Do Maine Coons Have Sensitive Stomachs?

All cat owners have been there. You’ve just spent hours cleaning and your cat decides to leave an unwanted present right on the rug. It’s normal for cats to have the occasional digestive issue, but if your cat frequently throws up or leaves the litter box a mess, it may be troubling.

Do Maine coons have sensitive stomachs? Maine Coons, like many other domestic breeds, can have sensitive tummies. Don’t be alarmed. It’s a common issue that is usually quite easy to manage. It is important to know the signs so you can readily help your Maine Coon.

If only your Maine Coon could talk and tell you all about its stomach issues. We don’t have that technology yet but we have the next best thing- all the vital information to help your fluffy friend. Continue reading to learn all about it.

Signs your Maine Coon has a sensitive stomach

The first step in determining if your Maine Coon has a sensitive stomach is to look for symptoms. Most of the signs are easy to spot. They include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Gas
• Change in appetite
• Lethargy

If these symptoms sound familiar, your cat has a sensitive stomach. Before you take action, it’s necessary to determine why your cat may be experiencing these issues.

Why do Maine Coons have sensitive stomachs?

While it’s easy to spot a cat with a sensitive stomach, it’s more difficult to determine why the issue exists. There isn’t one answer. In fact, there may be a combination of factors contributing to your cat’s stomach sensitivity. Below you’ll find the common culprits that cause cat indigestion.

Food Allergies

Some cats develop an immune reaction to a specific food ingredient. Often, protein is to blame. Egg, dairy and some fish can also attribute to food intolerance.

Cats with food allergies tend to scratch themselves excessively. If you notice an upset stomach paired with incessant scratching, allergies may be the cause.

Pierre’s cat (Maze) looks pretty furry here!

Poor quality food

Have you ever eaten fast food and felt horrible after? The same thing applies to a cat on a poor diet. Food quality is vital for your cat’s wellness. If you feed your cat junk, it will feel like junk since the food is lacking essential vitamins and nutrients.

Always check cat food ingredient lists. There are tons of healthy, affordable options available.

Spoiled food

Even good quality food can turn your cat’s stomach sour if it is old and stale. Supply your cat with fresh food. The longer cat food sits untouched, the more time it has to harbor bacteria.

The same goes for water. Change your cat’s water frequently and use a clean bowl. Dirty water bowls also harbor bacteria that can lead to an upset stomach.

Eats too fast

Some cats are gluttons. While it’s cute to watch a cat devour its dinner, it can cause some stomach issues. When a cat eats too fast, the brain does not have enough time to signal fullness. This combined with rapid stomach expansion is a recipe for regurgitation.

New medicine

If your cat developed a sensitive stomach shortly after starting a new medication, then you have your primary suspect. Antibiotics are notorious for giving cats diarrhea. Call your vet if a new medicine hurts your cat’s stomach.

Hairballs

Maine Coons have long, silky coats. Unfortunately, they ingest fur during grooming sessions. Some fur passes through the digestive system and comes out in feces. Some of the hair collects in your cat’s stomach until a big mass of hair forms.

When it’s large enough, your cat vomits to remove the hairball. Extra brushing can help prevent this.

Underlying issues

In some cases, a sensitive stomach is not the main issue. It’s a symptom of something else. Some health issues include Inflammatory Bowel Disease, cancer, and kidney issues.

If you’re not sure what’s causing your cat’s digestive issues, it’s best to visit your vet in case it’s a symptom of a larger, dangerous issue.

How to help your cat prevent digestive issues

Ideally, your Maine Coon’s stomach would be in perfect condition all the time. While this may not be the case, there is plenty you can do to prevent your cat from feeling unwell.

Buy sensitive stomach cat food

There are plenty of high-quality cat food brands that manufacture food specifically for cats with sensitive tummies. These foods are designed to contain a minimal amount of hard to digest proteins.

Don’t dramatically switch foods

It’s great to offer your cat new brands of food, especially if it’s higher in quality. However, there is a method for switching your cat’s food. If you do a complete food swap, your cat’s stomach could suffer.

Instead, gradually introduce a new food over two weeks. Start by adding a small amount of new food to the old food. Gradually increase the amount of new food every few days.

Say no to table scraps

Begging is hard to resist, but avoid feeding your cat table scraps. There’s a lot of human food that can wreak havoc on your cat’s stomach. Here’s a list of common foods to avoid:

• Caffeine
• Chocolate
• Onions
• Garlic
• Alcohol
• Grapes
• Raw meat (not all raw meat is bad but still)
• Raw Eggs

Ask your vet for help

Vets know best. Work with your vet to create a diet and lifestyle that works best for you and your Maine Coon. Urine and blood tests may be necessary. It not only helps to determine what diet is best for your cat but also helps rule out any underlying issues.

How to remedy your Maine Coon’s stomach at home

If your cat’s sensitive stomach is acting up, there are some home remedies to try. They’ll help get your cat feeling great in no time.

Remove all food for 12 hours

Allow your cat to fast for 12 hours if it does not feel well. Cats in the wild avoid eating until they feel better. Domestic cats sometimes can not resist the temptation of food. Do not withhold food for longer than 12 hours unless instructed by your vet.

Keep your cat hydrated

Vomiting and diarrhea both lead to dehydration, which can cause further digestive issues. Supply your cat with fresh, clean water. You can provide something more enticing as well, such as low-sodium broth or water from a can of tuna.

Feed your cat bland foods

Not all human food is bad for cats. Bland, binding foods can work wonders of your cat’s sensitive stomach. Some great options include yogurt, rice, steamed chicken, and canned pumpkin. You can incorporate it with some wet food if your cat does not go for these bland foods on its own.

Related Questions

How much food should I feed my Maine Coon? You should feed your cat based on its weight. A small Maine Coon, around 10 pounds, should consume 280 calories a day. A larger Maine coon around 15 pounds should eat about 360 calories a day. Consider factors such as age, weight, and activity level when determining your cat’s dietary needs.

What is the best food for my Maine Coon? High-quality is key. Look for grain-free options that contain animal products. Food should also not have a long list of hard to pronounce ingredients. A mix of dry and wet food is best. Dry food is convenient and good for your cat’s teeth. Wet food helps keep your cat hydrated.