Gastrointestinal Diets for Cats: Digestible Food for Upset Stomachs

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Vomiting and diarrhea are among the most common reasons cats visit the vet. Many cases are mild and pass quickly, but some signal serious illness. Diet plays a central role in recovery, and gastrointestinal diets are designed to calm and support the gut.

What is a gastrointestinal diet?

A gastrointestinal, or GI, diet is formulated to be easy to digest and to support intestinal health. Most have:

• High digestibility, so more nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine and less passes to the colon.
• Moderate or low fat, especially for cats with pancreatitis or fat intolerance.
• High-quality protein for repair.
• Added electrolytes and B vitamins, which are lost with diarrhea.
• Prebiotic fibers, which feed good bacteria.
• Sometimes added fiber, soluble or insoluble, which can help diarrhea or constipation depending on the formula.
• Omega-3 fatty acids, for gut inflammation.

Some are designed for sensitive stomachs, and others for specific diseases. Your vet chooses based on the problem.

When vets use them

• Acute diarrhea or vomiting. For a few days to weeks.
• Chronic digestive disease, such as inflammatory bowel disease. See inflammatory bowel disease in cats.
• Pancreatitis. See pancreatitis in cats.
• Food sensitivities. See limited ingredient cat food.
• Recovery after surgery. See feeding a cat after surgery.
• Constipation and megacolon, with a fiber-adjusted formula. See constipation in cats and megacolon in cats.

Should I fast my cat?

Unlike people, cats should not go for long without eating, because they can develop hepatic lipidosis. If your cat vomits, ask your vet. Sometimes a short rest of a few hours is advised, then small amounts of a gentle diet. Do not fast a cat for more than twelve to twenty-four hours without veterinary guidance. See hepatic lipidosis in cats.

Bland home feeding

For a mild, short episode in an otherwise bright and eating cat, your vet may suggest plain boiled chicken, without skin, bones or seasoning, in small amounts, mixed with a little plain white rice or pumpkin. This is only a bridge for a day or two. It is not complete and balanced, and should not be fed long term. See can cats eat chicken, can cats eat rice and can cats eat pumpkin.

How to feed a cat with an upset gut

1. Call your vet if the problem lasts more than a day, or if your cat seems unwell.
2. Offer small meals of the recommended diet, four to six times a day.
3. Keep water available, to prevent dehydration. See cat dehydration signs and treatment.
4. Warm the food slightly to increase appeal.
5. Switch gradually back, when stool is normal, over several days. See how to switch cat foods.
6. Avoid treats and table scraps until recovered.
7. Record stools, vomiting and appetite.

Probiotics and fiber

Probiotics made for cats may shorten diarrhea in some cases, and are used for chronic gut disease. Not all products are equal. Ask your vet to recommend one. Do not use human probiotics without advice. Fiber supplements such as psyllium can help certain cases, but too much can worsen others.

Causes to rule out

Diarrhea and vomiting can come from parasites, infections, diet changes, toxins, foreign bodies, hyperthyroidism, kidney disease and cancer. See worms in cats, diarrhea in cats, cat vomiting causes and linear foreign body in cats.

Warning signs

Go to a vet soon, or straight away, for:

• Vomiting several times in a day, or for more than a day.
• Blood in vomit or stool.
• Black, tarry stool.
• Diarrhea lasting over two days.
• Lethargy, fever or a painful belly.
• Dehydration.
• Kittens, seniors or cats with other illness.
• Possible toxin ingestion. See cat poisoning: what to do.

Preventing relapses

Once your cat recovers, keep meals regular, avoid sudden food changes and limit treats. Add new foods only one at a time. Keep a note of what was eaten before each episode, which helps your vet spot triggers. Chronic cases may need a long-term gut diet, so ask before returning to the old food.

Comfort measures

Keep your cat warm and quiet while the gut settles. Clean the litter box often, since loose stool can make a cat avoid it. Wash your hands after cleaning, and wipe your cat's rear gently with a damp cloth if needed. These small steps reduce stress and skin irritation during recovery.

When to see a vet

See a vet whenever digestive upset is severe or persistent. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every cat is different. If your cat is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.