Feline inflammatory bowel disease causes chronic gastrointestinal inflammation affecting quality of life. Dietary management alongside immunosuppressive therapy achieves remission in many cases.
Chronic vomiting and diarrhoea cause significant ongoing discomfort and welfare harm in cats with IBD. Frequent vomiting is distressing — cats who vomit multiple times daily experience repeated nausea and abdominal pain. Progressive weight loss from malabsorption causes weakness and reduced quality of life. The chronic nature means that without appropriate diagnosis and management, cats may experience years of preventable suffering misattributed to hairballs or dietary sensitivity. Appropriate investigation — including biopsy — enables targeted treatment that achieves remission in many cats, dramatically improving quality of life. The distinction between IBD and low-grade lymphoma affects prognosis and treatment decisions significantly.