Inflammatory bowel disease in cats
Also known as IBD, Chronic enteropathy.
Chronic inflammation of the gut that causes vomiting, diarrhoea or weight loss for weeks. It is often hard to tell apart from low-grade intestinal lymphoma.
- System
- Digestive system
- Is it urgent?
- Not usually
- Spreads to other cats
- No
- Spreads to people
- No
- Typical cost in Spain
- Diagnosis with ultrasound, €200–400; endoscopy and biopsies, €600–1,200.
Symptoms
- Frequent vomiting, more than once or twice a month
- Chronic diarrhoea
- Weight loss
- Erratic appetite
- Unkempt coat
Causes
An exaggerated immune response in the gut to components of the diet or the gut flora.
How it is diagnosed
By ruling things out: blood tests, vitamin B12, ultrasound, a diet trial and, to confirm, biopsies.
Treatment
A hydrolysed or novel-protein diet, vitamin B12 supplements if levels are low, and anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive drugs prescribed by the vet.
No doses, on purpose: any medicine must be prescribed by your vet for your cat.
Prognosis
Good in most cats with ongoing treatment; it is chronic and can flare up.
Prevention
It cannot be prevented, but frequent vomiting is not normal: seeing the vet early stops it from progressing.
Breeds at higher risk
It is described more often in these breeds. That does not mean all of their cats will have it, nor that a moggy is free of it.
Frequently asked questions
What causes inflammatory bowel disease?
An exaggerated immune response in the gut to components of the diet or the gut flora.
Can inflammatory bowel disease be cured?
Good in most cats with ongoing treatment; it is chronic and can flare up. A hydrolysed or novel-protein diet, vitamin B12 supplements if levels are low, and anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive drugs prescribed by the vet.
How much does it cost to treat inflammatory bowel disease?
As a guide for Spain in 2026: Diagnosis with ultrasound, €200–400; endoscopy and biopsies, €600–1,200. Prices vary a lot between clinics and cities, and out-of-hours emergencies cost more.
Which breeds are most at risk?
It is described more often in Siamese. That does not mean every cat of those breeds will have it, nor that a moggy is free of it.
More in digestive system
Educational content from Michipedia. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a vet: if you have any doubt about your cat's health, ask. Costs are a guide for Spain in 2026.