Keeping your cat's digestive system healthy

Cats and humans have very different digestive systems. It’s important to understand these so you can help to prevent any digestive problems in your cat and spot when issues might be arising. Because what seems delicious to you may cause a chronic stomach upset, or even be toxic for cats.

Adult Maine Coon cat lying down on wooden floor

How is cat digestion different from humans?

Taste

Cats have very few taste buds at 475 compared to humans with around 9,000 and dogs with 1,700.¹ This means that cats can taste bitterness, acidity, saltiness and umami, but they can’t taste sweet flavours at all. Nevertheless, taste is important for cats as aroma and taste are often linked. Cats can smell the olfactory characteristics of the food through the nose and the back of the throat.

Chewing

A cat has sharp teeth for cutting and tearing, and jaws that don’t move sideways. Compared to humans, who chew their food at length, cats don't spend as much time chewing. They use their back teeth to chew their food, which can impact their digestive function as food arrives in their stomach in chunks.

Eating time

Cats have much smaller stomachs than humans or dogs. This, along with the history of cats as solitary hunters, means rather than eating two or three larger portions, cats eat many small meals throughout the day. Cats can also be sensitive to busy environments and can easily be disturbed when they're eating, so it's important for them to eat in calm, quiet places to avoid negative impact on food intake.

Diet

Humans are omnivorous and it’s recommended that 60-65% of our diet is dry carbohydrates. Cats, on the other hand, are carnivorous and can function without these high levels of carbohydrates. Instead, they need a more protein-rich diet than humans and may need more fats.

A common question is how long does it take for cats to digest food? For cats, it takes just 12-24 hours for food to move through their intestines, compared to human digestion which can take up to five days.²

A closer look at a cat’s digestive system

As with dogs and humans, each element of your cat's digestive system has a role to play in breaking down food and absorbing the nutrients it needs. It also holds beneficial bacteria, called microbiota, to keep the gut healthy and lots of immune system cells to protect their overall health.

A cat’s digestive system can be particularly sensitive and may be easily upset by sudden changes to its diet, for example. It’s also designed for cats to eat more frequently and to eat smaller meals. Many cats visit their food bowl several times a day and eat only a small amount each time. To avoid your pet gaining weight, it's therefore important to be aware of daily rations and divide this over each small meal.

Important nutrients for your cat’s digestion

Every element of your cat’s food can play a role in supporting their delicate digestive system and, in turn, their overall health. To get advice on the best diet for your cat and their specific needs or sensitivities, it’s always best to ask your vet. But let’s look at the key nutrients and factors that are important for every cat’s digestive system.

Protein

Protein is vital in your cat’s diet. They need a more protein-rich diet than dogs or humans, but it can cause problems if it’s not easily digestible. Protein also contains taurine, which cats need to function effectively but can’t produce themselves.

Fibre

Fibre can be crucial in helping your cat to maintain a healthy digestive system. A high-fibre diet can, for example, prevent hairballs from forming and encourages regular bowel movements. Prebiotics are fibres that help your cat absorb the nutrients it needs from food. Prebiotics also encourage the right balance of microbiota to support a cat's digestive health and manage any sensitivities.

Fats

Fat is a valuable source of energy for cats. They also need it for the healthy functioning of certain organs such as their skin. Too much fat may be difficult for your cat to digest though, and can lead to obesity.

Vitamins

Vitamins D and A are essential in your cat’s diet as they can’t create these themselves and they’re essential for their health.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates aren’t as important to cats as they are for humans, but they can provide energy. And highly digestible sources of carbohydrate, such as rice, may be helpful for cats with digestive problems.

Understanding cat digestive issues

As a cat’s digestive system is so delicately balanced, it can be particularly prone to problems. Things that can give your cat an upset stomach include changes to their diet, stress/anxiety and underlying health issues.

Common digestive problems in cats

Parasites

Microscopic parasites can settle in your cat’s intestines and cause severe diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration and weight loss, not to mention abdominal discomfort. Talk to your vet if you think your cat has parasites, as they can prescribe medication to help clear them.

Hairballs

For cats that live indoors, hairballs can be a common problem as grooming is one of their main activities. As cats groom, they swallow loose hairs that usually pass out in their stools. If there’s an excess of hair, however, they can’t digest it properly and it forms a hairball which makes digestion difficult. You can help by brushing your cat regularly to remove excess hair and ensuring their diet has the right mix of fibre to disperse the hair they’ve swallowed.

Inflammatory diseases

If one or more of your cat’s digestive organs becomes inflamed, it could cause your cat discomfort and other problems. The effects can include chronic vomiting and diarrhoea, weight loss and a change in appetite. They may even have a big increase in appetite as they attempt to get the nutrients they need.

Signs to look out for

If you think your cat has digestive issues, there are several things to watch for, including:

Diarrhoea or constipation.
Vomiting or regurgitating food or hairballs.
Bad breath or frequent flatulence.
Reluctance or struggling to eat or increased appetite.
Weight loss.
A dry, dull, brittle coat.
Signs of a painful abdomen.

Ask your vet

If you think your cat has an upset stomach or digestive problem, it’s important to contact your vet. They can do important checks to identify the potential causes of the issues. And can also advise you on any changes you need to make, including to your cat’s diet, to help address the problems and discomfort they’re having.

Choosing the right foods for your cat's healthy digestive system

Whether you think your cat has digestive problem or not, it’s always worth asking your vet for advice on the best food for them. There are a wide range of highly digestible cat foods available to suit the specific needs of each pet – from indoor cats with lower energy requirements to kittens with typically sensitive stomachs.

¹ The Cat Encyclopaedia, 2017, Royal Canin, p254

² Everything you need to know about the role played by Nutrients for the health of Cats & Dogs, Pr Dominique Grandjean, 2006, Royal Canin SAS

Adult German Shepherd and Abyssinian cat standing in black and white on a white background

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