Feline inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a common cause of chronic gastrointestinal signs in cats. Long-term management requires accurate diagnosis and committed dietary and medical treatment.
Feline IBD causes chronic suffering through persistent gastrointestinal dysfunction. Repeated vomiting, watery diarrhoea, progressive weight loss, and poor body condition collectively diminish quality of life over months to years before diagnosis. The welfare journey of IBD management involves diagnostic commitment — intestinal biopsy under anaesthesia is required for definitive diagnosis but enables accurate treatment selection. Distinguishing IBD from alimentary lymphoma is welfare-critical as treatment differs significantly. With correct diagnosis and sustained management, IBD cats can achieve meaningful remission. Dietary management is complex and requires persistence — some cats require prolonged trial periods before a tolerated diet is identified. Owner commitment and veterinary support through this process are essential welfare enablers.