<p>Our cat’s digestive systems are not too different from our own. They can experience diarrhea, constipation, and an upset stomach from an unbalanced diet, just like us. However, the symptoms of an unhealthy digestive system might not be as obvious. Lucky for us, cats communicate in all sorts of ways, we just need to know what to look for!</p><h2 id="signs-your-cat-has-a-healthy-gut">Signs Your Cat Has A Healthy Gut</h2><p>If your cat is feeling under the weather, doesn’t like their food, or has declining gut health, they usually find ways to show it. They will refuse to eat, get sick after meals, or begin to develop other health and behavioral issues. Usually, an unhappy kitty can be obvious, but here are some tops signs they have good cat digestive health.</p><h3 id="posture">Posture</h3><p>A happy cat will have a straight back, tail behind them, and keep its head up. When they lay they will either have their legs stretched out, or they will ‘loaf’ with their paws and tail tucked under their body. Loafing is a great sign they are happy and feeling their best.</p><p>If your cat’s tail is straight up and even curled at the tip, then you know they are happy. If your cat begins dragging their tail or keeping it low or limp, this could be a sign they feel unwell. The same goes for ear posture. </p><p>Straight-up ears indicate a healthy cat. If they are pushed back or flattened, continue to observe the behavior, and look for any other signs of discomfort or distress. The same goes with whiskers. If their whiskers are pressed back towards the fact this means they could be experiencing distress and might no be feeling well.</p><h3 id="playing">Playing</h3><p>If your cat has the energy to play with their favorite toys then this is a great sign they are healthy and feeling well. Playing with toys and their humans family is good for their physical health, but is also great for engaging their mental and emotional health. This is a great form of exercise for many cats and works hand-in-hand with nutrition for an all-around healthy kitty.</p><h3 id="general-behaviour">General Behaviour</h3><p>If your cat is healthy and feeling its best then you usually know it. They welcome you home with happy meows, purr when you cuddle them, and slow blink at you denoting their affection. </p><p>Them sleeping in their favorite spots and sticking to a routine is also a sign they feel well. If you start noticing changes in their behavior it might be time to call a vet. Changes can be things such as:</p><ul><li>Not using the litter box</li><li>Not eating or drinking</li><li>Loss in energy</li><li>Hiding in weird spots</li><li>Different sounding meows or noises</li></ul><h2 id="how-to-ensure-healthy-digestion-for-cats">How To Ensure Healthy Digestion For Cats</h2><p>Keeping our furry family members happy for as long as possible starts in the gut. With these simple tips, you can make a big difference in your cat’s digestive health.</p><h3 id="canned-vs-kibbles">Canned vs. Kibbles</h3><p>Cats are carnivores and eat an almost 100% meat diet. Most kibbles do not meet the requirements that many cats need to stay healthy. Kibbles are super dry and high in carbohydrates. If you feed your cat a kibbles only diet you might end up spending more on vet bills.</p><p>Pet wellness plans can help cover the cost of these vet appointments. However in the long run you may be better off with a <a href="/blog/the-rundown-on-pet-insurance-for-cats/">cat insurance</a> plan so future medications, therapies, and surgeries are also covered in case a health issue arises.</p><h3 id="frequency-of-feeding">Frequency Of Feeding</h3><p>Cat’s instincts are to hunt and be on the constant lookout for food. If you adopt a farm cat our street cat you probably know this all too well! Try to mimic this feeding schedule best you can by feeding them small, frequent meals throughout the day. </p><p>The total amount of food you should feed your cat depends on their size, age, and activity levels. Consult with your veterinarian to determine your cat’s needs. Don’t leave food sitting out all day to avoid overeating and obesity.</p><h3 id="hydration-hydration-hydration">Hydration, Hydration, Hydration</h3><p>Cats in the wild usually get the majority of their liquids from the animals they hunt. So a house cat may not be staying as hydrated as it should. It can be a bit of trial and error to find how your cat prefers to drink their water. A water fountain may encourage your cat to drink more because cats prefer moving water. Canned food also provides some hydration to your kitty. If your cat eats kibbles it’s super important to ensure they are also drinking enough water.</p><h3 id="limit-treats">Limit Treats</h3><p>We love offering treats to our pets to show love or encourage certain behavior. But too many can add up. If you would still like to spoil your kitty there are some healthy treat alternatives you can try. Dried meat treats are now sold in most pet stores and are typically lower in calories. However, it is always worth reading the label to ensure the quality is as good as their food.<br></p><p>If you’re ever unsure if your cat’s digestive system is healthy, get in touch with your vet and find the right pet insurance! <a href="https://wagmo.io/wellness-plans">Pet wellness plans</a> can cover preventative care and routine care, keeping them healthy. <a href="https://wagmo.io/insurance-plans">Pet insurance plans</a> are here for emergencies or if your cat develops a serious health condition. Mix and match insurance and wellness plans and find the perfect plan, and price, for your cat.<br><br></p>

It’s important you can spot the signs that your cat’s digestion may not be the healthiest and how you can help them feel better.