Digestive problems in your cat: recognition, causes and practical support
A healthy digestive system is just as essential for a cat as it is for us. The intestines are where nutrients are absorbed, immunity is maintained, and the energy balance is regulated. If this delicate balance is disrupted, you will quickly notice it in your cat’s stool, appetite, or behavior. Fortunately, you can do a lot to help with targeted nutrition and BF products. Read on below to learn what is going on, how to recognize it, and which BF solutions are the best fit.
Causes of intestinal problems in cats
Intestinal problems can arise in various ways. Here are the most important causes:- Nutrition: Sudden change of food, poor or unsuitable food quality, food that doesn't agree with them (e.g., spoiled food, plants, trash, or milk – cats are often lactose intolerant), food that is too fatty, or sensitivity to certain ingredients (such as grains).
- Parasites: Giardia, coccidia, roundworms, tapeworms, or other intestinal parasites that disrupt digestion (especially in kittens and young cats).
- Stress: Cats are very sensitive to changes at home, a new housemate, moving, noise, or other disturbances. This can directly affect their digestion. For more information, see the blog article How to recognize stress in your four-legged friend and what to do? – BF Petfood
- Bacterial or viral infections: Bacteria, viruses (such as feline panleukopenia), or other pathogens that affect the intestines.
- Hairballs: Especially in long-haired cats; too much swallowed hair can irritate the intestines and cause diarrhea or constipation.
- Food hypersensitivity or allergy: A reaction to certain proteins or ingredients that cause inflammation in the intestinal wall.
- Other factors: Weakened immunity, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), underlying conditions such as hyperthyroidism (especially in older cats), kidney problems, or sometimes tumors.
Symptoms of intestinal problems in cats
- Loose, watery, or slimy stool, sometimes with blood, or conversely, hard, difficult bowel movements (or an alternation of both). For more information, see the blog article What to do about loose stool in dogs and cats? – BF Petfood
- Pooping more or less often, flatulence, rumbling stomach.
- Vomiting, decreased appetite, or strange eating behavior.
- Lethargy, weight loss, dull coat, or withdrawing.
- Nausea (drooling, lip licking) or visible abdominal discomfort.
Please note: diarrhea lasting longer than 24-48 hours, accompanied by blood, mucus, vomiting, fever, or lethargy, is a reason to contact the veterinarian immediately. Kittens and older cats dehydrate quickly.
Practical tips for addressing intestinal problems in cats
There are several smart and natural ways to help your cat. Here are some proven tips with matching BF products:
Easily digestible and hypoallergenic nutrition
Choose BF® Sensitive Cat (grain-free, with only salmon as an animal protein source) or BF® Adult Cat (with chicken). These are highly digestible, support digestion, and are ideal for food sensitivity or chronic complaints. Combine with or switch to BIOFOOD® organic wet food, such as BIO 100% Chicken, BIO 100% Beef, or the Bio Chicken/Beef menus. These are 100% natural, contain no artificial additives, are high in meat, and ensure a clean, healthier intestinal environment. Perfect as a main meal, a topping, or for mild intestinal complaints. In case of acute diarrhea, you can temporarily provide a bland diet (e.g., boiled chicken + BIOFOOD 100% Chicken or Beef + optionally boiled rice) in small portions 4-6 times a day, and then gradually transition back.
BF Probiotic products support the intestinal flora
BF® Probiotic tablets (with pre- and probiotics, including psyllium) are excellent for both dogs and cats. The EFSA-registered strains (including Enterococcus faecium and Bacillus velezensis) strengthen good bacteria, help with existing complaints, and work preventatively after deworming, during stress, or after Giardia. Dosage: 1 tablet per 5 kg of body weight per day. This restores the balance, reduces flatulence and diarrhea, and also supports skin, coat, and immunity. Tip: animals that have had Giardia often remain sensitive; probiotics offer lasting support here. For more information, see the blog article Why probiotics for my dog and/or cat? – BF Petfood
Anti-hairball support
BF® Hairball tablets with psyllium husk support intestinal function, ensure natural excretion of hair, and reduce hairball formation. Ideal for long-haired cats or in case of irregular stool caused by hair.
Herbs that support the intestines
The BF® Natural Herbal Mix (for dogs and cats) contains strictly selected herbs such as plantain, oak, peppermint, fennel seed, aniseed, and more. These support the intestinal flora, peristalsis, digestion, and create an inhospitable climate for parasites. Dosage for cats: max. ½ measuring spoon per day mixed into their complete or supplementary food. For more information, read our blog article Herbs, the natural boost for your four-legged friend. – BF Petfood
Choose BF® Sensitive Cat (grain-free, with only salmon as an animal protein source) or BF® Adult Cat (with chicken). These are highly digestible, support digestion, and are ideal for food sensitivity or chronic complaints. Combine with or switch to BIOFOOD® organic wet food, such as BIO 100% Chicken, BIO 100% Beef, or the Bio Chicken/Beef menus. These are 100% natural, contain no artificial additives, are high in meat, and ensure a clean, healthier intestinal environment. Perfect as a main meal, a topping, or for mild intestinal complaints. In case of acute diarrhea, you can temporarily provide a bland diet (e.g., boiled chicken + BIOFOOD 100% Chicken or Beef + optionally boiled rice) in small portions 4-6 times a day, and then gradually transition back.
BF Probiotic products support the intestinal flora
BF® Probiotic tablets (with pre- and probiotics, including psyllium) are excellent for both dogs and cats. The EFSA-registered strains (including Enterococcus faecium and Bacillus velezensis) strengthen good bacteria, help with existing complaints, and work preventatively after deworming, during stress, or after Giardia. Dosage: 1 tablet per 5 kg of body weight per day. This restores the balance, reduces flatulence and diarrhea, and also supports skin, coat, and immunity. Tip: animals that have had Giardia often remain sensitive; probiotics offer lasting support here. For more information, see the blog article Why probiotics for my dog and/or cat? – BF Petfood
Anti-hairball support
BF® Hairball tablets with psyllium husk support intestinal function, ensure natural excretion of hair, and reduce hairball formation. Ideal for long-haired cats or in case of irregular stool caused by hair.
Herbs that support the intestines
The BF® Natural Herbal Mix (for dogs and cats) contains strictly selected herbs such as plantain, oak, peppermint, fennel seed, aniseed, and more. These support the intestinal flora, peristalsis, digestion, and create an inhospitable climate for parasites. Dosage for cats: max. ½ measuring spoon per day mixed into their complete or supplementary food. For more information, read our blog article Herbs, the natural boost for your four-legged friend. – BF Petfood
Useful extra tips
- Ensure sufficient hydration: wet food or multiple water stations help.
- Combine dry food (with prebiotics such as FOS/inulin, present in many BF cat foods) with wet food and optionally probiotics for a varied, gut-friendly menu. Alternate dry and wet food for variety and better intestinal stimulation.
- Keep the litter box clean and observe the stool regularly.
- Reduce stress wherever possible (consistent routines, enough hiding places).
- In case of acute diarrhea: short fasting (water only, max. 12 hours – not for kittens or sick cats) followed by easily digestible food.
In summary
Intestinal problems in cats can be annoying, but with the right approach, you can give your cat a strong and healthy digestive system. Start with BF® Sensitive or Adult Cat, BIOFOOD organic wet food, and support with BF® Probiotic tablets, Hairball tablets, and/or the Natural Herbal Mix. This builds natural, effective protection that not only makes your cat more comfortable but also gives them more energy and vitality.
Do the complaints persist, or is your cat clearly ill? Please contact your veterinarian for further examination. For questions about the products, you can email info@bfpetfood.nl or use the contact page on bfpetfood.nl.
