top of page
Writer's pictureDeborah Newman

Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Felines



Feline inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in a cat's gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This inflammation can affect any part of the digestive system, including the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. 

Symptoms of IBD in cats include:

  • Vomiting

  • Decreased appetite

  • Weight loss

  • Diarrhea

  • Gas (flatulence)

  • Abdominal pain

  • Rumbling and gurgling abdominal sounds

  • Bright red blood in the stool

  • Distressed coat hair 


A veterinarian can diagnose IBD in cats by taking a detailed history, performing a physical exam, and running laboratory tests. An endoscopic examination with a mucosal biopsy is also essential to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the disease. 

Treatments for IBD in cats include:

  • Diet

    A change in diet can help some cats with IBD. This can include feeding the cat a commercial food with a new protein source or a hydrolyzed protein.

  • Vitamin B12

    Most cats with IBD are unable to absorb Vitamin B12, so supplementation may be necessary.

  • Immunosuppressive medications

    If dietary therapy doesn't work, medications can be used to suppress the inflammation. Corticosteroids are often the first line of treatment. 

While IBD can be serious, life-threatening complications are rare unless the disease is severe and chronic. 

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease | Cornell University College of Veterinary ...

    Feline inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a condition in which a cat's gastrointestinal (GI) tract becomes chronically irritated ...

    Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Cats - VCA Animal Hospitals

    How is IBD treated? * Deworming. Broad-spectrum deworming is recommended as fecal tests are not always representative of the para...

    VCA Animal Hospitals

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Cats - PetMD

    Jul 27, 2020 — Diarrhea. Weight loss. Fatigue. Chronic intermittent vomiting. Gas (flatulence) Abdominal pain. Rumbling and gurgling ...

    PetMD

  • Show all

0 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page