Gentle food for cats – recipes, tips and when to contact a vet

What is gentle food for cats?

Gentle food is an easily digestible food that relieves the cat's stomach and intestines when it has a stomach upset. The diet often consists of mild ingredients that are gentle on the stomach and easy to break down.

Example of gentle food for cats:

• Cooked white fish (cod, haddock or saithe)
• Cooked skinless chicken or turkey
• White rice or boiled potatoes in small quantities
• Cottage cheese or boiled eggs can sometimes be used, but some cats are sensitive to dairy products.

It is also possible to buy ready-made diet foods that are specially formulated for cats with sensitive stomachs. These are great if your cat needs to eat a gentle diet for more than a few days, as they contain more nutrients.

When should I give my cat gentle food?

You can try giving your cat a gentle diet if they:

• Have loose stools or diarrhoea
• Individual Vomiting but still seems alert
• Have a sensitive stomach after changing food

If your cat doesn't get better and you feel worried about your cat, you should contact your vet to get advice.

How to make your own gentle food for a cat

The recipe is a suggestion, but if the cat only wants to eat the chicken, it's better than not eating at all. If your cat doesn't want to eat the gentle diet, you can try diet food.

1. 4 parts cooked white rice or potatoes
2. 1 part cooked white fish, r cooked turkey or chicken
3. Mix gently and serve in small portions.
4. Start with a small amount to see if the cat eats and retains its food.

How much gentle food should I give to my cat?

• Start with a smaller amount than your cat's normal daily portion.
• Divide into 4–6 small meals throughout the day.
• Increase the amount gradually as the stomach begins to stabilize.

Once your cat's stools look normal again, you can gradually mix in their regular food over a few days. A too rapid transition can lead to a recurrence of diarrhoea.

Make sure your cat is hydrated

In the event of diarrhoea or vomiting, a cat loses fluid quickly and may need extra water or sometimes fluid replacement. You can boil fluid replacement yourself, but also give the cat free access to plain water.

How long can a cat eat gentle food?

If the diarrhoea persists even though the cat has been eating a gentle diet for a few days, it is time to contact the vet.

When do I need to contact a vet?

• The diarrhoea does not go away within 1-2 days
• The cat becomes lethargic or stops eating
• The cat vomits repeatedly
• You see blood in the stool
• A kitten or older cat is affected – they become dehydrated quickly