Companion Animals

Cat IBD Inflammatory Bowel Disease Nutrition

Feline inflammatory bowel disease causes chronic gastrointestinal symptoms affecting quality of life. Nutritional management is central to treatment.

Key Facts

IBD is one of the most common causes of chronic vomiting and diarrhoea in cats
Protein hydrolysate or novel protein diets manage dietary antigen reactions
Cobalamin (B12) supplementation is often required due to malabsorption
Steroids are effective but have long-term side effects
Distinguishing IBD from intestinal lymphoma requires biopsy

Welfare Considerations

Cats with unmanaged IBD experience chronic nausea, weight loss, and gastrointestinal discomfort that significantly reduces quality of life. Appropriate dietary management, supplementation, and medication achieves remission in many cases. Long-term management with regular reassessment maintains good welfare in cats with chronic IBD.

What You Can Do

Work with your vet to establish the appropriate diet trial for IBD management
Monitor weight and gastrointestinal signs regularly in cats with IBD
Discuss cobalamin supplementation with your vet if your cat has chronic small intestinal disease