Cat IBD: Chronic Vomiting, Diarrhea, Constipation and Acupuncture
Chronic vomiting, diarrhea and constipation in cats: emergency signs, vet care and points commonly discussed.
This guide is educational and does not replace a veterinary diagnosis. Acupuncture is used alongside, not instead of, conventional care, and the evidence differs from condition to condition. See our Medical Disclaimer.
See a veterinarian first
Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately, and do not delay care to try acupuncture, if:
- Vomiting or diarrhea is repeated, bloody, or your cat is weak or dehydrated.
- Your cat is straining without passing stool, vomiting or lethargic.
- The belly is hard or painful, or your cat may have swallowed string, tinsel or thread.
- Your cat has not eaten for a day or more.
This list is not complete. Cats hide illness, so if you are worried, call your veterinarian.
What is IBD, chronic vomiting and diarrhea?
Cats with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have long-lasting vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss or poor appetite. These signs also occur with food reactions, parasites, pancreatitis and intestinal lymphoma, so a diagnosis is needed. Constipation is a separate problem that can range from mild to a serious blockage or megacolon.
Signs to look for
- Ongoing vomiting or diarrhea
- Weight loss, poor or fussy appetite
- Constipation or straining
- Belly pain or bloating
- Unkempt coat
How veterinarians diagnose and treat it
Your veterinarian may suggest bloodwork, fecal tests, imaging, and sometimes endoscopy and biopsies, which help tell IBD from lymphoma. Treatment often includes a diet trial, medicines, vitamin B12 when low, and sometimes immune-modulating drugs. Constipation is treated according to the cause, with fluids, diet and medicines as advised.
Acupuncture and acupressure for cats with digestive problems
Acupuncture is used by some practitioners as an add-on for appetite, nausea and digestive comfort in cats. It cannot treat IBD or a blockage on its own.
What the evidence says: Evidence for acupuncture in cats with digestive disease is limited. Reports are mostly small studies and clinical experience.
Results vary from cat to cat and cannot be promised. To find a practitioner, see cat acupuncture near me in our directory.
Acupuncture points for cats commonly discussed for this condition
These feline acupuncture points are named in traditional charts for the signs described on this page. Each guide gives the location, traditional indications and safety notes. Listing a point is not a promise that it will help, and points are chosen by the practitioner for each cat.
- ST36 Zu San Li (足三里)Chart lists: indigestion, diarrhea
- BL20 Pi Shu (脾俞)Chart lists: loss of appetite, indigestion, vomiting
- BL21 Wei Shu (胃俞)Chart lists: loss of appetite, indigestion, vomiting
- CV12 Zhong Wan (中脘)Chart lists: indigestion, vomiting, anorexia
- ST25 Tian Shu (天枢)Chart lists: abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation
- SP6 San Yin Jiao (三阴交)Chart lists: indigestion
- PC6 Nei Guan (内关)Chart lists: vomiting
- LIV14 Qi Men (期门)Chart lists: vomiting
See all points on the cat acupuncture points chart.
Next steps and resources
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Frequently asked questions
Are there cat acupressure points for constipation?
The point chart lists points such as ST25 and BL25 for constipation. Constipation in cats can signal a blockage, megacolon, dehydration or kidney disease, so do not try pressure points before a veterinary exam, and see a vet at once if your cat strains, vomits or is lethargic.
Can acupuncture treat IBD in cats?
Not on its own. IBD needs veterinary diagnosis and treatment.
When is vomiting an emergency in cats?
When it is repeated, contains blood, comes with a painful belly, or your cat stops eating or drinking.
Related cat conditions
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