as well as being a cheaper and convenient option for cat owners.
Best cat food for sensitivity with unique nutrient formula
Purina One is a great popular cat food brand and this BIFENSIS Adult cat food is made with sensitivity and digestion in mind. With a nutrient formula to strengthen natural defences and healthy bones, this is top rated.
Best high-meat cat food for sensitive stomachs
www.scrumbles.co.uk
This Scrumbles dry cat food is creat for cat parents looking for food that's high in meat content while also putting gut health first. Common allergens like eggs, dairy and gluten are not included in this cat food and it's also an eco-friendly option.
Best hypoallergenic dry cat food
This Pro Plan dry cat food is highly rated and made working with vets to ensure that its formula works the best for cats. Its purified carbs help to avoid allergic reactions as well as broken-down hydrolysed protein. This may be a great choice if your cat is really struggling with allergies or digestion.
Best grain-free cat food for sensitive stomachs
Totally natural, high-protein and grain-free, this Crave dry cat food is known for being premium quality with plenty of meat. If your kitty has a sensitive stomach, this is a good option to try out and comes in a convenient pouch for your food.
Best cat food for sensitive stomachs with prebiotic fibre
Hill's Science Plan is recommended by vets and this sensitive stomach dry cat food targets digestion by being fuelled with prebiotic fibre. This helps gut health and nourish your cat's microbiome. In a 1.5kg bag, you'll be stocked up to keep your cat healthy with this cat food.
Our choice of the best wet cat food for sensitive stomachs
Next up is the best wet cat food you can get for sensitive stomachs. These packets of wet cat food are high in water content to keep your kitty hydrated as well as boosting protein easily, to give a fully balanced diet.
Best vet approved cat food for sensitive stomachs
Royal Canin works with veterinarians on all of their pet food, but this Feline Sensitivity Control pet food focuses especially on gastrointestinal and skin symptoms of sensitivity. Specially formulated with Omega 3 long-chain fatty acids, this boosts digestive health.
Best wet grain-free cat food for sensitive stomachs
Did you know Amazon have their own brand of pet food? Lifelong is a great alternative for value cat food but full of nutrients. We've picked out their grain-free wet cat food for sensitive stomachs as this is a common allergy in cats. Under £10 for 28 pouches, this is great value to keep your kitty healthy.
Best wet cat food for delicate stomachs
www.petsathome.com
Containing prebiotics, this Pro Plan wet cat food is made specifically for cats with a more sensitive stomach. With Omega 3 and 6 for digestion and reduction of skin discomfort - a symptom of digestive problems - this food helps to ease the problems alongside sensitive stomachs.
Best UK wet cat food for sensitive stomachs
www.waitrosepet.com
Made right here in the UK, this cat food brand Blink! uses only the best proteins processed with British meat and totally natural foods. As well as being natural, it's grain-free and has no added sugar and salt, perfect for those sensitive cats.
Best hypoallergenic wet cat food for sensitive stomachs
www.petsathome.com
Tailored to sensitive stomachs, this AVA Vet Approved Optimum Health cat food is grain-free and hypoallergenic. It also contains ingredients of high-quality proteins so that it's easier to digest, being easier on the stomach. This cat food uses the 'imutiva' formula, supporting good health and immunity.
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Caitlin Casey is a Commercial Content Writer for WhatsTheBest, specialising in lifestyle topics. She also writes for Closer, Heat, Yours.co.uk and Mother&Baby.
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