Definition of Gastritis in Cats
Gastritis is inflammation of the lining of the stomach. It is common in companion cats, although many times the underlying cause is never identified.
How Gastritis Affects Cats
Gastritis can cause a number of gastrointestinal signs in cats, the most common of which are vomiting, intense abdominal pain, lack of appetite, increased water intake, weakness and lethargy. The vomitus from affected cats is frequently frothy, bile-tinged and flecked with blood. In chronic cases, the vomit can contain digested blood that looks like wet coffee grounds. Acute gastritis can come on suddenly and severely, usually shortly after some form of dietary indiscretion. Chronic gastric is generally associated with more mild symptoms.
Causes of Gastritis in Cats
There are many causes of gastritis in cats. Acute gastritis is most commonly associated with food poisoning, overeating, eating something rotten or otherwise inappropriate or a bacterial or viral gastrointestinal infection. Food allergies, toxins from fertilizers and household cleaners, antifreeze and other plant or chemical irritants are also common causes of acute gastritis. Irritating drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and steroids, can contribute to the acute onset of gastritis. Acute gastritis almost always involves intense abdominal pain. Chronic gastritis usually results from long-term disruption of the normal flora of the stomach. Gastritis can occur in cats that have eaten undigestible materials such as plastic or string. If these objects “sit” in the stomach without being passed through the gastrointestinal tract, they can irritate the stomach lining, with associated inflammation and discomfort. Parasites, stress, neoplasia (cancer) and other systemic diseases (kidney disease, liver disease, pancreatitis, hypoadrenocorticism) have also been associated with gastritis in cats.
Preventing Gastritis in Cats
The best way to prevent acute gastritis is to prevent your cat’s access to garbage, toxic plants and chemicals and other inappropriate but possibly edible things. Chronic cases can be more challenging diagnostically and difficult to prevent. Of course, a healthy diet, free access to fresh water and a safe household environment are always important.
Special Notes
Gastritis in cats (and dogs) is normally a diagnosis of exclusion, which means ruling out other causes of the vomiting and discomfort. In chronic or severely acute cases of gastritis, blood tests, radiographs and biopsy of the tissue lining the stomach may be necessary to diagnose the precise cause of the problem. In most cases, gastritis is uncomfortable but not life-threatening. Most affected cats respond well to treatment and do not normally require hospitalization or surgery, although sometimes they cannot be avoided.