Cats Vomiting: Symptoms to Watch Out For
Actually, vomiting is a natural response of a cat's body. Cats have a highly developed vomiting mechanism, which allows them to expel foreign objects, such as inappropriate food or hairballs, without harming their health. This process actually serves as a protective measure for them. However, due to the common occurrence of vomiting in cats, many owners tend to overlook or underestimate this phenomenon. Among the numerous cases sent to veterinary hospitals, there is a condition that can be termed as "delayed due to waiting and seeing." This means that even though the cat clearly needs veterinary care, the owner ignores the signs, thinking that the situation can be observed further, which leads to a delay in seeking medical attention. If a cat vomits without any other symptoms, the owner can often treat it at home. However, if vomiting is accompanied by other symptoms, it is essential to be prepared to seek veterinary care immediately.
When Should You Immediately Take Your Cat to the Vet for Vomiting?
Occasionally, a cat's vomiting may be accompanied by other serious symptoms, and in such cases, it is crucial to seek veterinary care.
Repeated, severe vomiting within a day or over a longer period.
Continuous vomiting every day for several days.
Severe diarrhea alongside vomiting.
Fever in conjunction with vomiting.
Persistent dry heaving without producing anything.
Lethargy and loss of appetite.
Cat vomiting can indicate gastrointestinal issues, but some cases are a result of severe diseases that cannot be resolved by the cat's body's regulatory system. In fact, any organ in the body can cause vomiting when it is diseased. For instance, severe kidney or liver diseases, intestinal blockages, and peritonitis are all potential causes. Therefore, if vomiting is accompanied by other symptoms, it is vital to visit the vet.
What to Do When Your Cat's Vomit Indicates Different Issues
a. Vomiting Gastric Juice and Bile
At times, cats may vomit a sticky, translucent liquid with white foam, which is their gastric juice. Sometimes, the juice may have a yellowgreen tint due to bile reflux from the duodenum into the stomach. In such cases, treatment for gastritis or pancreatitis may be necessary.
b. Undigested Food
Cats may vomit undigested food, such as whole kibble particles. The vomit may appear as thin, elongated strips, indicating that the food was expelled before reaching the stomach. This suggests a reflux situation. Some cats may have a naturally narrow esophagus or one that is compressed. Eating too much too fast or consuming hard food can cause the food to be expelled through the esophagus, a sign of reflux esophagitis. In such cases, surgical treatment or a conservative feeding method may be employed to improve the situation.
c. Parasites in the Vomit
If a cat has parasites, the larvae and eggs are usually hidden in the digestive tract, particularly the intestines. However, if parasites are present in the vomit, it indicates that the number and size of the parasites are quite significant, and immediate deworming is required.
d. Poisoning
Cats can be poisoned by various substances, such as rat poison, cockroach poison, or incorrect deworming medication. When poisoned, cats may vomit to expel the toxins. If poisoning leads to systemic symptoms, comprehensive treatment is necessary.
e. Other Complications
Vomiting can also be a complication of other diseases, such as uremia, kidney failure, feline infectious peritonitis, hepatitis, and intestinal obstruction. In such cases, it is essential to take the cat to a veterinary hospital for a checkup and to receive appropriate treatment. Adjusting the cat's diet is also important.
Since there are many reasons why cats may vomit, if the owner is unsure of the cause, it is best to take the cat to the vet as soon as possible to avoid the disease from worsening.
Tip: Click on "Comprehensive Collection of Cat Vomiting Causes" to learn more about the reasons behind cat vomiting.
