It is natural for cats to feel unwell occasionally, whether it be a minor illness or caused by something they have eaten. In today's post, our Rockland County vets talk about the reason why your cat keeps vomiting, ways to help treat their symptoms and when you should seek veterinary care.
My Cat Keeps Vomiting!
Like people, cats can suffer from an upset tummy for a variety of reasons. There are many possible causes for your cat's upset stomach including, viruses and parasites, a reaction to eating something bad, or more serious conditions such as cancer or organ problems.
If your cat vomits more often than once a month or keeps vomiting repeatedly, it's time to see your vet to determine the underlying cause of your cat's vomiting.
Causes of Vomiting in Cats
Expelling Hairballs
Hairballs are undigested, wads of fur that clump in your cat's stomach. Hairballs are especially common in longhair cats, and cats that groom excessively. Hacking noises and spasms commonly accompany vomiting when your cat is trying to rid itself of hairballs. Most hairballs are easily brought up by cats, but if your cat is having difficulties trying to expel a hairball it's time to see a vet. Trapped hairballs may lead to intestinal blockages that can be fatal.
Eating Quickly
If your cat eats too much, too quickly vomiting will likely result soon after they eat. If your cat eats too quickly then there are a variety of dishes that are designed to slow down their eating and also allow them to have an interactive experience. Cats are natural hunters after all. That said, throwing up right after eating can be an indication of a more serious problem such as hairballs, dehydration, esophageal issues, or a digestive tract obstruction. If your cat frequently vomits right after eating, a trip to the vet is required.
Serious Veterinary Concerns
- Intestinal foreign bodies
- Food allergies
- Poisoning
- Intestinal Parasites
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Diabetes
- Hyperthyroidism
- Metabolic Disorder (ie: Kidney Disease)
When To Be Concerned With Vomiting in Cats
If your cat is vomiting periodically or infrequently, avoid giving your cat any food for approximately 12 hours. Provide your cat with a couple of tablespoons of water every 30 minutes or provide them with ice cubes during this brief fasting time. After 12 hours begin providing your cat with small amounts of bland food and gradually return to normal feeding if vomiting has stopped.
If your cat is having repeated bouts of vomiting contact your vet immediately. Continuous or severe vomiting could be a sign that your cat is seriously ill and requires immediate treatment. Contact your vet or nearest emergency veterinary clinic if your cat displays any of the symptoms below:
- Repeated vomiting
- Blood in vomit
- Weakness / Lethargy
- Pain / Distress
- Fever
- Blood in stool
Diagnosis of Conditions Causing Vomiting
When taking your cat to the vet due to vomiting, it's a good idea to take a sample of your cat's vomit with you. Your vet will be able to examine the sample to help determine the cause of your cat's upset stomach.
- Large amounts of mucus in your cat's stomach could indicate an inflamed intestine
- Undigested food can be an indication of poisoning, anxiety or simply a sign that your cat has eaten too much or too quickly.
- If bile is present in your cat's vomit, it may be an indication of pancreatitis or inflammatory bowel disease.
- Red blood is a sign that your cat's stomach may be ulcerated.
- Intestinal obstruction may cause your cat's vomit to have a strong smell.
Treatment of Vomiting in Cats
Treatment of vomiting in cats focuses on treating the underlying problem. Depending on what has caused your cat's symptoms, treatment can be as simple as temporarily withholding food or as complex as surgery or chemotherapy.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.