Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My cat has IBD signs, but no vomiting or diarrhea. What's high folate?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 11 years and 8 months old | 11.5 lbs

Trixie is to have an intestinal biopsy due to a decrease in appetite & not wanting to stick with just one kind of selected protein food. She has history of IBD in past and just last week had ultrasound and labwork which found only elevated folate. My vet suspects an IBD flare up and hopes to get answers with biopsy. If it is IBD wouldn’t there be vomiting and/or diarrhea?, which she’s not had. What could elevated folate mean? thank you

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 29th, 2019

Not necessarily in regards to there being vomiting / diarrhea. Animals with IBD may have other symptoms such as weight loss, poor appetite, lethargy, etc. without vomiting / diarrhea. I will say it is common to see vomiting / diarrhea but I wouldn't rule out IBD until a biopsy has been obtained yet. Folate is absorbed in the proximal small intestine only. Values that are high are consistent with bacterial overgrowth and values that are low are consistent with disease affecting the small intestinal malabsorption. A biopsy of the GI tract may also help reveal what type of bacteria would be causing an infection if bacteria is the cause. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 27th, 2019

    With an intestinal biopsy they will be able to know precisely what type of cells are invading the lining of the GI tract. This should better help to focus the treatment for Trixie. Oftentimes in cats with a history of IBD the disease can transform into intestinal lymphoma (a cancer) and so this is most likely what they will be looking for. I’m sorry you are going through this with Trixie. I hope this help. Let us know if you have any additional questions.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By C. Rathjens, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 26th, 2019

    Poor girl. It sounds like you and your vet have taken all the appropriate steps so far. At this point, your options are going an intestinal biopsy, or trying to treat symptomatically (meaning trying different medications without knowing exactly what is going on to see if anything works - this could include appetite stimulants, steroids, antibiotics, etc). Some types of intestinal inflammation would require steroids to treat, or it could even be something like cancer where chemotherapy would be an option.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?
Can your chickens eat bell peppers and salads? Veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth offers expert advice on safe feeding, frequency, and how fresh veggies boost vibrant yolks.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is Purina Layer Pellets good for chickens? What other feeds exist?
Is Purina Layer Pellets the right choice for your flock? Get expert advice from a Petco veterinarian on Purina and other top chicken feed brands for your chickens.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My mice eat all their food together from one bowl. Is this normal?
Do your mice quickly eat together from one bowl? A Licensed Vet Tech explains normal mouse eating behavior and when to watch for aggression. Get expert insights.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored