This chronic inflammatory condition is a common cause of weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea in cats.
If you have a cat, you know that cleaning up the occasional hairball or vomit on the carpet is part of the deal. But if you find yourself cleaning up messes often, or your kitty has diarrhea frequently, something might be wrong. Cats showing these symptoms, along with chronic weight loss may have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
IBD in cats is a complex, persistent condition that occurs when inflammatory cells invade the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and damage the stomach, small intestine, and/or large intestine. This damage can hurt your cat’s ability to digest food, absorb water, and get nutrients.
IBD can affect cats of any age, but middle-aged and older felines most often experience the disease. While the exact cause of IBD is often unknown, it may indicate an autoimmune issue. Food allergies, bacterial infections, or intestinal parasites can also cause the condition.
IBD attacks various parts of your cat's digestive system and causes different symptoms. When the disease inflames the stomach, your cat will vomit frequently. When IBD strikes the large intestine, it creates bloody diarrhea.
If your cat starts eating a lot more (or a lot less), that can also be a sign of IBD. Abdominal pain, weight loss, lethargy, gas, and a messy or dull coat are other symptoms of the chronic condition.
⚠️ Vomiting more than once a month, even if it’s just hairballs, may be a sign of IBD or another underlying medical condition. This is especially concerning when accompanied by weight loss.
Flare-ups of IBD may be due to sensitivities or allergies to certain proteins, preservatives, wheat, or other dietary components. Even cats who have eaten a certain type of food for years may develop a sensitivity over time. Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can contribute to or worsen IBD. Stress and other environmental factors may also play a role.
IBD can be tricky and expensive to diagnose. Your vet will want to know your cat's symptoms, how long they have lasted and how often they occur. They’ll also do a complete nose-to-tail physical exam, followed by one or more of the following:
Your vet will want to run some basic tests on your cat's blood, urine, and stool. These tests help rule out easier-to-treat problems first, such as hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, and intestinal parasites. Specific blood tests can measure B12 and folate levels. Cats with chronic intestinal disease might have deficiencies in these vitamins.
Most cats with IBD have normal results on these tests, so don't be surprised if everything looks fine. Sometimes blood work shows a few changes, like a low red blood cell count or too many white blood cells, which usually means there’s an infection or inflammation. The tests might also show problems with your cat’s liver function.
The cost of blood work varies considerably based on both the vet clinic and the type of test your vet requires.
Ultrasounds can detect problems that blood tests might miss, like pancreatitis or cancer. The cost of this procedure ranges from $350 to $600.
The best way to diagnose IBD is by taking tissue samples from the intestines. But this method is also the most expensive. Your vet might use a small camera, known as an endoscope, or do surgery to get these samples. General anesthesia will be necessary for both options.
The typical cost of an intestinal biopsy for a cat ranges from $500 to several thousand, and varies based on the complexity of the surgery, the specific veterinary clinic. Cost can also be affected by whether the biopsy is performed at a specialty clinic versus a general practice vet, as it will be more expensive with the former. Additional costs may include pre-procedure blood tests and post-procedure medications or care.
While costly, biopsies are the only way to tell IBD apart from intestinal lymphoma, which requires different treatment. Each condition needs a different treatment. Some pet parents may not wish to pursue intestinal biopsies. In this case, their vet may begin treatment for IBD in the hopes of improvement.
If treatment fails or the cat is extremely ill, decision-makers should reconsider doing a biopsy. If your cat's symptoms persist despite treatment, your vet will order more tests to discover what else might be causing the illness.
⚠️ Intestinal lymphoma is a common GI disease in cats. It also causes symptoms like weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea. To diagnose IBD and tell it apart from lymphoma, you need intestinal biopsies.
Managing IBD in cats often means testing various methods to find what suits your cat best. Changing what your cat eats is often the first major step in treatment. Your vet may suggest a novel protein diet. This means using meats your cat hasn’t tried, such as venison or duck. Another choice is a hydrolyzed protein diet. In this diet, proteins break down into smaller pieces that are less likely to cause reactions. Some cats with large intestine inflammation benefit from high-fiber diets.
Your vet will likely prescribe antibiotics alongside dietary therapy. Antibiotics eliminate excess bacteria in the digestive system while also reducing swelling and irritation.
Other common treatments for IBD include:
Your vet will likely give your cat a dewormer. This is because intestinal parasites can trigger or worsen IBD symptoms. Fecal tests don’t always find all intestinal parasites and deworming helps remove this possible cause.
Many cats with IBD as well as other chronic diseases of the GI tract need vitamin B12 injections because their damaged intestines can't absorb this essential vitamin properly.
If diet and antibiotics don’t help with the inflammation, your vet may recommend corticosteroids. Medications like prednisolone or cyclosporine can help. They reduce inflammation by suppressing the immune system. Your cat will usually begin with a higher dose, which will decrease over time.
Long-term use of steroids and other immunosuppressive drugs can cause side effects. Cats on this treatment need close monitoring.
Probiotics, prebiotics, and adding fiber to the diet may also be beneficial in some cases.
Treating IBD in cats is a continuous process. Treatment changes are often needed as the disease gets worse. Even cats that are well managed may have occasional flare-ups of symptoms. Regular communication with your veterinarian is essential throughout this process.
IBD is a complex medical condition. While no cure exists, proper treatment can effectively manage IBD. Many cats respond well to treatment and can maintain an excellent quality of life for years. You should expect occasional flare-ups even with good management.
Some cats are easier to treat. Others can be more challenging. Finding the right treatment may take time and patience, but it’s vital to keep your cat healthy, happy, and part of your family for many years to come.
Yes, steroids can cause increased drinking, urination, and appetite in cats. Long-term use might affect the heart, liver, and skin, and can increase diabetes risk. That's why vets start with larger doses. They then reduce the dosage to the lowest level that still works.
With proper treatment and management, most cats with IBD can live normal lifespans. Success depends on how severe the disease is, how well your cat responds to treatment, and how consistently you follow your vet's recommendations.
Your vet might suspect IBD if your cat has ongoing vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and intestinal changes. Blood tests and ultrasounds can help pinpoint other causes of these symptoms. Only intestinal biopsies can confirm an IBD diagnosis for certain.
Biopsies are the only way to definitively diagnose IBD and distinguish it from other conditions, like intestinal lymphoma, that share similar symptoms. Treatment may start based on symptoms alone, but biopsies help your vet design the best plan for your cat's needs.
Untreated IBD can lead to severe weight loss, malnutrition, and dehydration. It can also cause life-threatening complications. Chronic inflammation can also boost the chances of developing intestinal lymphoma in the future.
