Why Is My Cat Vomiting? When Do I Need To Worry?

That horrific sound of your cat throwing up, usually on the carpet is something we have all heard stories about!

Funnies aside, a cat vomiting is not normal, even if much of what you read on google will say that it is!

In this article, we discuss some of the most common reasons why a cat vomits and what you need to do.

Cat Vomiting

My Cat Vomits Once A Week Is This Normal?

Let’s cut to the chase, a cat vomiting is not normal.

There is always an underlying cause.

Finding out why your cat is vomiting is often extremely frustrating and can lead to many tests being performed.

A cat that vomits infrequently and randomly, but is happy with no weight loss is likely to have vomited due to a trigger such as a hairball or they’ve eaten something that has upset its stomach.

When a cat vomits regularly, whether that is daily or weekly, there will be something wrong and we need to get to the bottom of it.

It is highly unlikely to be hairballs.

If your cat is not eating, that makes us worry even more.

If your cat is vomiting frequently in one day (more than twice), there is blood in the vomit or they are lethargic (sick looking), you need to seek veterinary attention immediately.

 

Why Do Cats Vomit?

There are a wide variety of reasons why cats vomit and this can prove finding a definitive diagnosis a complex one!

For this reason, don’t be surprised if your veterinarian wants to perform a whole raft of tests.

Your Vet Online can assist with determining the proper diagnostic approach. It is crucial to obtain a thorough history of the problem as this can be invaluable in helping to refine and focus the diagnostic approach saving you time and money.

To discuss your cat’s vomiting and determine a diagnostic plan, book a consult with us now.

Potential Causes Of Vomiting

Primary gastrointestinal disease

  • Infectious causes – eg. gastritis from eating something bad!
  • Inflammatory causes – eg. inflammatory bowel disease
  • Parasites
  • Foreign bodies
  • Strictures
  • Drug reaction
  • Nutritional reaction

Extra-gastrointestinal disease

  • Endocrine – eg. hyperthyroidism
  • Metabolic disease – eg. renal failure
  • Liver disease
  • Pancreatic disease
  • Neoplasia – eg. alimentary lymphoma

Help Vets Diagnose Why Your Cat Is Sick

As I mentioned above, a comprehensive history will absolutely help your vet find a diagnosis. The best things you can do to help with this are:

  • Take photos of the vomit
  • Keep a diary
  • Days vomiting occurs
  • Time vomiting occurs
  • Time of feeding
  • What was fed
  • If any medications were given
  • If you notice any other issues/symptoms
  • Lethargy
  • Weight loss/gain
  • Increased thirst
  • Increase urination

When To Seek Veterinary Advice For A Vomiting Cat?

A cat that is vomiting is not a normal cat. Your Vet Online can help you determine what the cause will be and what further steps need to be taken.

Many cat owners think that their cat is vomiting hairballs, but this is often not the case. Yes, hair is present, but many, many cats never vomit. There is always a reason. We can determine this.

If you see your cat vomiting blood or your cat vomiting bile, and/or the vomiting is sudden onset and persists for a few hours then you need to seek urgent veterinary help.

Likewise, if your cat has vomiting and diarrhoea, this can result in dehydration so please get in touch with us for further advice.

What If My Cat Is Bringing Up Hairballs?

Many people believe that the reason that their cat is vomiting is because of hairballs.  This is due to the presence of hair in the vomitus.

Vomiting primarily due to hairballs is very rare. In the majority of cases, there is another reason for the vomit.

If you are certain that your cat is vomiting because of hairballs, we suggest purchasing the “Furminator” grooming tool.  This is hands down the best grooming tool for pets with long haircoats.

If your cat is still vomiting after using this regularly, then it is definitely not hairballs.

How often does your cat vomit? Tell us in the comments below. 

 

cat vomiting what are the causes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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