We get the questions a lot, “why does my cat vomit so much?” If you have a cat, there’s a good chance you’ve seen them throw up more than a few times. Of course, it can become a cause for concern at some point. Most commonly, a cat will vomit because she ate too much or too quickly, was too active too soon after eating, or ate something that disagreed with her stomach. Other causes can include:
- Change in food
- Foreign body (like a hairball) or a foreign body obstruction
- Bacterial infection of the gastrointestinal tract
- Kidney failure
- Parasites
- Pancreatitis
- Liver failure
- Gall bladder inflammation
- Viral infections
- Toxins or chemicals
- Reactions to medication or post-operative nausea
- Heartworm infection
- Colitis
- Gastritis
- Gastric or intestinal tumors
- Neurological disorders
First and foremost, if the vomiting feels like something worse than eating too quickly or a hairball, it’s important to call us at 815-229-1234 to schedule an appointment. If you notice it after hours and feel that it’s not an emergency, you can withhold food and water until the vomiting has stopped for two hours. Then, slowly introduce water and a bland diet, including rice, cooked skinless chicken, or plain boiled potatoes.
No one knows your cat’s health as much as you do. It’s important to watch for other symptoms that could mean something worse is happening, like:
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
- Blood in the vomit
- Change in appetite or water consumption
- Dehydration (watch for sunken eyes, dry mouth, decreased skin elasticity, or panting)
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out. The team at Perryville Pet Hospital is here for your kitty’s care, especially when they aren’t feeling their best.
