TDAP vaccine: When to get it, side effects, and safety

The Best Cat Litter

Our pickThis cat litter forms sturdy clumps and contains odors, and it's one of the more affordable options. But the bag is awkward to pour from, and clumps may stick to the bottom of the litter box.

After seven years of testing and sifting 23 cat litters, we've learned that every litter has its trade-offs. But no cat litter has outperformed Dr. Elsey's Ultra Unscented's combination of excellent odor control and scoopability at an affordable price.

This litter forms tight, solid clumps, which hold together better during scooping than those of most other litters we tested. The average-size granules are easy on cats' sensitive paws, so kitties are more likely to accept this litter. In terms of dust, Dr. Elsey's falls in the middle of the pack: It produced less dust when it was poured than half of the brands we tested, and dust clouds were minimal during scooping.

However, Dr. Elsey's Ultra comes in a large, awkward plastic bag that's a hassle to pour litter from and to carry. And, as with most of the litters we tested, with this litter, some clumps may stick to the bottom of a dirty pan.

Also greatThis litter is great at controlling odors, and it produces less dust than most other clay litters we tested. But its clumps were weaker than those of our top pick.

If clumping is less important to you than minimizing dust and tracking, we recommend Arm & Hammer Super Scoop Clumping Litter. The larger granules help rein in dust, and they reduce the spread of stray litter crumbs outside the box. When we were pouring, this litter produced a smaller dust cloud than most of the clay litters we tested. And when we were vigorously digging and scooping, the dust was barely noticeable.

Arm & Hammer Super Scoop controls odors well, and it comes in a cardboard box, which is easier to pour from and to carry than a plastic bag. But its clumps don't hold together as well as Dr. Elsey's Ultra's clumps—the Super Scoop clumps broke and crumbled into smaller pieces. That means they can slip through the slats of most litter scoopers, leaving more soiled litter behind in the pan.

Also greatThis corn-based litter clumps well and produces minimal dust, but it doesn't control odors as well as clay litters.

Clay-alternative cat litter is rising in popularity, and many of our readers asked us to look into a best-selling brand, World's Best Cat Litter. We found that World's Best Cat Litter Multiple Cat Unscented—made of whole kernel corn grown in the US—does a great job of clumping and produces minimal dust, but it doesn't control odor as well as clay litter does. And, like Dr. Elsey's Ultra, this litter comes in a plastic, non-resealable bag, so it's a challenge to store and to pour. We plan to test more non-clay litters in the future. But we think World's Best Cat Litter is a good option in this category, and it performs well with regular scooping.

Our pickThis large and easy-to-hold scoop makes a gross chore as pleasant as possible.

Of eight scoops we tested, the DurAnimals DuraScoop Original Cat Litter Scoop was the least nasty after scooping several heavy loads. There was minimal pee and litter crust on the edge, and no litter bits got stuck in the slats.

Because of this scoop's generous size and sturdy construction, it's easy to rake through the litter box quickly and catch most clumps.

If you want to clear out more of the soiled bits that sometimes fall back into the pan, we recommend a scoop with narrower slats, like our also-great scoop, the iPrimio Non-Stick Litter Scooper.

Also greatWith its slender shape and narrow slats, this versatile, nonstick scoop digs into corners and lifts litter effectively. The slats can clog, but we found they were easy to clear out.

The iPrimio Non-Stick Litter Scooper caught dirty bits of litter that other scoops missed. Slightly smaller than our DuraScoop pick, the iPrimio scoop can get into tight corners while still combing through a larger box with ease.

32 Reasons Cats Are The Perfect Companions

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We've said it before and we'll repeat it: there are many reasons cats are the perfect companions. From their fuss-free and low-maintenance needs to their ability to bring a smile to anyone's face with one purr or meow.

Plus, according to multiple research papers, having a cat as a companion can help decrease the risk of a stroke and prevent allergies. Yes, these loveable kitties don't ask for much, but they give so much in return. When these cute companions aren't keeping you entertained by pouncing on one of the best cat toys, they're cleaning up after themselves by grooming their fur.

So, it's fair to say that these furry housemates make for the most perfect of companions. To prove this, we've compiled a list of all the reasons why below.

32 reasons cats are the perfect companions 1. Their affectionate nature

Man cuddling cat

Contrary to what you might have thought, cats have an affectionate side. Whether it's the way that they look at you adoringly with their big round eyes or the fact they want to spend all their time being your shadow.

Put simply, these little balls of fluff are happiest when they're close to their human.

2. Cats are adaptable to small spaces

Cat in a small space

Unlike our other four-legged friends, cats require minimal room. They don't need bundles of space to run around or take up lots of footage due to their small stature.

As long as they've got your love and affection and all the basics — including one of the best cat scratching posts to watch the world go around — they're happy!

3. Cats are happy in families

Little girl cuddling cat

Generally speaking, most cats are great with people. For example, the best cats for kids and families can make wonderful companions for you and your children.

While the friendliest cat breeds, like a Maine Coon or a Siamese cat, love nothing more than coexisting with their human counterparts. What more could you want from a four-legged companion?

4. You'll never be lonely

Woman cuddling black cat

There's a reason why most pet parents refer to their cat as their furry four-legged 'shadow'.

As we touched on, most cats love being close to their owners. Whether they follow you from room to room, or they love sitting on your lap, more often than not your fur friend won't stray too far from your vicinity.

5. Cats can decrease the risk of a heart attack

Cat under womans arms

Well, that's according to a 2009 paper, published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Neurology, which observed that there was a decreased risk for death due to heart attack and all cardiovascular diseases (including stroke) among owners with cats.

So not only do these fur friends bring you lots of happiness with their cute ways, but they can also help give your cardiovascular health a boost, too. Which is just another way having a pet can lower your stress levels.

6. Cat purrs have therapeutic effects

Woman stretching with cat in lap

Speaking of health benefits, a 2001 study, published in The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, found that a cat's purr has a frequency between 25 and 150 Hz — which is the same vibrational/electrical frequency used in the treatment for bone growth/fractures, pain, edema, muscle growth/strain, joint flexibility, dyspnea, and wounds.

The same study noted that most domestic cat purrs are between 25 Hz and 50 Hz — which researchers say are the two low frequencies that best promote bone growth/fracture healing. Who knew?

7. Cats can help to boost immunity

Cat licking a young boy's head

As it turns out, cats can enrich your (and your child's) life in more ways than one. Researchers in this 2017 study in Microbiome found that little ones who were exposed to cats, dogs, and other fur friends before birth and up to three months after, were less likely to develop allergies or become obese.

Researchers said this could be down to the 'significant increases' they found in two types of gut bacteria, including Ruminococcus and Oscillospira. The former is linked to a reduced risk of childhood allergies, while Oscillospira has been associated with a decreased obesity risk.

8. Cats are easy to train

Woman training a cat

n easy-to-train fur friend makes for a pretty good companion, if you ask us. And while cats might not be the first animal that comes to mind when you think of 'well-trained pets', these balls of fur pick up new skills easily — especially if you've got one of the easiest cat breeds to train and some of the best cat treats to hand.

9. Cats are low maintenance

Cat looking over table

Compared to dogs, cats make life as a pet parent easy. They don't need daily walks or require much formal training.

Of course, you'll still need to bathe and brush your cat. However, these balls of fur take great basic care of themselves when it comes to grooming and it's believed they spend up to 30 to 50 percent of their day doing so.

10. Cats are the perfect mix of independent and sociable

Cat looking at camera

Cats have a reputation for being lone wolves. But as is the case with any species, every cat is different.

Yes, some like to be left alone, some are social butterflies and others are a mixture of both, preferring some time to themselves along with their human pack. Which is great if you're time-poor or not in the house 24/7.

11. Cats can lower stress levels

Cat being stroked

Who knew our cute cat companions could decrease blood pressure and lower stress levels?

This comes after a study, published in Psychosomatic Medicine Journal, looked into 240 married couples and found that those with a cat or dog had lower heart rates and blood pressure levels than those who didn't have pets.

So if you're looking for a way to bust some stress, try spending more time with your fur friend.

12. Decrease risk of depression

Red haired woman cuddling cat

It's no secret that pets bring with them a wealth of benefits. But did you know, pet owners are associated with lower levels of depression compared to non-pet owners? As researchers in this 2021 study found, pet owners (cats included) were 41% less depressed than non-pet owners.

13. Cats can help you increase your physical activity

Cat being hugged by woman

It's true, we should all be standing more and sitting less. And it turns out, our cats can help us achieve this.

Whether you're encouraging your cat to play with some of the best interactive cat toys, teaching them some of the top cat tricks or picking up after them, cats can increase your physical activity levels and step count in more ways than one.

14. They get on well with other pets

Dog and cat sitting together

A happy home is a harmonious one. If you've got another four-legged friend in the family, you might be wondering can dogs and cats live together? The good news is that cats and dogs can live together in the same four walls if given enough space, time, and warning. Cats also get on with the majority of farm animals.

Cats can be naturally solitary animals, so some can be happy without other feline friends, while most of the friendliest cat breeds enjoy living life with another kitty.

15. Cats can boost your mood

Woman laughing while holding cat

There's a very valid reason why you feel your happiest around your little ball of fur.

A study in News Health has shown that interacting with cats can trigger the release of feel-good hormones while decreasing levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone).

16. Cats can boost self-esteem

Woman smiling while hugging cat

Reason number 101 why cats are the perfect companion?

A study by the American Psychological Association also tells us cat owners tend to have higher self-esteem than those without. While a second study found that pets can make people feel better after experiencing rejection.

17. Cats can help with pest control

Grey cat getting ready to pounce

If you're already the proud pet parent of a cat, you might have already had one or two surprise gifts left by your door.

From dead spiders and mice to even bigger surprises like a pigeon. Your furry feline works overtime as a pest controller, thanks to its natural instincts to stalk and hunt.

18. Cats make you smarter

Woman holding cat

Or so the science says. The findings come from a study in the Human-Animal Interaction Bulletin where researchers gathered 418 students who were either self-professed dog people or cat people.

After giving them a test, researchers found that cat lovers scored higher in general intelligence and also proved better at self-reliance and open-mindedness.

19. Cats can help boost your relationship skills

Cat smelling woman

Now here's one for you: owning a cat can help you better your relationship skills with other humans. And it makes complete sense when you think about it —  it's always easy to bond with another human when you've got a great thing to talk about, i.E. Your cat!

20. Lower carbon footprint

Man stroking grey cat on the floor

Conscious of your carbon footprint? We should all be. But in the world of pets, a 2009 study found, that a cat has a lower carbon footprint compared to that of a dog.

Researchers in the study even went so far as to say that a medium-sized dog has the same eco-footprint as a Land Cruiser.

21. Cats are there for the good times and bad

Grey cat staring at screen

Ever noticed your cat curl up beside you after a rough day? It's not by chance our cat companions do this. A study published in Animals (Basel) has found that our four-legged friends can recognize human emotions through auditory and visual cues. So the next time you're feeling sad or stressed, you can always count on your kitty to help turn that frown upside down.

22. Cats love you more than food

Black cat sticking tongue out

It's a well-known fact some cats can be aloof, showing more interest in their food than their human owner. However, this research study published in Behavioural Processes shows that most felines prefer social interaction over food. Nope, not even the best cat food or the best wet cat food can tempt them. If that doesn't make a good companion, we don't know what does…

23. Cats won't make as much mess

Cat cleaning itself

Or at least most cats won't. Cats are naturally very clean animals as they use their tongue, which is made up of hundreds of backward-facing spines (or papillae), to help 'comb' their fur and groom themselves.

Plus, once you've introduced your four-legged living buddy to one of the best self-cleaning cat litter boxes you won't even have to scoop up their poop.

24. Cats can save you money

Black cat sitting

Another reason why cats make for the most perfect of companions? Over time, they typically cost less than dogs. So if you're weighing up the idea of getting a cat or dog and budget is an essential part of your pet search, this might make you sway towards rehoming a feline over a canine companion.

25. They don't need walking

Cat lying down

Come rain or shine, unlike dogs, cats won't need to spend hours outside being walked. Of course, you can leash train a cat if it means your pet will be able to spend time outdoors safely, without risking themselves or other cats. But in general, these four-legged companions won't need daily walks or hours outside.

26. Cats are quiet

Cat yawning

Not fond of a noisy household? Contrary to dogs, cats are generally much quieter. A dog's bark can reach up to 90 decibels (which is the equivalent of a hair dryer). Whereas a cat's meow reaches up to 45 decibels. This means your house will generally be quiet, that is unless you have one of the cat breeds with the biggest meows.

27. Cats have a long lifespan

Young child holding black and white cat

Wondering how long do cats live? You won't have to fear about your cat leaving you any time soon. Most domesticated cats live for around 12 to 18 years while the longest-living cat breeds can live up to 20 years — but this is of course, dependent on several factors including their environment, diet, and the healthcare they receive.

28. Cats are entertaining

Cat standing. On high legs

Being funny is another characteristic of a great companion — and most cats are comedy gold. Whether they've got a serious case of the zoomies or they're falling asleep on your laptop, there are many funny things cats do.

29. Cats are amused by little things

Cat poking out of cardboard box

Of course, the best cat toys are worth their weight in gold as they help to keep your kitty mentally and physically stimulated. But more than likely, your cute little companion will be just as happy playing in a cardboard box as it would with a catnip toy.

30. You can leave cats alone for periods of time

Cat basking in the sunshine

Another great thing about cats? Generally speaking, most adult cats are content with being on their own for 8-12 hours a day.

Along with napping (they're called cat naps for a reason!), cats spend a lot of time basking in the sun, watching the world go by from a height, or playing with their toys. Plus, while you're not there, you could always check up on them using one of the best pet cameras.

31. Cats know their names

Cat looking up

Meaning? Your cat companion will know when you're talking to them and when you're not. A research paper published in Scientific Report conducted a study into 78 cats and discovered our fur friends could recognize their own name. Researchers asked cat owners to say different words, including their cat's name and found a 'significant' difference in the way felines responded to their own name.

32. Cats could reflect your own personality

Woman sitting with cat on her lap

It turns out copy cats really do exist. After looking at more than 3,000 cat owners, researchers in a study by Plos One found a link to suggest that a human's personality can affect the personality of a cat. Pets really are like family, after all.

The Best Sensitive Stomach Cat Food Of 2024

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The best sensitive stomach cat food depends on the cause of your kitty's stomach issues, whether that's food intolerances, allergies, or inflammatory bowel disease. For cats who don't have food allergies, your veterinarian may recommend a sensitive stomach formula with low to moderate fat, easily digestible animal proteins, and few carbohydrates. These formulas also often contain supplements that help decrease gut inflammation and improve digestion, like probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil. Certain types of dietary fiber may benefit your cat, too.

For this guide, we evaluated sensitive stomach cat foods with advice from veterinarians and considered each food's ingredients and nutritional values. One of our top canned food picks is Royal Canin Digestive Care Thin Slices in Gravy, which includes insoluble fiber to help prevent constipation. For dry food, we recommend Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach and Skin Adult Salmon and Yellow Peas Recipe. It contains prebiotic fiber to support healthy digestion. All of our recommendations also meet pet food standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the Global Nutrition Guidelines published by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). 

Keep in mind that because cats are known to cough up hairballs, it's common to overlook signs of a sensitive stomach, including vomiting and regurgitation, frequent loose stools, or gas. If your cat vomits material with very little to no hair or vomits more than once a week, they should see their veterinarian, says Dr. Kelly Diehl, a veterinary internist with a subspecialty in gastroenterology. Changing your cat's diet could improve their symptoms, but it's important to start with a visit to your vet before switching to any of our recommendations for the best cat foods. If your cat has a food allergy, your vet may prescribe a hypoallergenic diet to relieve their symptoms. 

Read more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and recommends pet products.

Highlights for the best cat sensitive stomach cat food

Best wet: Royal Canin Digestive Care Thin Slices in Gravy - See at Chewy

Best dry: Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach and Skin Adult Salmon and Yellow Peas - See at Chewy

Best for kittens: Royal Canin Kitten Loaf in Sauce - See at Chewy

Best for seniors: Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Prime Plus Ocean Whitefish and Salmon - See at Chewy

Best wet Our top picks for sensitive stomach wet cat food include formulas from Merrick and Royal Canin. Merrick; Royal Canin/Business Insider

If your cat regularly has digestive issues, your vet may recommend switching to a wet food diet to help relieve their stomach issues and keep them hydrated. Wet cat foods contain more moisture than dry foods, typically 75% to 78% moisture compared to 10% to 12%. This is important for cats who lose water through vomiting or diarrhea, says Dr. Kelly Fishman, a veterinarian and founder of Strut Animal Mobility Specialists. 

Compared to dry food, the best wet cat foods typically have higher protein and lower carbohydrate content. This can help with weight control and digestion, says Dr. Jamie Richardson, a veterinarian and head of veterinary medicine at Small Door Vet. 

Our pick from Royal Canin contains powdered cellulose and omega-3 fatty acids from salmon. According to Tufts University, cellulose is an insoluble fiber that may help relieve constipation by increasing stool volume and bowel movement frequency. Our pick from Merrick is made with limited ingredients. Limited ingredient diets can help reduce digestive upset in cats by limiting the number of ingredients in the food, says Dr. Korinn Saker, a veterinary nutritionist and associate professor of clinical nutrition at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. 

To compare the nutritional values of wet and dry cat foods, you need to convert wet food values to a dry matter basis. This means you remove all the moisture from the wet food and then calculate the nutritional values based on the remaining solids. We contacted the food manufacturers to get the dry matter values of our recommendations. If you'd like to compare other recipes, you can use these directions from the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University, call the food manufacturer, or ask your vet for help.

Royal Canin Digestive Care Thin Slices in Gravy

Meat and fish protein sources: Pork byproducts, chicken byproducts, chicken liver, pork liver, salmon, pork plasma, hydrolyzed chicken liverOther standout ingredients: Powdered cellulose Feeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 44.4% protein, 17.4% fat, 5.5% fiber Calorie count: 66 kcal/3-ounce can

Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Chicken Recipe

Meat protein sources: Deboned chicken, chicken liver, chicken brothFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 36.4% protein, 27.7% fat, 6.4% fiberCalorie count: 183 kcal/5-ounce can

Best dry Purina and Hill's make the best sensitive stomach dry cat food. Purina; Hill's/Business Insider

Wet food isn't always convenient or affordable, and some cats simply don't like it — but dry food makes a good alternative for most cats. Dry kibble has a long shelf life and stays fresh longer than canned foods after you open the package. So, you can buy the recipe that works best for your cat in larger quantities, which is often more budget-friendly. 

Keep in mind, though, that dry foods typically contain more carbohydrates than wet foods. As a result, Richardson says some cats with sensitive stomachs may have a harder time digesting kibble. Look for recipes with complex carbohydrates, such as whole wheat, corn, or white potatoes. According to Tufts University, these carbohydrates provide nutrients such as fiber, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids.

Our picks for the best dry cat foods are specifically formulated for cats with sensitive stomachs. They contain easily digestible animal-based proteins and healthy extras like dried beet pulp and oats. Beet pulp contains insoluble and soluble fiber sources, and it's highly fermentable by cats, says Ellen Dierenfeld, a comparative animal nutritionist and founder of Zootrition. Fermentable means it feeds the good bacteria in the microbiome, which can improve digestion. Oats are a soluble fiber source that slows digestion and may help ease diarrhea. 

Purina One +Plus Sensitive Skin and Stomach

Meat protein sources: Turkey, chicken byproduct meal, beef fat, dried egg productOther standout ingredients: Oatmeal, whole grain cornFeeding trials: YesNutrition breakdown: 34% protein, 14% fat, 4% fiberCalorie count: 429 kcal/cup

Hill's Science Diet Adult 1-6 Sensitive Stomach and Skin Salmon and Yellow Peas Recipe

Meat protein sources: Salmon, chicken, chicken fat, chicken mealOther standout ingredients: Potatoes, dried beet pulpFeeding trials: YesNutrition breakdown: 35% protein, 21.9% fat, 1.1% fiberCalorie count: 507 kcal/cup

Best for kittens Royal Canin makes our favorite foods for kittens with sensitive stomachs. Royal Canin/Business Insider

Kittens with diarrhea may benefit from a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet, says Dr. Deb Zoran, a veterinary nutritionist and professor at Texas A&M University. This is because foods high in protein and fat provide energy and promote healthy development of a kitten's gastrointestinal tract, she says. Pet food labels don't always list the percentage of carbohydrates in a diet, but you can shop for foods that list whole meats, meat meals, and byproducts as the top ingredients before carbohydrate sources.

According to the AAFCO recommendations, food intended for kittens must contain at least 30% and 9% fat to support their growth and energy needs. However, Zoran says the best kitten foods for sensitive stomachs should be at least 40% protein on a dry matter basis. Just keep in mind that kittens could have an upset stomach for several reasons, including intestinal parasites. Before transitioning your kitten to a new diet, it's best to have their health checked by your vet. 

Our picks include four different meat sources in the first five ingredients and exceed 40% protein on a dry matter basis. They also contain healthy additions like fish oil, which contains docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega fatty acid that's essential for cognitive growth and development. These foods have also undergone feeding trials to ensure they are palatable, digestible, and provide adequate nutrition. Royal Canin's Gastrointestinal Kitten food requires a prescription from your vet.

Royal Canin Kitten Loaf in Sauce

Meat protein sources: Pork byproducts, chicken byproducts, chicken liver, pork liver, chickenOther standout ingredients: Wheat gluten, brewer's rice flour, fish oilFeeding trials: YesNutrition breakdown: 59.4% protein, 21.3% fat, 5.2% fiberCalorie count: 76 kcal/3-ounce can

Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Kitten Ultra Soft Mousse in Sauce

Meat protein sources: Chicken liver, chicken, chicken byproducts, pork byproductsOther standout ingredients: Wheat gluten, modified corn starch, brewer's rice, fish oilFeeding trials: YesNutrition breakdown: 53% protein, 25.3% fat, 6% fiberCalorie count: 137 kcal/5.1-ounce can

Best for seniors These foods from Purina, Hill's, and Wellness may benefit senior cats with sensitive stomachs. Purina; Hill's; Wellness/Business Insider

Older pets may be more likely to have health problems, but getting sick isn't a normal part of aging. That's why it's important to watch your senior cat closely for any signs of gastrointestinal issues. For instance, cats who aren't getting the nutrients they need due to diarrhea or vomiting may lose weight or have dull coats. 

Cats are good at hiding when they're ill, Diehl says. But signs like chronic vomiting, loose stool, or very pungent poop can all point to health issues. Your vet can help narrow down the cause and recommend dietary changes that may help. It's essential to get guidance from your vet, since managing a sensitive stomach through diet depends on many factors, including other underlying health conditions, Diehl says. 

Because cats are obligate carnivores, the best senior cat foods for sensitive stomachs may be high in protein. However, not all senior cats can eat high-protein diets. For instance, high-protein diets can be harmful to senior cats with health conditions like chronic kidney disease. Our low-protein senior pick from Hill's includes fish oil, which can help improve skin and joint health and ease gastrointestinal inflammation. Our high-protein senior picks from Purina and Wellness contain inulin (commonly derived from chicory root), which is a soluble and insoluble fiber source. While insoluble fibers help keep bowel movements regular, soluble fibers absorb water and form a gel in the stomach. This can help cats maintain a healthy weight by slowing their digestion and keeping them full between feedings.

Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Prime Plus Ocean Whitefish and Salmon Entree

Meat protein sources: Ocean whitefish, liver, meat byproducts, salmonOther standout ingredients: Chicory root, fish oilFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 47.4% protein, 36.5% fat, 0.7% fiberCalorie count: 107 kcal/3-ounce can

Wellness Core Digestive Health Salmon Recipe

Meat protein sources: Salmon, chicken, chicken liver, whitefish, dried egg productOther standout ingredients: InulinFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 50.1% protein, 34.8% fat, 5% fiberCalorie count: 99 kcal/3-ounce can

Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Adult 7+ Chicken, Barley, and Whole Oats Recipe

Meat protein sources: Chicken, chicken meal, egg productOther standout ingredients: Whole grain oats, dried beet pulp, fish oilFeeding trials: NoNutrition breakdown: 33% protein, 17% fat, 2.1% fiberCalorie count: 465 kcal/cup

What to look for in sensitive stomach cat food

When shopping for the best sensitive stomach cat food, you'll want to consider the following criteria: 

AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement for growth, adult maintenance, or all life stages: The most basic measure of nutritionally complete kitten and cat food is an AAFCO statement on the label. The AAFCO is a nonprofit organization that recommends nutritional standards for pet food. Recommendations are based on life stages, so food with an AAFCO statement for growth or all life stages is complete and balanced for kittens, while food with an AAFCO statement for maintenance or all life stages is complete and balanced for adult cats. The AAFCO hasn't established specific recommendations for senior cat diets. Foods for senior cats must meet the minimum AAFCO nutritional recommendations for adult or all life stages foods. 

Guaranteed analysis and nutrient profiles: The guaranteed analysis on a pet food label shows the percentages of important nutrients, including protein, fat, fiber, and other essential vitamins and minerals. Food for kittens must meet the AAFCO's recommended minimum of 30% protein and 9% fat, and food for adult cats, including seniors, must have a minimum of 26% protein and 9% fat. 

Our experts say it's important to carefully examine the guaranteed analysis for cat foods. As obligate carnivores, cats can digest high-protein diets more easily than foods with low animal protein and high carbohydrates. For some cats, the best sensitive stomach cat food may be high in protein, but high-protein diets can be harmful to some senior cats with certain health conditions. This is one reason why it's essential to ask your vet before transitioning diets.

Ingredients list: The ingredients on a pet food label appear in order of weight. Dierenfeld says that muscle meat proteins provide the best source of essential amino acids for obligate carnivores like cats. In other words, animal proteins in the form of whole meat, meat meal, or animal byproducts should come first on the ingredients list. When choosing the best sensitive stomach cat food, you can also check for ingredients that promote healthy digestion and ease inflammation, like probiotics, prebiotics, and omega-3 fatty acids in the form of fish oil. 

Cats are obligate carnivores, so animal-based proteins should always be listed as the first ingredient in cat food. The best sensitive stomach cat food may be higher in protein than other cat foods. Our recommendations include quality protein sources in the form of whole meat, meat meals, and meat byproducts. Saker says that meals and byproducts are concentrated forms of protein that are just as nutritious and digestible — if not more so — than whole protein sources.

Expert formulations: Our picks for best sensitive stomach cat food meet quality control standards recommended by WSAVA. This means the brands employ a full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionist or a PhD-level animal nutritionist. These standards help ensure your cat's food meets nutritional recommendations and includes the right ingredients.

Manufacturing standards: Zoran says pet foods can vary slightly from batch to batch, which can trigger digestive upset in cats with sensitive stomachs. When choosing the best sensitive stomach cat food for your pet, it's wise to consider the quality control measures and facilities used. Brands that own their manufacturing plants have greater control over the ingredients in their recipes and, therefore, the food your cat consumes. Pet food brands should also be transparent about how they implement quality control measures. In short, they shouldn't just say they conduct quality control.

Calorie content: The calorie content of cat food is listed in kilocalories (kcals). Your cat's calorie needs will depend on their age, activity level, and overall health. For example, kittens grow quickly in their first year and should eat multiple high-calorie meals per day. Your vet can recommend the ideal number of daily calories for adults and senior cats based on the cat's lifestyle and ideal weight. Vets can also teach you how to check your cat's body condition score (BCS) between wellness visits. The BCS is a visual tool that helps you assess your cat's body fat on a scale of 1 to 9. This information can help you understand if they need to lose or gain weight. That said, it's always best to talk to your vet before adjusting your cat's daily portion sizes.

How we selected the best sensitive stomach cat food

To narrow down our picks for the best sensitive stomach cat food, we spoke with three veterinary nutritionists, two small animal veterinarians, and one board-certified veterinary internist. We also consulted guidelines and recommendations from the AAFCO, the WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines, and other publications and organizations linked in this guide.

You can learn more about our experts below.

Dr. Deb Zoran is a board-certified small animal internist, nutritionist, and small animal clinical sciences professor at the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. 

Dr. Korinn Saker is a board-certified veterinarian, a distinguished member of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition, and a professor of clinical nutrition at the College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University. 

Ellen Dierenfeld is a comparative animal nutritionist with an MS and PhD in Animal Nutrition from Cornell University. She is the founder of Zootrition, a software designed to record and evaluate the diets of animals. She has over 30 years of experience in zoo, wildlife, and companion animal nutrition.

Dr. Kelly Fishman is a small-animal veterinarian and founder of Strut Animal Mobility Specialists. She received her BS at UC Berkeley, conducted veterinary and neuroscience research at UCSF, and earned her DVM at Ross University. She is trained in animal acupuncture, physical rehabilitation, and specialty companion animal diets. She also advises on supplement use.

Dr. Jamie Richardson is a general practice veterinarian and head of veterinary medicine at Small Door Vet. After completing her undergraduate studies, Richardson moved to the UK to pursue a veterinary degree from London's Royal Veterinary College. Following veterinary volunteer and practice positions across South Africa, Hong Kong, and Bermuda, Richardson joined the Small Door Vet team. 

Dr. Kelly Diehl is senior director of science and communications at Morris Animal Foundation and a board-certified veterinary internist with a subspecialty in gastroenterology. She is also a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). Diehl received her DVM from the University of Tennessee and started her practice career in an emergency clinic in New Jersey before joining the Morris Animal Foundation. 

Sensitive stomach cat food FAQs What is the best sensitive stomach cat food?

The best cat food for a sensitive stomach depends on the individual cat and the cause of the upset stomach. Many sensitive stomach foods include easy-to-digest animal proteins such as byproducts and meals, limited carbohydrates, and healthy extras like fish oil and fermentable fibers like beet pulp. Limited ingredient diets may also lower the chances of a food reaction. However, over-the-counter diets may not be the best solution for every cat with a sensitive stomach. If your cat's upset stomach is caused by food allergies, your vet may recommend switching them to a prescription hydrolyzed diet. Hydrolyzed diets contain proteins that have been broken down into tiny pieces, which are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.

What cat food is easiest on the stomach? 

Cats are obligate carnivores, so animal-based proteins are the easiest foods for them to digest. This includes whole-meat protein like deboned chicken, meat meals, and meat byproducts. Cats can eat recipes containing more than one type of animal protein, but they don't require a new recipe every day. In fact, changing recipes daily can affect your cat's appetite and upset their gut microbiome, says Dierenfeld. 

What makes sensitive stomach cat food different?

The best sensitive stomach cat food typically contains moderate to low levels of fat and protein from sources cats can easily digest and absorb. These foods may also contain supplements that decrease gut inflammation and improve digestion. Examples of these supplements include omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil and probiotics. However, the specific ingredients and nutritional profiles of sensitive stomach cat foods can vary between brands. If you have concerns about your cat's digestive health or nutritional needs, your vet can offer more guidance on the best diet and care for your cat's individual needs.

Is wet or dry food better for a cat with an upset stomach?

Dry cat foods generally contain more carbohydrates and less moisture than wet foods. Richardson says this can make dry food difficult for some cats with sensitive stomachs to digest. Wet foods, on the other hand, have more protein and less carbohydrates, which can make them a better choice for cats with sensitive stomachs. When choosing between wet and dry food, Saker says it's also important to consider your cat's preferences and the availability of special diets. Some hydrolyzed diets, which your vet may recommend for severe food allergies, only come in kibble form.

Janelle Leeson

Freelance Writer

Janelle Leeson is a Portland, Oregon-based contributor for Insider Reviews, where she tests and writes about products for pets. She holds a bachelor of science in biology and transitioned to freelance writing after a decade-long career in the field. Her approach to pet care writing and reporting is rooted in scientific principles which consider a pet's biological need for play, proper nutrition, and environmental enrichment. In addition to writing about animal health, behavior, and nutrition, Janelle also writes about sustainability, beauty, and fashion. Her work on pets and other topics appears at Daily Paws, Great Pet Care, Rover, Shop Today, USA Today Reviewed, Fetch by The Dodo, and elsewhere. Her work has also appeared in print in Inside Your Dog's Mind, Inside Your Cat's Mind, and Paw Print magazines. You can find Janelle on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.  Read more Read less

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