5 Best Sensitive Stomach Cat Foods Guide & Review

Frequently Asked Questions About Feeding Cats and Kittens

Whether it’s a cat with a sensitive stomach, one that’s suddenly become very picky or a kitten that’s new in your home, these frequently asked questions will give you all the answers you need to keep your kitty happy and healthy.

1. My cat is coughing up hairballs. Is this related to his diet?

Ah, hairballs, the bane of a cat’s existence. While it shouldn’t be happening all the time, your cat coughing up a hairball every now and then is his way of cleaning out his stomach. Remember, cats groom themselves and as a result, end up swallowing their fur.

Most times, hairballs pass straight through their digestive system, without causing any problems. But there are times when the fur collects in his tummy and gets stuck. And this is where the hacking, hooping and throwing up of a hairball happens.

If your cat is prone to hairballs, you might want to groom him more regularly, reducing the amount of fur he swallows. And while hairballs aren’t directly related to his food, you could also consider a cat for sensitive stomachs or one that reduces shedding.

2. I have an older cat and a new kitten. Can they eat the same food?

Quite simply put, no. Older cats and kittens have very different nutritional needs, and the best foods are formulated with a cat’s age in mind. Kittens, for example, need much higher levels of protein to help them grow as well as vitamin C and E to build their immune systems. There is also more iron, zinc, phosphorous, calcium, and magnesium in kitten food.

3. What’s better, dry or wet cat food?

When it comes to deciding between wet or dry food for your cat, it’s more about his personal preference. Of course, each one has its own benefits, which you should keep in mind.

Benefits of dry cat food

• Dry cat food is easier to measure out, and it usually lasts longer
• Dry kibbles help keep your cat’s teeth healthy by removing plaque buildup
• You have the option of adding water to make dry food wet

Benefits of wet cat food

• It’s soft and easy to chew
• Wet food is available in single-serve portions
• The wet formula allows for easier digestion

4. When can my kitten start eating adult cat food?

Even if your kitten looks fully grown, until they’re about 12 months old, they still need all the vitamins and minerals kitten food provides. Once they’re a year old, you can switch over to adult food.

5. Can my cat drink milk?

Kittens can and should drink their mother’s milk as it contains all the vitamins and minerals their growing bodies need. However, after they have been weaned, cats shouldn’t drink milk. They don’t need it, as their food contains all the nutrients required. And some cats are in fact, lactose intolerant.

6. Is it okay to feed my cats a vegetarian diet?

Once again, the simple answer to this is no. Cats are meat eaters, and their digestive systems are unable to process plants and grain, to get all the essential nutrients. As gross as it sounds, in the wild, the only carbohydrates and non-meat proteins a cat eats, is what’s inside his prey’s stomach.

7. My cat seems a lot more finicky than other cats when it comes to eating. What’s the problem?

Unfortunately, when it comes to cats, there’s no such thing as a single problem. Cats are susceptible to external factors, and the slightest change in their routine can affect their eating habits.

You may have moved his bowl to a new spot, or you’ve bought a new one that’s too small. It could be because his dining area is noisier than usual or there’s an unusual draft that’s bothering him. It could also be something more serious, like a medical condition. Cats can’t go without food for more than 24 hours, so if he stops eating, it’s best to get him to the vet to make sure there’s nothing serious going on.

8. Should I change my cat’s diet as he gets older?

Just like kittens have specific dietary needs, older cats do too. As they age, certain ingredients become more critical, such as antioxidants, as well as healthy fats. Others become less so, like very high levels of protein.

Also, as cats age, they move around a lot less, which means obesity can become an issue. And just as ageing humans are affected by illness and disease, so too are cats. Consult your vet to ensure your cat is eating the right food for his age, condition, and illness.

9. Are there healthy treats I can give my cat?

Although it’s not recommended to feed your cat too many treats, all of us deserve a little spoil every now and again. For a guilt-free treat, you could give him some boiled chicken, or you can find a good quality product at the pet store or from your vet.

Remember some foods are incredibly toxic to cats and should be avoided. If you’re unsure about healthy treat choices, speak to your vet.

10. Can my cat eat my dog’s food?

Your cat occasionally having some of your dog’s food isn’t a major problem and shouldn’t cause any health issues. But it’s not recommended only to feed your cat dog food. Cats are very different from dogs, and their nutritional requirements aren’t the same.

Cats, unlike dogs, are carnivores and need animal protein in their food. Dogs, on the other hand, can get nutrients from plants. Taurine, which isn’t found in dog food, is essential for cats, and a lack of it can lead to heart disease and blindness.

Hopefully, we’ve answered all your questions, and then some, with regards to the best cat food for sensitive stomach issues.