Does your furry friend often leave little “surprises” around the house? You’re not alone. Many cat owners deal with the worry and mess that comes with a cat who frequently vomits. It’s heartbreaking to see your beloved pet uncomfortable, and it can be frustrating trying to figure out what’s causing it and how to help.
Choosing the right food can feel like a guessing game. You want to help your cat feel better, but the shelves are overflowing with different brands and formulas. What’s truly gentle on their stomach? What ingredients should you look for, and which ones should you avoid? It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the information.
This post is here to guide you. We’ll break down what to consider when picking out food for a cat with a sensitive tummy. You’ll learn about common causes of vomiting and how food can play a big role in solving the problem. By the end, you’ll feel more confident in making a choice that will hopefully lead to fewer upset stomachs and a happier cat.
Our Top 5 Cat Food For Cats That Vomit Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Cat Food For Cats That Vomit Detailed Reviews
1. Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Natural Dry Food for Adult Cats
Rating: 9.3/10
Is your feline friend dealing with a sensitive tummy? The Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Natural Dry Food for Adult Cats, Sensitive Stomach, Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe is designed with your cat’s delicate digestion in mind. This 3-pound bag is packed with goodness, featuring real chicken as the very first ingredient, making it a protein-rich meal that cats naturally crave. It’s crafted right here in the USA, ensuring quality and care go into every bite.
What We Like:
- Real chicken is the main ingredient, offering high-quality protein.
- Includes prebiotic fiber to help support a healthy digestive system.
- Contains LifeSource Bits, packed with antioxidants to boost the immune system.
- Made without corn, wheat, soy, or chicken by-product meals, which is great for sensitive cats.
- The chicken and brown rice recipe is a wholesome option for adult cats.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 3-lb bag might be a bit small for larger or multi-cat households, requiring frequent repurchases.
- While the ingredients are excellent, the price point might be higher compared to some other cat food brands.
This Blue Buffalo Tastefuls recipe offers a thoughtful blend of nutrition and digestive support. It’s a solid choice for cat owners seeking a high-quality food for their sensitive companions.
2. Purina Cat Chow Gentle Sensitive Stomach and Skin Dry Cat Food with Turkey – 13 lb. Bag
Rating: 9.0/10
Does your feline friend have a delicate tummy or skin that needs a little extra care? The Purina Cat Chow Gentle Sensitive Stomach and Skin Dry Cat Food with Turkey is designed just for them. This 13 lb. bag is packed with goodness to help your cat feel their best, inside and out. It uses real turkey as a main ingredient and is made without any artificial colors or flavors, so you know you’re giving them quality nutrition.
What We Like:
- It helps sensitive stomachs feel better with natural prebiotic fiber.
- Omega-6 fatty acids give your cat a healthy, shiny coat.
- Real, farm-raised turkey is a protein-rich ingredient.
- The kibble is easy for cats to digest.
- It’s made with no artificial colors or flavors.
- This food provides 100% complete and balanced nutrition for adult cats, with all the essential vitamins and minerals they need.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some cats might be picky eaters and not enjoy the turkey flavor.
- The 13 lb. bag can be a bit heavy to carry for some people.
If you’re looking for a cat food that supports your cat’s digestive health and skin, this Purina Cat Chow option is definitely worth considering. It offers a balanced meal that your sensitive cat will appreciate.
3. IAMS Proactive Health Adult Hairball Care Dry Cat Food with Chicken and Salmon
Rating: 9.3/10
IAMS Proactive Health Adult Hairball Care Dry Cat Food with Chicken and Salmon is a 7 lb. bag packed with goodness for your adult cat. It offers complete and balanced nutrition, meaning it gives your feline friend everything they need. This food is made with 100% nutrition and 0% fillers, so your cat gets only the best. It also includes antioxidants to help keep their immune system strong.
What We Like:
- It helps reduce hairballs with a special fiber blend.
- It supports a healthy weight for indoor cats, thanks to L-carnitine.
- The food nourishes a healthy heart with important nutrients like calcium and potassium.
- IAMS believes in giving pets the best nutrition throughout their lives.
- The chicken and salmon flavors are sure to be a hit with your cat.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 7 lb. bag might not last as long for multi-cat households.
- Some picky eaters might prefer wet food.
This IAMS cat food is a solid choice for keeping your adult cat healthy and happy. It tackles common cat issues like hairballs while providing all the essential nutrients they need.
4. Purina ONE Sensitive Stomach
Rating: 9.3/10
Is your feline friend struggling with tummy troubles or itchy skin? Purina ONE Sensitive Stomach, Sensitive Skin, Natural Dry Cat Food, +Plus Sensitive Skin and Stomach Formula is a specially crafted food designed to help. It uses real turkey as the main ingredient, giving your cat the protein they need to build strong muscles. This formula is made to be easy on their digestive system and includes fiber to help keep things moving smoothly. Plus, it’s packed with good stuff to support a strong immune system and keep their teeth and gums healthy.
What We Like:
- Real turkey is the first ingredient, providing high-quality protein for strong muscles.
- Easily digestible formula with added prebiotic fiber helps cats with sensitive systems.
- Crunchy kibble with calcium supports strong teeth and healthy gums.
- Four antioxidant sources help boost the immune system.
- Deliciously crunchy bites offer a great taste that cats love.
- Made with no artificial flavors or preservatives.
- Crafted in Purina-owned, U.S. facilities.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 7 lb. bag might be a bit small for owners of multiple cats or for those who prefer to buy in larger quantities.
- While it’s designed for sensitive cats, some individual cats might still react to certain ingredients.
This Purina ONE formula offers a thoughtful blend of ingredients to support your cat’s well-being. It’s a solid choice for pet parents seeking a natural, high-protein food that addresses common sensitivities.
5. Royal Canin Feline Care Nutrition Digestive Care Adult Dry Cat Food
Rating: 8.8/10
For cat parents whose furry friends have delicate tummies, the Royal Canin Feline Care Nutrition Digestive Care Adult Dry Cat Food is a game-changer. This 3 lb bag offers a specially crafted diet designed to bring comfort and health to cats experiencing digestive upset.
What We Like:
- This food is made specifically for cats with sensitive stomachs.
- It contains a smart mix of prebiotics and fiber to help their digestion work smoothly.
- Studies show it can improve stool quality in just 10 days, with over 95% of cats having healthy stools.
- The unique ring-shaped kibble helps cats eat slower, which is better for digestion.
- It works wonderfully when mixed with Royal Canin Digestive Care Wet Cat Food.
- Royal Canin offers many other food options for cats of all ages and energy levels.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 3 lb bag size might be a bit small for owners of multiple cats or for those who want to buy in bulk.
- While effective, the price point is higher than some other cat food brands.
This Royal Canin Digestive Care dry food truly helps cats feel better from the inside out. It’s a reliable option for promoting a happy tummy and overall well-being.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding the Right Food for Your Vomiting Cat
Is your feline friend frequently leaving unwelcome surprises on your floor? Vomiting can be a sign of various issues, and the right food can make a big difference. This guide will help you navigate the world of cat food designed for sensitive tummies.
Why Do Cats Vomit?
Cats vomit for many reasons. Sometimes it’s just a hairball. Other times, it’s a sign of food sensitivities or allergies. It could also be a symptom of a more serious health problem. If your cat vomits often, it’s always a good idea to see your veterinarian. They can help figure out the exact cause.
Key Features to Look For
When choosing food for a cat that vomits, certain features are crucial.
Limited Ingredient Diets (LID)
- What they are: LID foods have fewer ingredients. This makes it easier to pinpoint what might be upsetting your cat’s stomach.
- Why they help: Fewer ingredients mean fewer potential triggers for vomiting.
Novel Protein Sources
- What they are: These are proteins your cat hasn’t eaten before. Think duck, rabbit, or venison.
- Why they help: Common proteins like chicken or beef can cause sensitivities. Novel proteins are less likely to trigger a reaction.
Easily Digestible Ingredients
- What they are: Foods with ingredients that are gentle on the digestive system.
- Why they help: These foods are broken down more easily, reducing the chance of irritation and vomiting.
Prebiotics and Probiotics
- What they are: Prebiotics feed good gut bacteria. Probiotics are the good bacteria themselves.
- Why they help: They promote a healthy gut, which is vital for good digestion.
Hypoallergenic Formulas
- What they are: Foods specially made to avoid common allergens.
- Why they help: They are designed for cats with diagnosed allergies.
Important Materials (Ingredients)
The ingredients in your cat’s food are very important.
High-Quality Protein
- What to look for: Real meat should be the first ingredient.
- Why it matters: Cats are carnivores. They need animal protein to thrive.
Healthy Fats
- What to look for: Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are beneficial.
- Why they matter: These fats support skin and coat health and can help with digestion.
Fiber Content
- What to look for: Moderate fiber levels can help with digestion and hairballs.
- Why it matters: Fiber aids in moving food through the digestive tract.
What to Avoid
- Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives: These can irritate a sensitive stomach.
- Fillers like corn, wheat, and soy: These are common allergens and can be hard for some cats to digest.
- Excessive carbohydrates: Cats don’t need a lot of carbs.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things affect the quality of cat food for vomiting cats.
Improved Quality
- Veterinarian recommendations: Foods recommended by your vet are usually a safe bet.
- Natural ingredients: Foods made with whole, natural ingredients tend to be higher quality.
- Transparency in sourcing: Brands that tell you where their ingredients come from are often more trustworthy.
Reduced Quality
- By-products as main protein: Meat by-products are less nutritious than whole meat.
- Generic ingredients: Vague ingredient names can hide lower-quality components.
- Excessive fillers: A food high in fillers is not ideal for a sensitive cat.
User Experience and Use Cases
Many cat owners have found success with specialized foods.
Transitioning Food
- How to do it: Mix the new food with the old food gradually over a week. Start with 25% new food and 75% old. Slowly increase the new food and decrease the old.
- Why it’s important: A sudden switch can cause digestive upset and more vomiting.
When to Use Specific Foods
- For hairballs: Foods with added fiber can help cats pass hairballs more easily.
- For food sensitivities: Limited ingredient or novel protein diets are excellent choices.
- For general digestive upset: Easily digestible formulas can soothe an upset stomach.
Monitoring Your Cat
- What to watch for: Keep track of how often your cat vomits. Note any changes in appetite, energy levels, or stool.
- Why it matters: This information is vital for your vet and for knowing if the food is working.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in cat food for vomiting?
A: Key features include limited ingredients, novel protein sources, easily digestible ingredients, and the addition of prebiotics and probiotics.
Q: Are grain-free foods always better for cats that vomit?
A: Not necessarily. Some cats are sensitive to grains, but others do fine. The key is finding a formula that works for your individual cat, which might or might not be grain-free.
Q: How quickly should I see improvement after switching my cat’s food?
A: You might see some improvement within a few days, but it can take up to two weeks to see significant changes. Patience is important.
Q: Can I feed my cat wet food if they vomit a lot?
A: Yes, wet food can be a good option. It contains more moisture, which is good for hydration. Look for wet foods with limited ingredients and easily digestible proteins.
Q: What if my cat refuses to eat the new food?
A: Try transitioning the food very slowly. You can also try warming the food slightly to make it more appealing.
Q: How do I know if the food is actually helping?
A: You’ll notice a decrease in the frequency and severity of vomiting. Your cat’s energy levels may also improve.
Q: Should I consult my veterinarian before buying special cat food?
A: Absolutely! Your vet can help diagnose the cause of vomiting and recommend the best type of food for your cat’s specific needs.
Q: What are some common ingredients that cause vomiting in cats?
A: Common culprits include chicken, beef, dairy, and certain grains like wheat and corn. However, any ingredient can be a trigger for some cats.
Q: Is it okay to mix different brands of sensitive stomach food?
A: It’s generally best to stick to one food at a time when trying to resolve vomiting issues. Mixing too many can make it harder to identify what’s working.
Q: How much should I feed my cat once they are on a new food?
A: Follow the feeding guidelines on the food packaging, but always adjust based on your cat’s individual needs and your vet’s advice. Monitor their weight.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.