Among the most common conditions that affect your pet cat are those that involve her digestive system. The severity of the indigestion your kitty is experiencing will vary based on the cause. Recognizing the symptoms and understanding the causes will help you to decide on the correct course of action.
Common Indigestion Symptoms
If your feline friend is dealing with some type of indigestion, she is likely to vomit her food along with traces of mucus or blood. She may also experience uncomfortable bouts of diarrhea. The loss of nutrition due to both vomiting and diarrhea will likely cause her to lose her appetite and appear tired or lethargic. Some of these symptoms are also common to other diseases unrelated to indigestion, and if they persist your veterinarian should be consulted to correctly determine their cause.
Indigestion Due to Parasites
Digestive issues are often caused by internal pests like intestinal worms, fleas, ticks or microscopic parasites that have taken up temporary residence in your cat's digestive tract. Cats suffering from parasites will typically exhibit weight loss, increased appetites and nasty episodes of blood or mucous-laced diarrhea. A visit to your veterinarian with a fresh stool sample will be necessary here to fully diagnose the presence of parasites in your cat's system.
Internal Blockages
Not everything your cat eats can comfortably make it through her digestive tract. Organic and inorganic items like plants, rodents and toys can create blockage in your little girl's intestinal tract. These blockages will result in the normal indigestion symptoms of diarrhea or vomiting and may require surgical removal. Popular luminescent glow jewelry and common household items like citronella candles can also create blockage or be toxic to your cat and should be kept out of her reach.
Indigestion Due to Infection
Infections of the liver, pancreas and other organs may also lead to your cat's indigestion. These internal organ inflammations work to reduce your pet's appetite and energy level, while preventing her digestive system from operating properly. These conditions are normally linked to a variety of other symptoms and it's important to be aware of any physical changes or strange behavior your cat friend may be displaying. Promptly consulting your veterinarian when you notice these changes will help your cat to experience full recovery from her digestive challenge.
Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.