Cat Vomiting: Causes and Treatments

Vomiting that occurs occasionally in an otherwise healthy cat is generally not a cause for concern. Vomiting that persists for over 72 hours with or without signs of illness such as appetite loss, depression, lethargy, or diarrhea can indicate a more severe problem and should be addressed. The fluids lost during vomiting result in dehydration which could be potentially life threatening. The food, acids and other material expelled during vomiting can in other cases be lifesaving. Since cats are naturally carnivores, vomiting is a protective reflex used to eliminate bones, for example, after consuming a bird or rodent.



CAUSES



* Hairballs are the most common cause of periodic vomiting.



* Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is the most common cause of chronic vomiting. Vomiting hairballs daily is often the predominant sign of IBD in cats.



* Eating linear foreign objects - ribbon, tinsel, string are holiday favorites



* Parasites - round worms in kittens can cause vomiting



* Cancer - Mast cell tumors are a type of stomach cancer in cats that cause vomiting which may contain blood. The vomit may be blackish in color with a fowl odor because of the blood.



* Liver disease can result in stomach ulcers



* Chronic kidney failure



* Poisons - aspirin, antifreeze, plants, pesticides, cleaning agents, lead, herbicides, and heavy metals.



* Distemper virus in unvaccinated kittens



What you and your vet can do:



* Withholding food and water for 12 to 24 hours allows the body to recover and controls most mild cases of vomiting.



* Giving food and/or water at this time usually makes vomiting worse.



* Gradually reintroducing small frequent meals several times daily over the next 2-3 days resolves most cases.



COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY



Homeopathic



* Nux Vomica 6c - Use for cats that acts moderately ill and want to be left alone or are hiding. No food 10 minutes before or after treatment.



The dosage is 1 pellet every 4 hours until the signs are gone. Discontinue if cat is not better after 24 hours. Continue up to 5 days if the cat is responding.



* Pulsatilla 6c - Use for cats reluctant to drink. Use same dose as for Nux Vomica.



Herbal



* Chamomile Tea - This herb is soothing and relieves nausea. Use for mild stomach upsets.



Recipe: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 TBSP of the flowers, steep 15 minutes, strain and dilute with an equal amount of water. Give a teaspoon at a time after food and water have already been withheld for the first 12 to 24 hours.



* Note: Peppermint tea also relieves nausea but unlike dogs and people, cats don't like mint.

Cat Vomiting - What Does This Cat Symptom Mean?

If your cat vomiting is regular, it could be a cat symptom of a larger issue, such as a gastrointestinal disorder, a blockage or even cancer, kidney failure or diabetes. Since the cause of the vomiting is often unknown at its outset, it's important to be aware of your cat's ordinary routine. That way, if vomiting does occur, you can tell your cat's vet about its history - when it started, what might have brought it on, its frequency and intensity, etc.



For example, if your pet is throwing up after eating or doesn't want to eat at all, you will want to make an appointment immediately with your veterinarian. However, if your cat vomits, then eats and plays normally, it just may mean he had an upset stomach.



The actual course of treatment will depend on the root cause of the vomiting. Your vet will discuss the foods your cat is eating, any signs of weight loss and any other medical problems or symptoms you may have noticed.



If necessary, additional tests may be required, such a complete blood count, biochemical panel, urinalysis, fecal exam, X-rays, ultrasounds and an endoscopy, if required.



Besides dietary problems, your cat may be vomiting because he has a hairball. Usually your cat can get it out themselves, but sometimes a ball gets tangled up and he will try to vomit instead. To reduce future cat hairballs, you may want to buy a hairball formula of food or get an additive.



Your cat may also be vomiting due to morning sickness. Just like us, cats can get queasy when they're pregnant and vomiting is just part of the process of becoming a mother. Less frequently, vomiting can be a sign of heat stroke, gastroenteritis, an obstruction in the esophagus, worms or even vomiting.



Most of these can be treated but you will need to see a vet who will examine the cat and prescribe treatment for the vomiting or any underlying health problem that is revealed.



Treatment is usually progressive, starting with something as simple as changing your cat's diet (if the food isn't agreeing with them) or removing any toxins in the home. Your vet will initially ask you to withhold your cat's food for three to four hours to see if the vomiting goes away. If he hasn't vomited for a while, you can then add small amounts of water. If no vomiting, more water can be put down. Use a measuring cup to monitor how much water your cat is receiving. You may want to log his intake so you can share it with the doctor.



Before returning your cat to his regular diet, you'll want to introduce a bland food, such as small amounts of Purina EN or Iams Recovery Diet. A mix of boiled rice or potatoes along with lean hamburger, or even low-fat cottage cheese, can also work. If the vomiting continues, call your vet promptly.