Companion Animals

Companion Cat IBD Nutrition Management

Inflammatory bowel disease in cats requires careful nutritional management alongside medication to manage chronic digestive inflammation and maintain quality of life.

Key Facts

Feline IBD includes lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis, eosinophilic gastroenteritis, and other forms
Novel protein diets using ingredients cats have not previously consumed reduce immune stimulation
Hydrolysed protein diets break proteins into peptides too small to trigger immune responses
B12 (cobalamin) deficiency is common in cats with ileal IBD requiring supplementation
Steroids and chlorambucil are the mainstay medications for most feline IBD cases

Welfare Considerations

Cats with inadequately managed IBD experience chronic vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, and nausea that significantly reduces quality of life. Diet management is as important as medication for controlling inflammation - cats fed inappropriate diets while on steroids often show inadequate response. Identifying and implementing an appropriate dietary protein alongside medication provides the best welfare outcome.

What You Can Do

Work with your vet to find the optimal diet and medication combination for your cat's IBD
Measure your cat's weight weekly to monitor treatment response
Request B12 blood level testing if your cat has long-standing IBD