Vomiting in Cats

You’re relaxing on the couch when you hear that familiar retching noise. “Huk, huk, huk…” Part of you hopes that whatever Cleo is bringing up will land on the linoleum not the rug, but you also feel that niggling worry; is she okay? Most people who live with cats have some experience with cleaning up vomit, but when is there cause for concern? And when you bring Cleo in to see the veterinarian, what sort of information would be helpful to have, and what testing may be performed?

When should you call the veterinarian?

If the vomit is bloody or accompanied by loss of appetite, lethargy, or diarrhea. Or, if the vomiting has been on and off for over 24 hours and doesn’t seem to resolving on its own it should be investigated. If there is any doubt, call your veterinarian right away, as vomiting can be a sign of serious illness.

There are many causes of vomiting in cats, and this article is meant as a brief survey of the more common conditions.

• The most common cause of vomiting is hairballs, which occur when a cat has built up excess fur in the digestive system. Hairballs can often be minimized by daily brushing and administering hairball preventatives in the forms of treats, diets, and oral pastes

• Sometimes vomiting results from a kitty eating too quickly

• Rapid diet changes can lead to vomiting; food changes should be done gradually over a period of five to seven days

• Food allergies or IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) can lead to vomiting

• Certain drugs, such as antibiotics or pain medications may irritate the stomach or trigger a vomiting reflex; discontinue giving the medicine in question if vomiting occurs and call your veterinarian for alternatives.

• System-wide illnesses resulting from viral and bacterial infections such as panleukopenia may cause vomiting as part of a broad spectrum of ill health

• A blockage anywhere along the intestinal tract caused by a foreign body such as a hairball or string, a tumor, or severe constipation, as in megacolon can lead to vomiting

• Diseases affecting other organs such as kidney failure, liver disease, gall bladder disease, pancreatitis, hyperthyroidism, urinary tract blockage, or diabetes complications may also include vomiting as a sign

• Parasites such as intestinal worms or heartworm disease can trigger vomiting

• Toxins such as lead, certain plants, or antifreeze can cause vomiting as well.

The most important item (besides your cat) to bring to the veterinarian is a thorough history: How long has the vomiting been going on, how frequent is it, does the vomit consist of food, yellow bile or blood, or a mix; any recent diet changes, how is your cat’s appetite, and attitude? These are some questions you can expect to be asked. Your observations will be valuable. The physical examination will yield important information from head to toe. Sometimes the history and examination yield enough information and a treatment plan can be made. However, because the list of underlying causes is so long, your veterinarian may need to gather more information by testing the blood, urine, or stool, or carry out imaging studies such as X-rays or ultrasound. Exploratory surgery and biopsies are occasionally recommended in cases where the ability to reach a final diagnosis requires the use of these critically important diagnostic tools.

“Yerk!” Phew- it was only a hairball this time, and Cleo managed to make it to the kitchen. From now on Cleo will get her hairball ointment!

 

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to replace professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian. If you require any veterinary related advice, contact your veterinarian promptly. Information at Cathealth.com is exclusively of a general reference nature. Do not disregard veterinary advice or delay treatment as a result of accessing information at this site.