Gastritis (Stomach Inflammation ) in Cats

Gastritis, also called stomach inflammation, refers to inflammation and irritation of the stomach lining. The condition can be acute or chronic, and the signs range from mild discomfort to more serious problems which require veterinary treatment. Vomiting is the most common sign, but loss of appetite, stomach pain, and lethargy can also be seen. In this article you can learn more about the causes, signs, treatment, and when you should contact your vet.

What is Gastritis  in Cats?

Gastritis means that the lining of the stomach is inflamed. The condition can be acute (sudden onset and often temporary) or chronic (lasting more than three weeks). Gastritis can also be classified as primary or secondary, depending on the cause of the inflammation. In general, we talk about primary gastritis if the cause is associated with the stomach itself, and secondary gastritis if it is caused is by changes in other parts of the body.

Chronic secondary gastritis is often caused by underlying illnesses.

Acute Gastritis

Acute gastritis develops suddenly and is often temporary. It may be caused by the cat eating something unsuitable, contracting an infection, or reacting to medication. Acute symptoms often resolve within a few days to a week if the cat receives appropriate treatment.

Chronic Gastritis

If the inflammation in the stomach lasts longer than three weeks, it is classed as chronic. Chronic gastritis can be more difficult to treat and often requires a thorough investigation to determine the underlying cause. Cats with chronic gastritis may have recurring and intermittent signs.

Primary Gastritis

In primary gastritis, the cause is directly in the stomach, for example, because the cat has eaten something that irritates the stomach lining (including medications), or has developed an infectionin the stomach.

Secondary Gastritis

Secondary gastritis means that the inflammation in the stomach is a result of another condition    such as kidney failure, liver disease, or hormonal disorders. Secondary gastritis is often chronic and can be more difficult to treat, as the underlying illness also needs to be addressed.

Causes of Gastritis in Cats

• Ingestion of unsuitable substances: e.g., plants, food scraps, foreign objects, or toxic substances.

• Medications: certain medications, such as anti-inflammatory and antiparasitic drugs, can irritate the stomach lining.

• Infections: viruses, bacteria, or parasites can cause inflammation.

• Sudden diet changes or food intolerance

• Allergies: food allergies can sometimes cause gastritis, often along with other gastrointestinal signs.

• Stress: stressed cats may develop stomach problems, particularly after changes to their environment.

• Diseases of other organs: Such as kidney failure, liver disease, hyperthyroidism, pancreatitis, or tumours.

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

• Hairballs or overeating: may temporarily irritate the stomach.

• Unknown cause: sometimes no clear cause is found; this is called idiopathic gastritis.

Signs of Gastritis in Cats

Which signs we see depend on the cause and whether the condition is acute or chronic. Common signs include:

• Vomiting: often shortly after eating or drinking, but sometimes later.

• Nausea: the cat may lick its lips, drool, or swallow frequently.

• Reduced appetite or food refusal: the cat stops eating or loses its appetite.

• Stomach pain: the cat may become more vocal, withdrawn, or react when the abdomen is touched.

• Change in demeanor: the cat may be sluggish, tire more easily than usual, or seem less interested in its surroundings. It may sleep more, play less, and withdraw.

• Weight loss: Often seen In chronic cases.

• Black or dark tar-like  faeces

"Although vomiting is the most common symptom of gastritis, some cats with gastritis do not vomit, but they may have a reduced appetite."

When to Contact your Vet

You should always contact a vet if the cat:

• Appears clearly unwell.
• Vomits frequently (more than 1–2 times per week).
• Cannot keep food or water down.
• Vomits undigested food or blood-stained vomit.
• Experiences prolonged vomiting.
• Appears lethargic or weak.Has ingested something toxic or a foreign object.

Home Management of Gastritis in Cats

If the cat has only vomited once or twice, appears otherwise well, and has not eaten anything unsuitable, you can try the following:

• Reduce food quantity: offer smaller meals of your cat's basic diet every 4 hours over 12–24 hours (cats should not be fasted).
• Bland diet: Your vet may advise you to give small amounts of easily digestible food at intervals of a few hours.
• Fresh water: ensure the cat always has access to fresh clean water.
• Gradually increase food: once the vomiting stops, gradually increase the meal sizes over 1–2 days.
• Return to normal diet: only when the cat has recovered completely.

Contact your vet immediately if your cat continues to vomit, deteriorates, or develops other signs. Vomiting can cause severe dehydration so it is important to seek veterinary treatment early when no improvement is seen. 

Veterinary treatment 

The vet will start by performing a clinical examination to assess the cats condition and any risk factors. The cat’s medical history is often reviewed and blood tests may be performed check the hydration status and rule out other common causes  such as kidney or liver disease. Other investigations may be indicated such as abdominal ultrasound or X-rays of the abdomen. This can help to rule out tumours, foreign objects, or other changes.

Faecal samples may also be analysed if the vet suspects that the vomiting could be caused by parasites or a bacterial infection.

In some cases, the vet may need to look at the inside of the stomach. This can be done by performing a gastroscopy, a procedure performed under general anaesthesia, and  where a small camera is inserted into the cat’s mouth, esophagus and stomach. This allows the vet to examine the stomach lining and take tissue samples (biopsies) if needed. 

Veterinary Treatment

Treatment of gastritis depends on the signs and the findings of the clinical examination and diagnostic tests. Specific dietary recommendations are often advised, along with medications to protect the stomach lining and reduce nausea. Intravenous fluid therapy (drip) and supportive care may be needed if the cat is dehydrated or seriously ill. If an underlying disease is identified then this is also treated.

Prevention of Gastritis in Cats

• Monitor the cat’s condition and seek help if changes occur
• Avoid sudden diet changes, switch food gradually over 5-7 days.
• Keep toxic plants and dangerous substances out of reach.
• Never give medications without veterinary guidance
• Ensure regular health checks, especially for older cats Avoid stress
• Long haired cats should be brushed regularly to avoid hairballs. 

Prognosis of Gastritis in Cats

The prognosis depends on the cause and how quickly the cat receives treatment. Acute gastritis caused by temporary factors, such as eating unsuitable food, often has a good prognosis, and most cats recover completely with dietary care  and rest.

Treatment may be more extensive and take longer if the gastritis is chronic or secondary to another illness, such as kidney disease or inflammatory bowel disease. In these cases the prognosis depends on how well the underlying condition can be managed. Some cats may require special diets or medications for an extended period to remain healthy.