Feline inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) causes chronic gastrointestinal inflammation resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. With proper management, cats can maintain good quality of life.
Cats with unmanaged IBD experience chronic nausea, abdominal discomfort, and the weakness of ongoing weight loss. Because cats mask illness, owners often underestimate the degree of discomfort their cat is experiencing. Effective management through dietary modification and appropriate immunosuppressive therapy significantly improves comfort, appetite, and engagement. Regular monitoring through weight tracking and periodic ultrasound allows early detection of complications. The welfare goal is maximizing periods of remission with minimal medication side effects.