Causes & Prevention of Cat Vomiting: Tips for Pet Owner

Causes of Vomiting in Cats Are Varied and Often Complex

Cats can vomit due to a multitude of factors. While some cases are merely a result of dietary indiscretion, which often resolves after a few episodes, others are more serious. Poisoning, for instance, can trigger vomiting, but it is usually treatable with detoxification medications. Certain infectious diseases, such as feline distemper, infectious hepatitis, and parvovirus, can also lead to vomiting, sometimes persistently. Parasitic infections are another common cause, with some cases presenting with chronic and stubborn vomiting. The use of various antivomiting and sedative drugs has not always yielded satisfactory results, as prolonged vomiting can lead to severe dehydration and even death in animals. After years of experimentation, traditional Chinese medicine has been found to be quite effective in treating these cases.

Identifying the root cause is crucial in determining the appropriate treatment. For vomiting caused by dietary excess or indulgence in rich foods, it's advisable not to immediately administer antivomiting medication. Instead, allow the cat to naturally expel the contents, and provide small amounts of water frequently.

In cases of poisoning, whether from medication or spoiled food, a humanuse potent detoxification injection can be administered intramuscularly at a dosage of 0.1 to 0.2 mL/kg, typically once a day for 1 to 3 doses.

For cats suffering from chronic and severe vomiting, accompanied by severe dehydration, a rapid intravenous injection of 5% glucose, compound sodium chloride, and 0.9% saline solutions is necessary. If cardiac function is compromised, additional cardiac support may be required.

Following these initial treatments, a traditional Chinese medicine antivomiting formula can be administered at a dosage of 0.5 to 1.5 g/kg. If vomiting persists, the medication can be repeated, and usually, the vomiting stops after 2 to 3 doses. To reinforce the effect, the dosage can then be halved and administered one to two more times.

Here is a traditional antivomiting recipe: 10.0g of Pinellia ternata, 5.0g of dried ginger, 5.0g of Ficus carica, 8.0g of Citrus reticulata, and 5.0g of honey. These ingredients are ground into a fine powder, mixed with honey to form pills, each weighing 5.0g. During the hot summer months, it is recommended to add Huoxiang (Herba Lysimachiae) to the formula.