10 best cat food for cats with a sensitive stomach

Updated 18/12/2023

Most cat lovers will know that finding a cat food your finicky feline will enjoy (or at best, simply tolerate…) can be tricky - let alone having to find one that won’t upset their digestion system. Sound familiar?

To help you in your quest to find the best food for your sensitive little sidekick, we’ve rounded up the best cat food for sensitive stomach felines - as voted by pet parents, like you. Here, you’ll find something to suit every cat and kitten: from the best dry and wet food, to our top picks for senior cats, kittens, and picky eaters alike.

And just one thing before we get started - treating kitties with sensitive stomachs can be difficult, so check out our recipes for homemade cat food and homemade cat treats with minimal ingredients that your feline friend will LOVE.

Does my cat have a sensitive stomach?

It’s pretty normal for our feline friends to cough up the occasional hairball (apologies for that mental image - we hope you weren’t enjoying your lunch?). But how do you know if it’s normal, or down to digestive issues? 

Here are some of the main telltale signs your kitty may be suffering with a sensitive stomach: 

• Vomiting after eating
• Diarrhea
• Increased thirst
• Weight loss
• Itchy skin
• Poor coat

If you've noticed your cat suddenly displaying any of the above symptoms, it's time to see your vet. They will be able to rule out any underlying causes. Should the verdict be that your cat does indeed have a sensitive stomach, you can start the process of introducing them to a new diet - one that’ll be much gentler on their tums. Your vet should make some recommendations for your cat’s specific needs, so bear this in mind when considering our list of diets.

Most of the sensitive cat foods on our list contain whole, natural ingredients - often with a single source of protein. Many also contain extra added antioxidants, probiotics, and healthy fatty acids. Meaning they won’t just be great for your kitty’s stomach - their coat and skin will be thriving, too. 

On that note, let’s get into the recommendations, shall we? 

Best cat food for cats with a sensitive stomach: our top picks

• Best overall: Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin
• Best dry cat food for sensitive stomachs: FirstMate Pacific Ocean Fish Meal
• Best wet cat food for sensitive stomach: Tiki Cat Tummy Topper Pumpkin & Wheatgrass Cat Treat
• Best canned food for sensitive stomachs: WholeHearted Easy Digestion Chicken Recipe Adult Wet Cat Food
• Best for cats that vomit: Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Chicken Recipe
• Best for cats with diarrhea: Royal Canin Digest Sensitive Thin Slices in Gravy Wet Cat Food
• Best for kittens: Instinct Grain-Free Kitten Wet Food
• Best for older cats: Now Fresh Grain-Free Senior Weight Management Recipe Dry Cat Food
• Best for picky eaters: Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food
• Best value for money: Purina One Sensitive Systems Dry Cat Food 

Best overall: Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin

In our mission to find the best food for cats with sensitive stomachs, one particular cat food stood out time and time again: Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry cat food.

This veterinarian recommended dry cat food is perfect for pernickety cats with a sensitive stomach. It’s made from 100% natural and easily digestible ingredients to help support your best pal’s digestive health. 

Packed full with vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids, it’ll also help nourish your kit’s skin and coat. Plus, it gets rave reviews from pet parents - and we can see why!

Best dry cat food for sensitive stomachs: FirstMate Pacific Ocean Fish Meal

Wild caught herring, anchovies and sardines - this will surely delight your feline fish fanatic. Made up of 95% Pacific Ocean fish meal protein, this limited ingredient recipe is perfect for felines with a sensitive tum, and the antioxidant-rich blueberries add a healthy dose of added fibre. 

As well as helping to promote a healthy immune system, this cat food goes the extra mile and also supports a healthy urinary tract, eyesight and memory function. Basically, it ticks a lot of boxes. 

Finally, it’s gluten-free, grain-free - but certainly not flavour-free! - and great for cats of all ages with a sensitive stomach. 

Best wet cat food for sensitive stomach: Tiki Cat Tummy Topper Pumpkin & Wheatgrass Cat Treat

Wet food might not be the obvious choice if your kitty has a sensitive stomach. But in fact, the simplest blend of food is often the best choice for a cat with a sensitive stomach - and this tasty option from Tiki Cat sure is a strong contender.

This super simple, grain-free blend of pumpkin and ginger helps to promote healthy digestion while helping to soothe your sweetheart’s sensitive stomach. It has anti-inflammatory properties, and its smooth texture means it’s super simple to scoff. 

It can be served on its own, or as a tasty topper to your cat’s favourite meal. We think they’ll love this one! Oh, and if you're wondering when you should be dishing up your kitty's meals, head on over to our feeding guide!

Best canned cat food for sensitive stomachs: WholeHearted Easy Digestion Chicken Recipe Adult Wet Cat Food

If your kitty prefers the taste and texture of a good ol’ can of cat food, this easy digestion option by WholeHearted is a great choice. 

This sensitive stomach cat food contains a gentle formula of easily digestible protein and multiple fibre sources to help aid your finicky feline’s digestive process. 

It’s free of corn, wheat and grains and contains extra added vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. So, you can be sure your kitty’s getting everything they need - without the upset tum. 

Best for cats that vomit: Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Chicken Recipe

If your kitty has a tendency to vomit after eating, then take a look at this all-natural kitty kibble from Blue Buffalo.

Specially formulated for felines with a sensitive stomach, it contains real deboned chicken and wholesome grains and veggies for high digestibility. It’s packed with prebiotics to help aid digestion, and the added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids will help nourish your kitty's coat to perfection.

Finally, it’s free of corn, wheat and soy, which may be helpful in some kitties that are prone to vomiting post-mealtime. If the reviews from pet parents are anything to go by, we think your kitty will be meowing out for a bowl of this in no time! 

Best for cats with diarrhea: Royal Canin Digest Sensitive Thin Slices in Gravy Wet Cat Food

Looking for a cat food that can help alleviate your kitty's toilet trauma? Enter: Royal Canin. This high-protein formula is fortified with vitamins and minerals, and designed specifically for cats 1 year+. 

It contains easy to digest proteins that’ll be gentler on your cat's digestive system, while helping to reduce diarrhea and promote digestive health. As an added bonus, it’s also a great choice for helping your kitty maintain a healthy weight. 

You can also find this in a dry format, if your kitty is more of a kibble-kinda-guy. The Royal Canin Digestive Care Dry Cat Food option is also a great pick if your cat has a tendency to scoff down their dinner, as the clever ring-shaped kibble design encourages slower eating.

Don’t forget that while a sensitive cat food should help with some kitty’s digestive problems, you must consult with your vet if your cat is suffering with chronic or long-term diarrhea, to rule out any underlying issues or potential dehydration.

Best for kittens: Instinct Grain-Free Kitten Wet Food

Oh dear - a sensitive stomach and digestive issues to boot is no way for a kitten to start their life. Luckily, there is help - in the form of Instinct’s grain-free wet food for kittens. 

With a mix of real chicken, salmon and beef liver, it’s super high in animal protein and specially crafted for kittens - particularly those with a sensitive stomach. It’s free from grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colours and preservatives.

The tasty pate texture contains digestion-friendly fruits and veggies such as pumpkin, cranberries, broccoli and kale. It also contains natural DHA, to help your support kitten’s developing brain and eyes. 

Best for older cats: Now Fresh Grain-Free Senior Weight Management Recipe Dry Cat Food

Crafted by pet nutritionists, this senior cat food contains prebiotics and fibre-rich veggies like pumpkin, which help aid your ageing kitty’s digestion. It’s completely grain- and gluten-free too, which can be helpful for some pets.

Specifically designed with senior cats in mind, Now Fresh is made with fresh meat and fish, which is easier for your feline to digest. It also contains added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

As an added bonus, the moderate protein and fat levels mean it’s ideal for helping your senior feline to maintain a healthy weight. Fortified with fibre-rich cranberries and L-carnitine, it will support your sweet kit's heart health, urinary tract health and digestion. 

Really, it's everything a sensitive stomach senior cat could need, and pet parents tell us it even goes down well with their particularly picky felines! 

Looking for an experienced cat sitter for your senior feline friend?

Best for picky eaters: Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food

This limited ingredient kibble is ideal for cats with a sensitive stomach, and - if the number of happy pet parent reviews are anything to go by - we’re pretty sure this will please the palates of even the pickiest eaters!

It lists real deboned chicken as its first ingredient, and aims to support healthy muscle development. The high quality protein recipe contains antioxidants and probiotics which help support your sensitive sidekick’s digestive health and immune system. It also contains added omega fatty acids.

It’s also free from corn, soy and wheat, which may be useful for some cats. Give it a go - we think your picky kitty will gobble this up! 

Best value for money: Purina One Sensitive Systems Dry Cat Food 

Sometimes, expensive doesn’t always equal better - and this offering from Purina One certainly attests to that! 

This reasonably priced premium cat food has a recipe that’s highly digestible - yet highly delicious! - for sensitive feline friends suffering from stomach issues. It also has extra added vitamins and minerals, including omega-3 fatty acids. 

Better yet, the crunchy texture of this tasty kibble will also help keep plaque at bay - is there anything this cat food can’t do? If you’re a pet parent shopping on a budget, this is an excellent consideration! 

Meet our veterinary expert, Rebecca

This article has been checked by veterinarian Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed MRCVS. Rebecca is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. Since her graduation from the Royal Veterinary college in 2009 she has gained a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, in both clinical and managerial roles. She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. Outside of work and writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat coated retriever George!

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