Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Cats

• Chronic vomiting or diarrhoea (over 4 weeks)

• Weight loss  

• Lethargy or fatigue  

• Reduced appetite  

• Gas (flatulence)  

• Abdominal pain or discomfort  

• Gurgling in the abdomen  

• Poor coat quality  

• Blood in the stool (less common) 

If your cat shows signs of IBD, especially if they persist for more than a week or are severe, such as vomiting and diarrhoea that won't stop, lethargy, not eating, signs of pain, or dehydration. These symptoms can indicate a serious condition that requires professional diagnosis and treatment immediately. 

• Clinical examination by your vet  

• Full blood test and stool sample  

• Your vet might require additional tests such as X-rays and ultrasound  

• Hypoallergenic food trial  

• More advanced diagnostic tools might be needed in some cases, such as endoscopy or surgery for collection of small tissue samples of your cat’s intestines to be sent for histological evaluation to the lab

Major goals of treatment are:  

• Stabilising your cat’s weight  

• Relieving GI symptoms 

• Reducing the immune system's response  

• Food trial with hypoallergenic or novel protein diets for at least 2-3 months  

• Supplements for vitamin B12 (cobalamin) or folate if your cat is deficient, which can often result from poor absorption  

• Medications that suppress the immune system, such as steroids(antinflamatories)or other drugs  

• Occasionally antibiotics  

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent IBD in cats, you can reduce the risk by feeding a high-quality, low-fat diet, managing stress, providing plenty of fresh water, and keeping the litter box clean. Supporting a healthy gut microbiome with prebiotics/probiotics may also be beneficial. 

The outlook for feline IBD is generally good, with symptoms often manageable through lifelong diet and medication, allowing cats to live comfortably for many years. However, the outlook is less certain in severe cases or when cats don't respond to initial treatments, and some forms of IBD can progress to intestinal cancer. Close monitoring by your vet is critical for managing symptoms and adjusting treatment as needed.