Is Your cat’s Vomiting Serious?

Cats are known for their independent and mysterious nature, but when your feline friend starts vomiting, it can be a cause for concern. Understanding the causes, knowing when to seek veterinary care, and taking preventive measures can help keep your feline friend healthy and happy.

Why is my Cat Throwing Up?

Your veterinarian will ask a variety of questions to determine why your cat is vomiting. These may include –

• Have you switched your cat’s diet recently?
• Have you started any prescribed or over-the-counter medications?
• What diet, including all treats, is your cat on?
• Do you have other cats in the house, and if so, are they also vomiting?
• Is your cat indoor and/or outdoor?
• How often is your cat vomiting, and what does the vomit look like?
• Is your cat still eating?
• Is your cat having other symptoms, such as diarrhea and/or weight loss?

Acute vs. Chronic Vomiting in Cats

Acute vomiting refers to a sudden onset of vomiting due to eating something your pet shouldn’t have, intestinal parasites, pancreatitis, or a bacterial or viral infection, just to name a few possible causes. Once the cause is treated, acute vomiting quickly resolves.

Chronic vomiting generally occurs in cats with underlying diseases that must be managed over time. For example, cats with inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, kidney disease, or hyperthyroidism may experience bouts of vomiting off and on for weeks to months simply due to their chronic illnesses.

From Hairballs to Health Scares – Unravelling Cat Vomiting

• Hairballs – Cats groom themselves regularly, which can lead to hair accumulation in their stomach. If a hairball cannot pass naturally, a cat may vomit to expel it.
• Dietary indiscretion – Eating too quickly, consuming spoiled/ rotten food, or ingesting non-food items can trigger vomiting in your pet.
• Food allergies or intolerances – Some cats have sensitivities to certain ingredients in their food, leading to gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, upset stomach, stomach cramps, etc.
• Infections and parasites – Bacterial or viral infections, as well as intestinal parasites like worms, can also cause vomiting.
• Toxins and poisonous substances – Ingesting toxic plants, chemicals, medications, or spoiled food can be dangerous and may lead to vomiting.
• Underlying medical conditions – Conditions such as kidney disease, liver problems, hyperthyroidism, pancreatitis, and inflammatory bowel disease can result in chronic vomiting.

Kitty Queasiness – When to Be Concerned?

While an occasional episode of vomiting may not be alarming, certain signs indicate that veterinary attention is needed –

• Frequent vomiting (more than once or twice a week)
• Blood in vomit
• Lethargy or weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Dehydration
• Diarrhea

If your cat is showing any of these symptoms, it’s best to consult a veterinarian promptly.

Unfortunately, there are not many over-the-counter medications that will help cats not vomit. If your cat does start to vomit, do not give them anything by mouth (including water or food) until you speak with a veterinarian for guidance.

Prevention for Barf Alert

• Groom your cat regularly – Brushing your cat can help reduce hair ingestion and minimize hairball formation.
• Provide a balanced diet – Feeding high-quality, digestible food and avoiding sudden diet changes can prevent stomach upset.
• Encourage slow eating – Using slow-feeder bowls or feeding smaller, more frequent meals can prevent vomiting caused by rapid eating.
• Keep harmful substances out of reach – Ensure your home is free of toxic plants, chemicals, and human medications that could harm your cat.
• Routine vet checkups – Regular visits to the vet can help catch underlying health issues before they become severe.

Vomiting in cats can be a minor issue or a sign of a more serious condition. By paying attention to your cat’s behaviour, dietary habits, and overall health, you can help prevent and manage vomiting episodes effectively. If in doubt, always seek professional veterinary advice to ensure your furry companion stays healthy and comfortable.

(Dr. Shivika Gupta – Ph.D. Scholar, Veterinary Medicine, DUVASU, Mathura)