Gastrointestinal Issues in Cats
There's nothing quite like waking up in the morning and stepping in some cat puke. There are several reasons that your kitty may be in gastrointestinal distress, and thankfully many of those reasons are straightforward to diagnose and treat. At Dessau Veterinary Clinic in Austin, our veterinarians can help you understand what's going on with your cat.
Types of Gastrointestinal Issues in Cats
Food allergies can cause your kitty to have an upset stomach, as her body reacts to the allergens. Inflammation of various parts of the digestive system, including the large and small intestines, come from several conditions including colitis and gastritis. Cats may get infected with the feline enteric coronavirus, which is associated with a wide range of GI issues. If your furry friend has eaten something that is not easily passed through her digestive tract, such as string, it can cause an obstruction. Inflammatory bowel disease is another condition that can impact your cat's system. Digestive system cancers are relatively rare in cats, but they are another possibility. Our vets are experienced at handling these types of conditions.
Symptoms of GI Issues in Cats
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Vocalizing in the litter box
- Vomiting
- Unexpected weight loss
- Bloated stomach
- Painful vocalizations when her abdomen is touched
- Foul smell from stool
- Lack of appetite
- Lethargy
- Tarry stools, which indicates bleeding in the digestive tract
Take Your Cat to the Vet for Gastrointestinal Issues
It can be scary for your cat when she is feeling under the weather due to GI issues. At Dessau Veterinary Clinic in Austin, we're here to help your kitty feel her best again. Diagnosing GI conditions may require several tests, including blood and urine tests, physical exams, x-rays, or ultrasounds. Our veterinarian and the rest of our team will look over the results. We will talk to you about your cat’s health, develop a treatment plan, and support you every step of the way. Call our animal hospital today at (512) 339-3177 to make an appointment with one of our veterinarians.