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3 main signs of Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to look out for in your cat
From health food shots, to live yoghurts, gut health is a hot topic of conversation at the minute and while we might be clued up on our own digestive systems, it’s important to know that our feline friends can suffer from gut issues too.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a serious gut health problem cats can face, caused by inflammation of the cells in either the stomach, intestines, or both, and a vet is warning owners to be alert to the symptoms.
Jackie Marshall, qualified vet and Technical Advisor here at VetPlus, says: 
“IBD is a condition owners might not know can affect their cats, but it does have a number of serious implications for our precious pets, causing long-term pain and discomfort. 
The good news is that there are plenty of ways your vet can help you to support your pet’s gut health. Just like for us humans, probiotics, postbiotics and prebiotics, all of which are included in our supplement SUSTAIN® for Cats, can support gastrointestinal health and boost the immune system of our four-legged friends.
If you’re worried about your cat’s gut health, make sure to speak to a vet to make sure you get the best advice
To help owners, Jackie has advised owners three of the main signs of IBD in cats:
Chronic vomiting
IBD can impact any part of your four-legged friend’s gastrointestinal tract but most commonly affects the stomach or the intestines.
This means that cats suffering from the condition can experience chronic vomiting, which typically lasts for over 4 weeks. This is one of the most common symptoms seen in cats suffering with IBD.
Long-term Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is another very common sign of IBD in cats. However, it can be difficult to notice this if your cat goes to the toilet outside so keep an eye on their toileting habits and take them to the vet if you notice any changes.
Weight loss
Cats suffering with IBD also tend to have a poor appetite and start to lose weight.
Fluctuations in weight and appetite can have lots of different causes so it’s important to consult your vet to get the correct diagnosis and treatment if you notice any changes.
For more information, please visit www.vetplus.co.uk