Garbage gut in cats (garbage toxicosis)

‘Garbage gut’ is the term used to refer to garbage toxicosis or dietary indiscretion in cats, which is a health issue caused by the ingestion of toxic materials.

While garbage gut is seen more often in dogs, cats are also known to eat things they shouldn’t sometimes. A few of the items that can cause garbage gut in cats include eating mouldy food, litter, and prey while out hunting.

In this article, we’ll explore the signs of garbage gut, how it’s diagnosed, and what you can do to prevent your cat from suffering with this potentially serious condition…

What is garbage gut in cats?

If a cat swallows something that has been contaminated by harmful substances, like bacteria or mould, toxins can get into their bloodstream through their digestive system. Here are examples of items that might cause garbage gut in cats if consumed:

• Mouldy, spoiled, or decaying food (e.g. table scraps).
• Food waste (e.g. eggshells or peelings).
• Litter (e.g. cigarette butts, broken glass, discarded plastic, etc.).
• Non-food items (e.g. food wrappers, hair accessories, string, etc.).
• Prey animals (e.g. birds or rodents).

Signs of garbage gut in cats

The symptoms of garbage gut can vary in severity, depending on the items your cat has eaten. So, if you suspect your cat is suffering from garbage gut, it’s important to contact your vet for advice should you notice any of the following signs:

• Diarrhoea.
• Vomiting.
• Loss of appetite.
• Lethargy (extreme tiredness).
• Stomach pain.

Sadly, some case of garbage gut in cats can lead to more serious health problems, including:

• Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining).
• Gastrointestinal (GI) blockage.
• Gastroenteritis (inflammation of the intestines).

Outdoor cats might be at greater risk of getting garbage gut due to hunting behaviours and contact with the outside world (offering access to litter, food scraps, etc.).

Diagnosing garbage gut in cats

To diagnose toxicosis in cats, vets are likely to perform:

• An assessment of your cat’s diet and behaviour.
• Physical examinations.
• Blood tests.
• X-rays.
• Ultrasound scans.

How is garbage gut in cats treated?

Treatments for garbage gut in cats will depend on the cause of their condition, but these could include:

• Withholding food for a set amount of time.
• Providing small, frequent meals consisting of bland food.
• A vet-approved digestive probiotic and/or anti-nausea medication.

Although most cases of garbage gut in cats tend to resolve within 24-72 hours, more serious instances may have to be treated overnight at a vet practice. 

Preventing garbage gut in cats

Thankfully, the majority of our feline friends are picky eaters – which means they’re less likely to suffer from garbage gut compared to their canine counterparts! 

However, there are plenty of ways to prevent your cat from suffering garbage gut, including:

• Ensuring all bins, cupboards, and containers are kept closed at all times.
• Disposing of food waste in a way that’s inaccessible to cats.
• Considering keeping your cat indoors, if appropriate for them. 

It’s always worth discussing any concerns about garbage gut with your cat’s vet. 

We hope this information helps you keep your feline companion safe and sound. Remember, a little extra care can make a big difference in preventing a potentially serious health problem.