As your feline friend gets older it will require more attention and care from you. Especially if you have an older cat that vomits frequently, it is extremely important to find the right food that will give it the right nutrients and won’t upset its digestive system. However, you probably know that it can take quite some time to find the best cat food for older cats that vomit.
But, that’s why we wrote this article, to make your search easier, and to give you answers to some of the most common questions you may have when dealing with an older feline that vomits.
Why Do Older Cats Puke So Much?
Vomiting in cats, old or young, is common. But, if it happens frequently, regardless of its age, the first thing you need to do is take it to the veterinarian.
Usually, as cats get older their digestive system becomes more sensitive to a certain type of food. The processing of some ingredients may become difficult, so the next thing to do is choose the best cat food for older cats that vomit.
Transitions Older Cats Face
Although taking to your veterinarian is the first step you need to take once you notice your kitty is vomiting often, it is beneficial to get familiar with certain transitions and changes your cat may be going through as it gets older.
Firstly, your cat’s metabolism will get slower as it ages, especially because it won’t be as active as before. Weight gain and vomiting are some of the problems that can be caused by a slower metabolism. This is why it is crucial to pick the best cat food for older cats that vomit.
Secondly, as previously mentioned, your feline friend may start becoming sensitive to certain meat or grain ingredients in the food. Your cat’s body will recognize this and it will try to eliminate whatever is causing your kitty to feel sick.
Lastly, breaking down food will become more difficult as your cat reaches a certain age. Due to the inability to properly break down the food and get the nutrients, hunger arises and the cat eats faster which upsets its digestive tract and initiates vomiting.
Common Causes
When you take your kitty to the veterinarian, you will get an answer about the most probable cause for your cat’s frequent vomiting.
One cause may be the hairballs which are formed when your kitty licks their coat and ingests a lot of hair. My cat’s fur has long hair, so if this is the case with yours as well, it is highly likely that the hair will gather in the kitty’s digestive tract and upset its tummy. Choosing the appropriate food surely helped with my cat’s vomiting situation.
Urinary tract infection may be another cause of your feline friend’s upset digestive system. UTI becomes a common infection in cats as they get older. But, be observant, if the vomiting gets severe, that means the infection has gotten worse.
If you notice your kitty drinking water excessively, you may want to check it for diabetes. This condition can be common in older felines that have gained more weight. The fast water intake that happens when your cat has diabetes can cause it to vomit.
Other diseases that may cause vomiting in felines are liver diseases, gastritis, kidney failure, irritable bowel movement, or even cancer.
Outdoor cats can be quite prone to parasites, and this is an additional cause for throwing up. Tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms are known for causing kitties to vomit. A vet can prescribe some medicine, and help with removing the parasite.
Another possible reason your kitty is vomiting can be that it ate something inedible (fibers, plastic caps, pieces of string, etc). Cats can ingest a variety of things that their body will try to dispel it whether through throwing up or through its stool.
Some cats are allergic to certain food like eggs, soy, beef, corn, fish, gluten, and chicken. Vomiting is just one of the symptoms that your cat is having an allergic reaction to food. Other symptoms may include bald patches, diarrhea, hot spots, inflamed skin, and digestive problems.
If your cat gets physically active, jumping, playing around, and running right after it has its meal, the physical exercise can lead to vomiting. In addition, eating too fast or overeating may trigger vomiting as well. So, try putting a lower quantity of food on their plate or place it on a flat surface.
What to Do After Cat Vomits?
After you clean up your kitty’s vomit, you don’t allow your cat to eat anything. Especially not something that can upset its stomach even more. When it starts eating again, don’t leave too much food otherwise it may eat more than it should and irritate its stomach.
If your cat has been vomiting excessively, take it to receive vet care immediately.
Can You Give a Cat Anything for an Upset Stomach?
Don’t give your cat any medication (even prebiotics) before consulting with your veterinarian.
If your feline friend is vomiting periodically, don’t give it any food for about twelve hours. Your cat’s water intake should be decreased as well. Give your furry ball of love around two tablespoons of water every half an hour or so.
And, we have to emphasize again, take your older cat to the veterinarian clinic immediately if the vomiting is excessive.
What Can I Feed My Cat to Stop Vomiting?
The choice of the type of food you can give to your older cat will depend on the cause of vomiting. For example, if your cat is throwing up because of hairballs, the best thing to do is provide it food that has a specific formula to break down hairballs as hair is ingested and prevents hairballs from forming.
If vomiting occurs due to overeating, start decreasing the quantity of food you give your cat. Smaller portions of the best cat food for older cats that vomit spread evenly throughout the day are one idea that you can implement to prevent your kitty from throwing up.
Removing any toxic plants or inedible items that may end up in your cat’s stomach is another way to protect your feline’s digestive system.
Knowing the cause of your cat’s condition will help you with choosing the best food for your feline friend. And, sometimes a vet visit may be the best choice.
Is Wet Food Better for Older Cats?
Knowing the average cat lifespan, it is safe to say that the food choice for your kitty will change as your cat gets older and its condition changes.
Wet cat food seems like it has less protein than dry food due to dry food’s low water quantity. However, wet food can be a better choice for older cats in some cases.
Because wet cat food has more water content, it can be good for felines that suffer from urinary tract infections, kidney disease, or even diabetes. Also, the wet food increases the cat’s liquid intake, especially if your kitty doesn’t drink water much.
What is the Best Cat Food for Older Cats with Sensitive Stomachs?
There are certain criteria that the best cat food for older cats that vomit should meet. Also, there are things you should avoid giving to a cat that tends to vomit.
If your feline friend has a sensitive digestive system, you need to be extra careful with the food you choose.
As your cat gets older it will need food that is easy to eat. Dental issues are something that many senior cats have and chewing may be a challenge.
Moreover, try adding something to their food that will make it more tasteful. Bone broth can increase the taste of your cat’s food and make your kitty more interested in eating it.
Protein Content
Cats are carnivores and protein is extremely important for meeting their nutrition needs. High-quality protein food is crucial for older cats and they should eat twice as much as they did when they were younger. The best choice for high-quality protein is real meat.
Fiber Content
Fiber is another imperative nutrient that your cat with digestive issues should eat. Including fiber in your cat’s nutrition plan helps with preventing constipation. Moving food through their digestive tract and allowing time for the essential nutrients to be properly absorbed is another benefit of having fiber in your cat’s food.
Wet or Dry
This choice will be on your cat. Some cats find dry food more palatable, and others prefer wet food. Whichever is easier for them to digest and doesn’t cause them any difficulty when eating, is the one to go for. Monitor your feline friend to determine what the best food for your older cat is.
Certain ingredients are not good for your cat’s sensitive stomach and digestive tract. Some of these can be the very cause of your kitty’s vomiting condition. Food dyes, processed grains, artificial additives, rendered fats, meat meals, soy, corn, wheat, and more, should be avoided and not included in your feline’s diet.
Top Six Recommendations for the Best Cat Food for Older Cats that Vomit
Dry Food for Cats with Fiber for Gastrointestinal Response by Royal Canin Veterinary Diet
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet offers an entire line of diets created by veterinarians that are made to assist in the recovery and management of illnesses.
This dry cat food by Royal Canin is rich in fiber and has a specific formula of soluble and insoluble fibers to assist in the movement in your cat’s gastrointestinal tract.
Furthermore, the prebiotics in the content of the food maintains good gut bacteria.
Additionally, the exclusive S/O Index creates an environment that is not friendly to bladder crystal formation, thus helping your feline’s urinary health. This is very important in older cats.
Your cat’s digestive tract is further supported and nourished by the EPA and DHA (Omega 3 fatty acids) from fish oil.
Pros
- Its high fiber content of blended soluble and insoluble fiber promotes a healthy digestive system and helps with a sensitive stomach
- Your cat’s urinary health is supported by its exclusive S/O Index
- The digestible proteins and prebiotics help with your feline’s stool quality and gut health
Cons
- Your cat may not be very fond of it
- It’s quite pricey
Please note that this food needs to be authorized by a vet.
Digestive Care Chicken Flavor Dry Food For Cats By Hill’s Prescription
Back in 1939 one remarkable veterinarian decided to start Hill’s Pet Nutrition, and the name has been carrying its tradition since then. The nutrition products offered by Prescription Diet are of very high quality.
This particular chicken flavor cat food by Hill’s Prescription has a formula that is specifically designed by nutritionists and veterinarians to help and support your cat’s digestive health.
Moreover, the Digestive Care formula aids in your kitty’s urinary health by promoting an environment that reduces the hazard of struvite and calcium oxalate crystals. The formula meets all specific nutrient standards to help with the recovery and restore the body’s vitality.
The added antioxidants assist with helping cell oxidation control, while the blend of fibers supports the gastrointestinal health of your cat.
Pros
- It contains a special formula that helps with your feline friend’s digestive system
- It supports urinary health
- It contains antioxidants
- It has a blend of fibers that helps with the gastrointestinal health of your cat
Cons
- Your cat may not enjoy this food
Please note that this food needs to be authorized by a vet.
Focus Adult 11 And Above Classic Salmon And Tuna Entrée Canned Food For Cats By Purina Pro Plan
Purina Pro Plan has a high-quality nutrition line for dogs and cats that help your pet have a healthy and happy life.
The special formula in this canned cat food by Purina Pro Plan is designed especially for felines eleven years and older. It is made in such a way to ensure your cat gets all the nutrients it needs.
It contains high-quality protein from real salmon and tuna, and in each serving, there are around twenty-five minerals and vitamins that support your cat’s overall wellbeing.
Pros
- It has high-quality protein in its special formula
- It has twenty-five minerals and vitamins per serving
- Supports healthy skin and shiny coat
- It doesn’t contain any grains
- It supports your older cat’s immune system
Cons
- Your cat may not eat this food
- It may cause constipation in some cats
Digestive Care Canned Food For Cats, Chicken And Vegetable Stew Flavor By Hill’s Prescription Diet
Hill’s Prescription Diet has another of their great products on our list of top recommendations of best cat food for older cats that vomit.
In relation, Hill’s formula for digestive health is present in this product as well. This palatable canned cat food is rich in highly digestible protein and fat that assist in the assimilation of nutrients and repairing the tissues.
Antioxidants are present to aid in cell oxidation control, while fibers support gastrointestinal health.
Pros
- It has high-quality proteins that help with digestion
- It contains fibers to support gastrointestinal health
- It has antioxidants
- It has healthy fat for skin and coat health
Cons
- Some cats may not enjoy it
Please note that this food needs to be authorized by a vet.
Original Skin/Food Sensitivities Dry Food For Cats By Hill’s Prescription
The formula in this Hill’s Prescription Diet product is designed specifically for cats that have adverse reactions to food and other dietary sensitivities.
It is created for digestion improvement and the elimination of any food-related skin irritation. The digestible proteins decrease the possibility of adverse reactions to food.
The antioxidants in the formula maintain the health of the immune system and the function of the skin barrier.
Pros
- It helps with digestive intolerance of food
- It contains antioxidants
- It has digestible proteins
- It improves digestion and the quality of your cat’s stool
Cons
- It is pricey
- Your cat may not like it
Please note that this food needs to be authorized by a vet.
ProActive Health Healthy Senior Dry Food For Cats By Iams
Iams designed this food with consideration of older cats. The phosphorus and calcium in the product help with bone and joint health, while the main ingredient, chicken, makes it tasty.
Furthermore, antioxidants and Vitamin E aid in the health of your cat’s immune system. The addition of L-carnitine helps with healthy weight maintenance and with keeping your cat’s muscles strong.
Pros
- It supports the health of your kitty’s bones and joints
- It helps with the strength and vitality of your cat’s muscles
- It strengthens the feline’s immune system
Cons
- Some cats may dislike it
When making a decision…
Your cat’s preference will play a huge role in your choice of the best cat food for older cats that vomit. Observe your senior cat, respect its choice and make the transition slowly. Sudden changes in nutrition can upset your feline friend’s stomach even more. Consult and discuss with your vet the best option for you and your cat. Our recommendation list offers a variety of high-quality cat foods for different conditions your kitty may be facing.
