Vomiting, while considered a part of a cat’s life is still not normal. Vomiting is the body’s way of telling something is not right. And that, something should be taken out of me. It is just as uncomfortable for cats to vomit as it is to humans.
Cats may vomit occasionally or chronically. Either way, it is best to look at your cat’s vomit at the same time pay attention to their behavior. If what you are observing deem alarming, the next step is to reach out to the vet.
Vets know better in stopping a cat to vomit by giving the cat a personalized treatment plan to get them back on their feet.
Why Is My Cat Being Sick?
Irritation within your cat’s stomach whether they are allergens or contents that are kept from moving through their digestive tract causes them vomiting. In a way, it is a good practice in them to assure you that whatever foreign object they have ingested has been expelled.
However, it is not comfortable for them and they should not be experiencing such a dilemma.
Cats may experience either short-term vomiting (occasional and may last less than 24 hours) or long term (chronic and severe and may last longer than 24-48 hours).
Short-term vomiting is generally less worrying. This is especially true if your cat’s health is otherwise fine. It could be running from a mild upset stomach and may require holding back of food and limiting water access for 24 hours.
READ THIS ARTICLE IF YOU HAVE AN OLDER CAT THAT VOMITS – CERTAIN FOODS CAN HELP WITH THIS
Long-term or rigorous cat vomiting is a whole lot different and far bigger concern. If your cat has been throwing up non-stop or constantly, contact your vet immediately. Or better yet, go straight right away.
What To Do If Cat Is Vomiting?
If your cat is experiencing occasional vomiting, you may try to:
- Not give food for at least two hours
- Have a steady supply of drinking water
After such a period, try to offer a teaspoon of what they usually eat. If they refuse, continue to offer the same small amounts every hour for the next 24 hours. If that somewhat resolves the vomiting, you may go back to your usual routine.
Otherwise, contact your vet if the vomiting continues. Especially when you notice her not drinking water, has blood or unusual color/blood in her vomit, pale gums, or being lethargic.
The vet will check your cat thoroughly. It may include lab, fecal, and urine tests, ultrasound, and x-ray. Any treatment that the vet will recommend will depend on the result of the test or the underlying cause that has been determined.
For instance, feline inflammatory bowel disease may include medication or food allergies that may require a change in diet. Kidney diseases in a cat may need to have blood pressure medication as well as increased fluid intake. Surgery, medication, or radioactive iodine is how hyperthyroidism should be dealt with.
What to give a cat for vomiting?
You may want to remove food and water since their condition may just try to expel whatever they intake. But, you may rather keep the water available. This way, you can avoid your cat from getting dehydrated.
Is it normal for a cat to throw up every day?
Throwing up is a normal part of a cat’s life. It is unusual that they vomit every once in a while. A lot of cats vomit right after eating.
Especially if they ate too fast. However, if your cat throws up more than twice a week, that could be something you need to consult a vet with.
Preventing Vomiting
As your cat’s constant companion, you can do something to keep your cat from vomiting or at least decrease its frequency.
- Cats eat too quickly. Try to slow things down by feeding in small but frequent meals. Offer food on a plate rather than a bowl. You may also go for automatic feeders that dispense just the right amount of food at a time.
- If your cat throws up after eating too fast, put an uneatable item in their bowl, like a ball or a toy. This lets your cat eat around the item to pick out the food and slows down eating. Make sure the item is clean and large enough that your cat can’t swallow.
- If you are thinking food allergies could be the reason, you may opt to change their diet. Consult with your vet about other options. Be sure to read the label and examine the ingredients list thoroughly.
- Regular veterinary trips are the most ideal preventive measures in controlling your cat’s health issues. Vets can spot and identify medical conditions in the early stages and prevent them from developing. Early detection gives your cat the best prognosis.
- Poisoning happens to cats even when they are the pickiest eaters. To prevent this, keep away toxic materials from their reach. Medications and potentially hazardous chemicals should be hidden away. It is true what they say “curiosity killed the cat.” Their yearning to find out things causes them to be in serious trouble.
- Antifreeze spills are toxic to cat so tone down a little with it or keep your cats out of the garage. Cat-proof your home.
- Hairballs, being the most common cause of vomiting should be addressed too. Preventing them in the first place should keep your cat from vomiting. Brush them regularly so they won’t have to groom themselves. Get a high-quality brush or de-shedding tool.
- You may also go for cat diets that are focused on hairball reduction. There are also hairball laxatives that are available in case you suspect your cat suffers from such. They are formulated to move hair more smoothly through the cat’s digestive tract.
Conclusion
Cat vomiting can be extremely nerve-wracking for cat owners. Even when you know how healthy they are, the moment you see them gagging can still be worrying.
Be sure to recognize any changes in your cat’s activity and behavior that may very well relate to their health condition. The sooner the symptom is observed, the earlier the diagnosis can be given and the treatment plan can start.
