Do you love your four-legged friend like a baby? Are you worried that this lovely bundle of fur has started throwing up its food recently? Definitely, it needs some thorough examination. You might be giving them the best possible care and food, then why would this even happen?
We can help you understand the symptoms and their possible causes and remedies.
When should you worry about this?
When a cat eats something that does not suit its constitution, then it may end up vomiting suddenly. This is acute vomiting and will subside in a day or two. The simple remedy is to hold the food and water until it becomes better.
Chronic vomiting is when the vomiting episodes are frequent and continue for some days. That is when you need to pay more attention to the cat.
The cat doctor may want the following information to diagnose the reason:
- How often is cat vomiting in a day? How does the vomit look?
- Whether it was just a ball of hair that the cat was trying to eliminate?
- Has the cat been put on a new diet recently?
- Is the cat on some new medication?
- Have you given it any treats apart from the regular food?
- What food items do you give the cat, and how often in a day?
- Do you have only one cat, or are there others too in the same house? Are they also throwing up these days?
- Does the cat spend more time indoors/ outdoors?
- Is the cat still able to eat her meals and retain some of her food? Or is she refusing to eat?
- Does it have any other symptoms like stomach pain or diarrhea?
- How long have these symptoms been noticed?
- Find out if the cat vomits more indoors or outdoors?
When should you be really worried?
This information will help you get the right kind of treatment for your dear pet. But If you see any of the following symptoms, you should take your cat to the vet as soon as possible.
- If the vomit is clear like water
- Blood in the vomit may indicate injury or infection in the intestine
- Persistent vomiting/ frequent vomiting
- Cat is lethargic and weak
- Diarrhea and dehydration
- Rapid weight loss
- No appetite, and/or the cat is refusing to eat.
The vet will do a thorough check-up.
The vet would check the cat and try to understand the symptoms. If the cat throws up immediately after eating food or after some time, it is also significant to make the diagnosis. The vet will also check the cat for other symptoms that could be age-related.
One important aspect that he would check is if the cat has ingested any poisonous substance. This could be something outdoors. When the cats go out for their ritual walks, then she might have tried to taste something that looked interesting.
Initially, medicines may be prescribed by the vet, depending on the situation. But at times, they may suggest more investigative tests, including blood and urine tests, X-Rays, scans, and more.
The treatment plan must be followed
As mentioned above, if your cat throws up infrequently and once in a while, it may just be suffering from indigestion. But with chronic vomiting or any accompanying symptoms, you must become more watchful. It is always better to prevent rapid progression into a severe sickness. So do not consider chronic vomiting as normal. Take her to the vet as soon as possible and then follow the treatment advice properly.
The cat may anyway eat less when it cannot retain food and ends up vomiting. So, try not to force-feed the cat. If it is refusing water and food and you are really worried, then reach out to the vet, and he may keep her under observation and give her drips or some medication to help retain the food. When the cat is under observation, they can also check for other symptoms like fever or infection.
The treatment plan will be completely based on the cat’s condition. Her age, weight, eating pattern, known health conditions, and changed behavior will be considered before devising the plan. Try to give as much detail to the vet as possible so that your friend gets the best possible treatment. Do not abandon the treatment midway if you feel that the cat is improving as the infection may return and severely this time.
Treatment Plan
Depending on the cat’s age and condition, the vet may ask you to follow a plan at home. This is easy to do as then you can monitor the progress and give her the needed attention. The cat will be happy to stay at home in familiar surroundings. The medicines should be given promptly on time, and a dietary chart should be maintained. Hopefully, your furball will improve slowly and be active soon.
If unfortunately, the condition does not improve and you see her throwing up the medicines or food repeatedly, then it is time to connect with the vet again. The doctor may want to do more tests before coming up with the prognosis. This may include some or more of the invasive tests.
- Blood test
- Stool test (fecal analysis)
- Urine test
- Biopsy if any swelling or growth is visible
- Ultrasound of the abdomen area
- X-Ray and scan of the abdomen area to check for any foreign object lodged in the stomach.
- Endoscopy may be needed as a last resort to check for obstruction in the digestive system.
What can you do to help your cat?
- You will be worried about the cat, and we understand that. But don’t let it interfere with the treatment plan. Stay calm and understand what to do.
- Follow the recommendations given by the vet as much as possible.
- Give her the prescribed medication. Do not self-medicate or substitute any medicine with ones meant for humans.
- Record the effects and symptoms meticulously. Please pay attention to her behavior too. Report any change to the vet on the next trip.
- Give her recommended food and water. Please do not start a new food variety when she is not well.
- Try to limit her visits outdoors and monitor her food and activities.
Conclusion
Cats are precious furry friends that need love and care from their humans. If your cat has been throwing up suddenly and it continues for a few days, then take her to a vet as soon as possible. Only proper treatment can make her well again, and she will be back to her purring best behavior soon.
