Last Updated: 16/06/2025
Does you cat suffer from a sensitive tummy? Find out the best foods to feed as recommended by Vets.
Author: Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 77 minutes - extensive read
Gastrointestinal issues are one of many common reasons for owners to bring their cats in to see a vet. Cats with sensitive stomachs tend to have repeated occurrences of vomiting or regurgitation, diarrhoea and loss of appetite. These could be caused by the wrong diet, parasites, infection, food allergies, or other medical conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. Dietary management is often the most effective treatment for these chronic 'on and off' digestive upsets.
It is crucial to have your veterinarian investigate the underlying cause for the ongoing gastrointestinal issues. Depending on the problem, your vet may advise a specific veterinary therapeutic diet of sensitive stomach cat food. Cats with food allergies should be fed a hydrolysed or novel protein diet to minimise risk of an adverse reaction. Cats with underlying digestive disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease or triaditis (a combination of inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis and cholangitis), on the other hand, may be fed a highly digestible, low residue gastrointestinal diet, a novel protein diet or a hydrolysed protein diet depending on their specific condition. Cats are able to tolerate dietary fat better than dogs, so feeding a low fat diet for sensitive stomachs is generally not necessary.
Four reasons why it's important to choose the right sensitive stomach food for cats are:
Our Pet Circle Vet Squad comprises 20 vets with over 120 years of collective, independent veterinary expertise. Our Vet team use their health and husbandry knowledge, along with their own personal and clinical experiences to evaluate each product and provide detailed, informative reviews, free of any commercial bias. We then collate this information into our 'best of' recommendations
Suitable for adult cats and also available in a senior specific variety for cats over 7 years of age, the Hills Sensitive Stomach and Skin is a great choice for cats with sensitive digestive tracts who don't require a prescription diet. It works via a patented blend of prebiotics. Prebiotics are types of fibre that are preferred by the beneficial bacteria in the gut as sources of energy. The bacteria ferment this fibre, and this process produces short-chain fatty acids which are ideal sources of energy for the intestinal cells. By providing a pathway to their preferred energy source, prebiotics are able to strengthen the intestinal cells and support their optimal function.
The main protein and first ingredient in this food is chicken which means that it may not be suitable for cats with sensitivities to poultry. It also contains egg and grains which may not be suitable for some cats.
"Highly recommend this product. One of my cat has sensitive stomach and this kibble has reduced stomach issues significantly. My other two cats love the taste of this as well so it’s a must have when I purchase cat food in my household."
Air-dried to retain raw nutrition, all Ziwi recipes are high in meat, organs and bones with beneficial inclusions like green-lipped mussel. With complete and balanced recipes, they are also grain free and all ingredients are sourced sustainably. Ziwi recipes are highly palatable, making them a great choice for fussy eaters.
Ziwi-Peak dry foods come in a range of flavours, but novel protein options like the Venison variety may be an excellent choice for cats that are suspected to have food sensitivities to certain proteins or grains.
Ziwi-Peak dry foods should be stored in their original packaging after opening, and away from direct sunlight and high temperatures.
Like freeze-dried foods, the air-drying process is not an equal substitute for cooking with heat in terms of bacterial and parasitic control, so extra caution must be taken in the handling of air-dried foods and hygiene control.
"My cats LOVE this product and I love how natural it is. Also I look for local products -NZ or Aus made. Tick! Expensive, yes, but I mix a small amount with their other dry food to stretch it out. High nutrient density = less needed to have healthy kitties."
Hills Prescription Diet is the #1 US Vet Recommended therapeutic pet food. Hills i/d Digestive care for cats has been clinically tested and proven to help resolve diarrhoea and support quick recovery, and is specifically formulated for patients with acute vomiting and/or diarrhoea, chronic enteropathies or pancreatitis and other conditions resulting in maldigestion and/or malabsorption or nutrients. It is suitable for feeding long term in cats who require a highly digestible food.
In addition, Hills i/d prescription food includes their 'S+OX Shield', helping to protect your dog from the risk of urinary crystals. The food is formulated such that struvite and calcium oxalate stones are unlikely to form in an unfavourable environment.
As a prescription diet, this food should only be fed under the direct recommendation of your cat's treating veterinarian. There may be more appropriate diets depending on your cat's specific condition, so it is important to consult with your vet prior to purchase.
"Recommended by vet for 6mth cat who constantly vomited after the regular dry food. Settled very quickly. Kept on it for 3 yrs now and he loves taste and prefers over other dry food. Has kept it down without issues. in fact likes it so much he is now a bit over weight. I put it out of reach to prevent midnite munchies. "
"Hills i/d Digestive Care is a suitable diet for cats with acute digestive upsets, those suffering from chronic gastrointestinal issues such as pancreatitis or inflammatory bowel disease, or recovering from gastrointestinal surgery. It is very highly digestible and low residue, which means that it is easily broken down and absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. This helps to reduce fermentation in the gut and support return to optimal gut function." - Dr. Belinda
Hills Prescription Diet Z/d is made with hydrolysed protein and single carbohydrate source, making it highly unlikely to trigger an adverse reaction. Hydrolysation is a process where the protein has been broken down into its amino acid components which are less likely to incite an immune reaction. Cats with food allergies often show signs of skin irritations along with gastrointestinal signs. Hills z/d includes vitamin E to support the skin and coat, as well as antioxidants to maintain a healthy skin barrier.
An added benefit of the Hills z/d for cats is that it is also available in a wet form for mixed feeding, to provide variety in your cats diet.
During the manufacturing process, extra steps are taken to ensure that there is no contamination with other protein sources. This is achieved through rigorous testing and cleaning of all production equipment to formulate these prescription diets.
Prescription diets such as the Hills z/d which have been scientifically formulated for cats with food allergies and hypersensitivities are the gold standard therapeutic diets.There are other hydrolysed diets available - Royal Canin Hypoallergenic and Anallergenic, which will be discussed next.
"This food has been amazing - no more upset tummy & diarrhea for my cat once he started on this diet & he appears to enjoy eating them so win win!"
Royal Canin Anallergenic is formulated with highly hydrolysed poultry feather protein. As the protein is reduced to such a small size and sourced from a novel origin, it is extremely unlikely to trigger an adverse food allergy reaction. It is also manufactured under pharmaceutical grade conditions to ensure no cross contamination from other allergens. This diet can be used as an elimination diet to diagnose suspected food allergies, and for long term therapy if needed.
This diet has been formulated to help strengthen the skin barrier against allergens and omega fatty acids are included to nourish the skin and coat. Although this is a gold standard diet for food allergies, it is not suitable for all cats. Kittens or adult cats with existing medical conditions such as pancreatitis should not be on the Anallergenic diet. It's always recommended to consult your veterinarian for the most appropriate diet for your cat.
"This food has been the saviour for our little cat Peanut who has severe inflammatory bowel disease."
"Royal Canin Veterinary Anallergenic Dry Cat Food is the gold standard hypoallergenic diet for food allergies in cats. Proteins are the most common triggers of food allergies, so hypoallergenic diets contain novel protein or hydrolysed protein as these are less likely to cause an allergic reaction, either because the cat hasn't been exposed to the protein source before (novel protein) or because the protein has been broken down into molecules that are so small, they are unlikely to trigger the immune system (hydrolysed protein). What makes Anallergenic unique is that it contains a highly novel protein source (feather protein) that is also hydrolysed, so even extremely allergic cats or cats that have been exposed to a wide range of protein sources are very unlikely to react to this food."- Dr. Michelle
Hills Gastrointestinal Biome is formulated to help manage gastrointestinal problems and is clinically tested to improve diarrhoea and constipation in as little as 24 hours. With a focus on the gut microbiome, this food supports a healthy balance in the gastrointestinal tract and improves digestive function.The gut microbiome is made up of micro organisms such as bacteria which naturally live in the gut. Learn more about gut microbiome and how it can improve GI health.
This prescription food can be used to manage colitis issues, large bowel diarrhoea, constipation, flatulence and some forms of inflammatory bowel disease (antibiotic, steroid or food responsive diarrhoea). It is important to check with your vet and follow their recommendations on the most suitable diet for your pet. There can be a number of causes for diarrhoea and constipation in cats and treatments may differ depending on the reason.
"I was given a beautiful rescue cat who the owner had rescued then didn't want and unfortunately she had been feed Aldi cache dry biscuits and I noticed she struggled to poo and wanted to eat grass all day. She was so constipated poor thing she would bleed , my vet recommended this and not only would she eat it which shocked me as she's very fussy finally she had regular bowel movements that were not dried out rocks and she's a much happier little guy . It worked so fast, I'm so happy with the result."
"Hills Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome is an excellent option for cats with chronic diarrhoea, excessive gas or other digestive sensitivities that are responsive to a high fibre diet. Along with an increased fibre content, it also contains a blend of prebiotics that help to firm the stool and promote healthy digestion, as well as omega fatty acids to support skin and joint health. As with all prescription foods, it needs to be recommended by your veterinarian before use as it will not be a suitable option for all sensitive stomach cases." - Dr. Katelyn
Diets designed for sensitive stomachs are easy to digest, often lower in fat and include prebiotics to aid digestion by promoting a healthy gut environment.
Look for diets which have been specially formulated for gut health and digestion, these are created by nutritionists and veterinarians based on years of scientific research. Such diets offer the best tailored nutrition, to provide optimal support for your pet and their digestive issues.
It is important to check with your veterinarian which diet is suitable for your cat's specific condition, whether they will need a prescription food for a medical condition. Specific digestive issues may require different therapeutic nutrition.
Cats with suspected food allergies, requiring a food trial, are best placed on a hypoallergenic diet to confirm this condition - either a prescription hypoallergenic food (gold standard) or a novel protein diet as an alternative, this option may be suitable for pets who are more fussy with their food.
A sensitive stomach describes a pet who's digestion is easily upset. While every pet may experience an upset tummy from time to time, pets with sensitive tummies tend to be prone to repeated digestive upsets, which can present in a number of ways.
Some Common Symptoms include:
Every cat's belly is different. Some pets with a sensitive stomach may experience 'on and off' bouts of chronic mild loose stools or gas, while other may experience less frequent but more severe instances with vomiting. Your cat may experience small bouts of tummy upsets in response to a rich treat and quickly improve, while others can become seriously unwell.
If gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhoea continue for an ongoing period, it is important to have your cat assessed by a veterinarian. Gastrointestinal issues can lead to weight loss, dehydration, and electrolyte depletion, especially in kittens.
When to see your veterinarian:
A common cause of a sensitive stomach in cats can be poor nutrition. Poor quality, cheap diets are made from low quality ingredients and are harder to digest. This can lead to chronic digestive issues - particularly 'landmine' sloppy stools and excessive gas!
A sudden change in diet can be known to cause digestive upsets. Because of this reason, it is always a good idea to introduce a new diet to your pet slowly. Feeding your cat a Rotational Diet from a young age, can help prime their belly at a young age and decrease their sensitivity to diet change. Rotational diets may even be associated with a decrease in food allergies occurring later in life
Looking for more information on Rotational Diets? Read our veterinary written article Rotational Diets for Cats.
Parasites such as intestinal worms and protozoa can be a causes of gastrointestinal issues in dogs. While most species usually cause acute symptoms - such as bloody stool, vomiting, or watery diarrhoea - there are some parasites which may cause general weight loss and ongoing mild gastrointestinal signs. To rule out parasites, always keep your cat's parasite prevention up to date and see your veterinarian if you are concerned.
Did you know that most all-in-one preventative products do not cover for tapeworms and an additional wormer is required. For more information on parasite prevention and to ensure your pet is covered for everything, see our veterinary written articles Flea, Tick and Worming Guide for Cats.
Your cat may have a sensitive tummy secondary to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in their gut. This can occur after an initial bout of food poisoning from eating something they shouldn't have, or from other 'bad habits' - such as hunting, eating dead animals or wild animal faeces.
Feeding a diet of raw meat or bones can cause tummy upsets in some animals as well as posing a health risk to owners. A study by the FDA found that raw pet food can contain harmful bacteria such as Listeria and Salmonella which can spread from your pet to your family. This is a particularly dangerous for anyone immunosuppressed in the household such as pregnant women, children, or the elderly.
For more information on Raw Diets read our veterinary written article Should I Feed My Pet a Raw Diet?.
A chronically sensitive stomach can sometimes occur after a course of antibiotics, particularly if your cat was treated early in life. Antibiotics, although necessary to treat infection, can disrupt the beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to digestive issues. The right balance of good bacteria in the gut plays an important role in digestive health.
During or after a course of antibiotics, a probiotic supplement can be beneficial to help boost your pets digestive health. Probiotic supplements are also a great addition for any cat that suffers from digestive issues.
For more information, see our veterinary written article: Probiotics for Cats.
Much like their human owners, cats can suffer from dietary sensitivities or food intolerances which can result in a sensitive stomach. Food intolerances in pets generally develop over time and can be associated with a range of common ingredients found in many commercially prepared pet foods. In one review, beef, fish, chicken, wheat, corn, dairy and lamb were found to be the most common culprits of food allergies in cats1. It's important to remember that cats can develop an adverse food reaction to more than one food ingredient at a time.
If you suspect that your cat may have a food allergy or intolerance, a consult with your veterinarian is recommended. The veterinarian may recommend feeding a Veterinary Prescription Hypoallergenic Diet and doing an elimination trial to see if there is any improvement in your pets symptoms.
For more information, take a read through our article on Food Allergies in Cats.
Medical conditions of other organ systems may also cause your pet to suffer from chronic gastrointestinal issues. In cats, common culprits include kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and stress and anxiety.
Often times if your cat has experienced a gastrointestinal issue in the past which resolved, they may forever be left with a sensitive tummy and never be able to tolerate rich foods or sudden changes to their diet.
Want to read more? Check out our other articles:
Scientific Nutrition to Support Health Conditions in Cats
Purina has been in the pet food industry for over 120 years and their premium range, Pro Plan, was launched almost 40 years ago. Pro Plan offers a Sensitive Skin and Stomach diet which has been scientifically designed to reduce risks of adverse food reactions in cats. This diet uses fish (salmon and tuna) as an alternative protein source instead of chicken or beef. It has also eliminated soy and wheat, however it does contain corn protein, which may be unsuitable for cats with sensitivities to corn. It contains rice and oats as carbohydrates which are gentle on the digestive tract.
The Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomch contains prebiotics to improve digestive health, along with reducing litter box odour! Prebiotic fibres are fermented by the beneficial bacteria in the gut, and this fermentation process produces Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA). SCFAs are the main energy source for cells of the colon, and help to increase the weight and length of the cells lining the gut wall, which improves nutrient absorption and optimises intestinal cell function. Along with prebiotics, the Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach also contains a probiotic strain as a source of general gut support.
"One of our cats has had an increasingly sensitive stomach and this food was our last ditch effort to try to meet that issue without moving onto higher cost vet foods (tricky with two cats, including a giant and very hungry one) and significant testing costs. Our two cats really liked the flavor and were happy and well after eating... We've used it for years with no issue, including a recent recipe change."
"Having a non-prescription diet option to recommend to cat-owners, which avoids the common food allergens, and is fortified with pre- and probiotics is excellent. The Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach is a premium quality complete and balanced diet that's a great option for cats with sensitive tummies who don't require a veterinary diet." - Dr. Brittany
Mueller R S, Olivry T, Prelaud P: Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (2): common food allergen sources in dogs and cats. BMC Vet Res 2016 Vol 12 pp. 12-19.
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Veterinarian
Dr. Gillian loves being able to provide depth and detail to pet parents questions, and give up to date, evidence based advice. She loves the variety of pets and inquiries she receives - she especially loves the 'curly' questions that require some research! Seeing the gorgeous photos that pet parents send through of their babies is a highlight of the day! Gillian enjoys to further her veterinary knowledge, and has completed further training in ultrasonography, behaviour and backyard poultry!
