Digestive problems in your cat: recognition, causes and practical support
A healthy digestive system is just as essential for a cat as it is for us. Nutrients are absorbed in the intestines, immunity is maintained, and the energy balance is regulated. If this delicate balance is disrupted, you will quickly notice it in your cat's bowel movements, appetite, or behaviour. Fortunately, targeted nutrition and BF products can make a big difference. Below you will read what is happening, how to recognise it, and which BF solutions are the best fit.
Causes of intestinal problems in cats
Intestinal problems can arise in several ways. Here are the main causes:- Nutrition: Sudden changes in food, poor or unsuitable quality food, food that does not agree (e.g. spoiled food, plants, waste or milk – cats are often lactose intolerant), too fatty food or sensitivity to certain ingredients (such as grains).
- Parasites: Giardia, coccidia, roundworms, tapeworms or other intestinal parasites that disrupt digestion (especially in kittens and young cats).
- Stress: Cats are very sensitive to changes in the home, a new housemate, moving house, noise or other disturbances. This can directly affect digestion. For more information, see the blog post How to recognise stress in your four-legged friend and what to do? – BF Petfood
- Bacterial or viral infections: Bacteria, viruses (such as feline panleukopenia) or other pathogens that affect the intestines.
- Hairballs: Especially in long-haired cats; swallowing too much hair can irritate the intestines and cause diarrhoea or blockages.
- Food sensitivity or allergy: A reaction to certain proteins or ingredients that causes inflammation in the intestinal wall.
- Other factors: Weakened immunity, chronic intestinal inflammation (IBD), underlying conditions such as hyperthyroidism (especially in older cats), kidney problems or sometimes tumours.
Symptoms of intestinal problems in cats
- Thin, watery or slimy stools, sometimes with blood, or hard, difficult bowel movements (or alternating between the two). For more information, see the blog post What to do for loose stools in cats and dogs? – BF Petfood
- Pooping more or less often, flatulence, a rumbling tummy.
- Vomiting, reduced appetite or strange eating behaviour.
- Lethargy, weight loss, a dull coat or withdrawal.
- Nausea (drooling, licking lips) or obvious abdominal discomfort.
Note: diarrhoea lasting longer than 24-48 hours, with blood, mucus, vomiting, fever or lethargy, is a reason to contact the vet immediately. Kittens and older cats can become dehydrated quickly.
Practical tips for dealing with intestinal problems in cats
There are several smart and natural ways to help your cat. Here are some proven tips with matching BF products:
Easily digestible and hypoallergenic food
Choose BF® Sensitive Cat (grain-free, with salmon as the only animal protein source) or BF® Adult Cat (with chicken). These are highly digestible, support digestion and are ideal for food sensitivity or chronic complaints. Combine with or switch to BIOFOOD® organic wet food, such as BIO 100% Chicken, BIO 100% Beef or the Bio Chicken/Beef menus. These are 100% natural, free from artificial additives, high in meat and ensure a clean, healthier intestinal environment. Perfect as a main meal, topping or for mild intestinal complaints. For acute diarrhoea, you can temporarily give a bland diet (e.g. boiled chicken + BIOFOOD 100% Chicken or Beef + boiled rice if desired), in small portions 4-6 times a day, and then gradually build up.
BF Probiotica products support the gut flora
BF® Probiotica tablets (with pre- and probiotics, including psyllium) are excellently suited for both dogs and cats. The EFSA-registered strains (including Enterococcus faecium and Bacillus velezensis) strengthen the good bacteria, help with existing complaints and work preventively after deworming, during stress or after Giardia. Dosage: 1 tablet per 5 kg of body weight per day. This restores the balance, reduces flatulence and diarrhoea and also supports the skin, coat and immunity. Tip: animals that have ever had Giardia often remain sensitive; probiotics offer lasting support here. For more information, see the blog post Why probiotics for my dog and/or cat? – BF Petfood
Anti-hairball support
BF® Hairball tablets with flaxseed (psyllium) support intestinal function, ensure a natural excretion of hair and reduce hairball formation. Ideal for long-haired cats or for alternating stools due to hair.
Herbs that support the intestines
The BF® Natural Herb Mix (for dogs and cats) contains carefully selected herbs such as chicory, oak, peppermint, fennel seeds, anise seeds and more. These support the gut flora, peristalsis, digestion and create an unfriendly environment for parasites. Dosage for cats: max. ½ scoop per day over or through the complete or complementary food. For more information, read our blog post Herbs, the natural boost for your four-legged friend. – BF Petfood
Choose BF® Sensitive Cat (grain-free, with salmon as the only animal protein source) or BF® Adult Cat (with chicken). These are highly digestible, support digestion and are ideal for food sensitivity or chronic complaints. Combine with or switch to BIOFOOD® organic wet food, such as BIO 100% Chicken, BIO 100% Beef or the Bio Chicken/Beef menus. These are 100% natural, free from artificial additives, high in meat and ensure a clean, healthier intestinal environment. Perfect as a main meal, topping or for mild intestinal complaints. For acute diarrhoea, you can temporarily give a bland diet (e.g. boiled chicken + BIOFOOD 100% Chicken or Beef + boiled rice if desired), in small portions 4-6 times a day, and then gradually build up.
BF Probiotica products support the gut flora
BF® Probiotica tablets (with pre- and probiotics, including psyllium) are excellently suited for both dogs and cats. The EFSA-registered strains (including Enterococcus faecium and Bacillus velezensis) strengthen the good bacteria, help with existing complaints and work preventively after deworming, during stress or after Giardia. Dosage: 1 tablet per 5 kg of body weight per day. This restores the balance, reduces flatulence and diarrhoea and also supports the skin, coat and immunity. Tip: animals that have ever had Giardia often remain sensitive; probiotics offer lasting support here. For more information, see the blog post Why probiotics for my dog and/or cat? – BF Petfood
Anti-hairball support
BF® Hairball tablets with flaxseed (psyllium) support intestinal function, ensure a natural excretion of hair and reduce hairball formation. Ideal for long-haired cats or for alternating stools due to hair.
Herbs that support the intestines
The BF® Natural Herb Mix (for dogs and cats) contains carefully selected herbs such as chicory, oak, peppermint, fennel seeds, anise seeds and more. These support the gut flora, peristalsis, digestion and create an unfriendly environment for parasites. Dosage for cats: max. ½ scoop per day over or through the complete or complementary food. For more information, read our blog post Herbs, the natural boost for your four-legged friend. – BF Petfood
Handy extra tips
- Ensure sufficient moisture: wet food or multiple drinking places help.
- Combine dry food (with prebiotics such as FOS/inulin, present in many BF cat foods) with wet food and possibly probiotics for a varied, gut-friendly menu. Alternate dry and wet food for variety and better intestinal stimulation.
- Keep the litter box clean and observe the stools regularly.
- Reduce stress where possible (fixed routines, sufficient hiding places).
- For acute diarrhoea: short fast (only water, max. 12 hours – not for kittens or sick cats) and then easily digestible food.
In summary
Intestinal problems in cats can be unpleasant, but with the right approach you can give your cat a strong and healthy digestive system. Start with BF® Sensitive or Adult Cat, BIOFOOD organic wet food and support with BF® Probiotica tablets, Hairball tablets and/or the Natural Herb Mix. This way you build up a natural, effective protection that not only makes your cat more comfortable, but also gives them more energy and vitality.
Do the complaints persist or is your cat clearly ill? Then contact the vet for further examination. For questions about the products you can email info@bfpetfood.nl or use the contact page on bfpetfood.nl.
