Is your feline friend experiencing bouts of vomiting? Understanding What Would Cause A Cat To Vomit is crucial for ensuring their well-being. At solcat.net, we provide comprehensive information to help you identify potential causes and take appropriate action. Discover expert advice and solutions to address feline vomiting and promote a healthier, happier life for your cat using trusted veterinary insights.
1. Unraveling the Mystery: Initial Questions to Ask When Your Cat Vomits
When your beloved cat throws up, it’s natural to feel concerned. To get to the bottom of what would cause a cat to vomit, start by considering these key questions. Your answers will provide valuable clues for your veterinarian.
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Was the cat exposed to plants and other toxins?
Investigate if your cat has access to potentially poisonous plants, cleaning products, or other toxins. Identifying a possible toxin exposure is crucial for prompt treatment.
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When did the vomiting start?
Note the onset of vomiting. Is it a sudden occurrence or has it been ongoing? The timeline helps determine the severity and possible causes.
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What is the cat’s normal diet?
Describe your cat’s usual food, including brand, type (dry, wet, raw), and any recent dietary changes. Dietary indiscretion or allergies can be culprits.
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Does the cat go outside, and if so, does the cat hunt?
If your cat ventures outdoors, consider the possibility of hunting and consuming prey. This could introduce parasites or toxins.
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What is in the vomit?
Carefully observe the contents of the vomit. Note the color, consistency, and presence of undigested food, hairballs, or blood. This offers valuable diagnostic information.
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Is the cat on medication?
List any medications your cat is currently taking, including dosage and frequency. Some medications can cause vomiting as a side effect.
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Is there also diarrhea?
Check for the presence of diarrhea alongside vomiting. Combined symptoms may indicate a gastrointestinal infection or other systemic issues.
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Is the cat eating?
Monitor your cat’s appetite. A decrease or complete loss of appetite coupled with vomiting is a red flag.
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When does the vomiting occur (in relation to eating or other activities)?
Note the timing of vomiting relative to meals or other activities. Is it immediately after eating, or does it happen hours later? Is it associated with car rides? This information can help pinpoint the trigger.
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Is the cat losing weight?
Track your cat’s weight. Unexplained weight loss, combined with vomiting, can signal a chronic underlying condition.
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Is the cat drinking a lot or urinating a lot?
Observe your cat’s water intake and urination habits. Increased thirst and urination could be signs of kidney disease or diabetes.
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Does the cat play with string?
Be aware of your cat’s habits. Cats that like to play with string or small objects can accidentally swallow them, which could lead to intestinal obstruction and vomiting.
Addressing these questions will significantly aid your veterinarian in determining the underlying cause of your cat’s vomiting and devising an appropriate treatment plan. At solcat.net, you can find additional resources on cat health and wellness, including articles on common feline ailments and preventive care tips.
2. Deciphering the Vomit: What Does the Appearance of Cat Vomit Reveal?
While the appearance of vomit isn’t a definitive diagnosis of what would cause a cat to vomit, it can provide important clues for your veterinarian. Here’s a breakdown of what different vomit characteristics might suggest:
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Yellow Vomit:
This indicates the presence of bile, which could signal liver disease. However, it’s often seen when a cat vomits on an empty stomach. It could also simply mean your cat ingested something yellow.
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Clear Vomit:
Clear vomit can result from regurgitation from the esophagus or an empty stomach. It might be saliva or stomach fluids.
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White, Foamy Vomit:
Similar to clear vomit, white, foamy vomit typically suggests regurgitation from the esophagus or an empty stomach.
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Blood in the Vomit:
The presence of blood indicates bleeding in the mouth, esophagus, or stomach. This could be due to injury, inflammation, or ulcers.
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Coffee-Ground Appearance to the Vomit:
This appearance results from bleeding in the stomach, often associated with ulcers. The blood has been partially digested, giving it a dark, granular look.
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Brown, Smelly Vomit:
This can indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract or the ingestion of something brown and foul-smelling.
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Undigested Food in the Vomit:
This suggests the food never left the stomach, possibly due to food intolerances or allergies, obstructions, or upper gastrointestinal tract irritation. It’s crucial to know when the cat last ate. If a cat vomits undigested food after not eating for a day, it could point to an obstruction or a motility disorder.
Undigested food in cat vomit can indicate various digestive issues, including food intolerances, allergies, or obstructions.
Remember to provide your veterinarian with a detailed description of the vomit’s appearance to aid in their diagnosis. For more information on feline health and recognizing warning signs, visit solcat.net.
3. Veterinary Examination and Testing: A Step-by-Step Approach
A thorough veterinary examination is crucial to determine what would cause a cat to vomit and guide appropriate treatment. The veterinarian will look for several key indicators:
The Physical Exam
The vet will start with a thorough physical examination to assess your cat’s overall health. This includes:
- Abdominal Palpation: Checking for pain or masses in the abdomen.
- Foreign Body Detection: Looking for obvious foreign objects, like string under the tongue.
- Weight Loss Evaluation: Assessing any signs of weight loss.
- Heart Auscultation: Listening for heart murmurs.
- Thyroid Palpation: Checking for an enlarged thyroid gland.
- Temperature Check: Monitoring for fever.
Diagnostic Testing
Based on the physical exam and your cat’s history, the vet will recommend specific diagnostic tests.
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Abdominal X-rays:
X-rays, or radiographs, are often the first step. They can reveal:
- Abnormalities in organ size and shape
- Foreign bodies
- Tumors
- Constipation
- Other abnormalities not detectable during a physical exam
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Blood Work with Urinalysis:
Blood tests are essential for detecting:
- Organ dysfunction
- Endocrine disorders like diabetes and hyperthyroidism
- Exposure to some toxins
A urinalysis complements blood work in diagnosing conditions such as:
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Urinary tract infections
Blood work can also provide clues about potential toxin exposure, like antifreeze. However, diagnosing toxin exposure often relies on knowing the cat’s potential access to the toxin and the presence of classic signs.
4. Advanced Diagnostics: When Are Barium Studies, Ultrasounds, and Endoscopies Needed?
When initial tests like X-rays and blood work don’t provide a clear answer to what would cause a cat to vomit, more advanced diagnostics may be necessary. Here’s an overview of these procedures:
Barium Study
A barium study helps determine if there are foreign objects or motility issues in the intestines. Barium, a contrast agent, is administered, and X-rays are taken to track its movement through the digestive tract.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound provides a detailed view of the architecture of different organs. It can also be used to collect samples for definitive diagnosis through biopsies.
Endoscopy
Endoscopy involves using a scope to visualize the stomach, upper intestines, or colon. It’s useful for:
- Detecting foreign objects in the stomach that don’t show up on X-rays
- Retrieving foreign objects
- Examining the lining of the stomach and upper intestines for abnormalities
- Collecting tissue samples (biopsies) from the upper gastrointestinal tract
These advanced diagnostics help veterinarians gain a clearer understanding of complex gastrointestinal issues. For more information on these procedures and what to expect, visit solcat.net.
5. Exploratory Surgery: When Is It the Right Option?
In cases of persistent vomiting that doesn’t respond to symptomatic therapy, or when there’s a high suspicion of a foreign body, exploratory surgery may be needed to determine what would cause a cat to vomit.
Acute Vomiting Situations
If a foreign body is suspected, surgery can both diagnose and resolve the problem by removing the object.
Chronic Vomiting Situations
Surgery may be necessary to look for:
- Intestinal cancer
- Non-intestinal abdominal disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
During surgery, biopsies can be taken from the intestines, stomach, liver, pancreas, and lymph nodes to diagnose the underlying cause of the vomiting. The most common diagnoses are IBD or cancer.
Surgery vs. Endoscopy
Some veterinarians prefer surgery over endoscopy because it allows for evaluation of the entire intestinal tract and other abdominal organs. Full-thickness and larger intestinal biopsies can also be taken during surgery, along with biopsies of the liver, pancreas, and lymph nodes.
Conversely, endoscopy is less invasive and typically less expensive. Recovery from endoscopy is much quicker, usually within a few hours or a day, compared to the several weeks required to recover from surgery. Endoscopy is also less invasive.
Cost Considerations
Diagnostics like endoscopy (up to $1,500) and exploratory surgery (over $2,000) can be expensive. Some pet owners may opt for treatments without a full diagnosis, but this decision requires a thorough discussion with your veterinarian about the potential risks.
If you are in Seattle, you can contact us at Address: 950 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98104, United States or Phone: +1 (206) 386-4000. You can also visit our website: solcat.net. We are always there for your feline companion.
Cats recovering from surgery require careful monitoring and a comfortable environment to ensure a smooth healing process.
6. Treatment Options: How to Help Your Vomiting Cat
Treating a vomiting cat requires addressing the underlying cause, which can vary widely. While the specific treatment for each cause is beyond the scope of this article, here are some general approaches to manage what would cause a cat to vomit:
Fluids
If the physical exam and history don’t reveal any major concerns, symptomatic therapy may be sufficient. Subcutaneous (under the skin) fluids can help:
- Flush the system
- Maintain hydration
Even if your cat isn’t clinically dehydrated, fluids are essential because vomiting leads to fluid loss and dehydration.
Dehydration is a self-perpetuating problem: dehydrated cats feel unwell, refuse to eat or drink, and may vomit more, exacerbating the dehydration.
For severe dehydration or weakness, intravenous (IV) fluids are often recommended. This involves placing a catheter in a vein to administer fluids directly, allowing for more fluid delivery throughout the day. However, IV fluids are more expensive and require hospitalization.
Anti-Vomiting Medication
Anti-emetics (anti-vomiting medications) can help stop vomiting, reduce fluid loss, relieve abdominal discomfort, and encourage eating. Stomach protectants like Pepcid or sucralfate may be considered, although their effectiveness is debated. Pain medication may be added if anti-emetics don’t provide adequate pain control.
Diet Changes
Dietary changes are crucial for both acute and chronic vomiting.
Acute Vomiting
A temporary switch to an easily digestible diet may be recommended, such as:
- Royal Canin Gastrointestinal High Energy cat food
- Hill’s i/d cat food
- Bland human food like meat-flavored baby food (without onion or garlic powder) or boiled chicken
These options should only be used for a few days, as they are not nutritionally complete.
Chronic Vomiting
A diet change can be both therapeutic and diagnostic. If the new food controls the vomiting, it suggests a dietary intolerance, allergy, or low-grade inflammatory bowel disease. Keep the cat on the new diet for several weeks to assess its effectiveness. Use prescription diets or limited-ingredient prescription diets to ensure complete and balanced nutrition.
Prednisone
Prednisone may be used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, it should not be used without proper diagnostics due to potential side effects, including:
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Weakened immune system
- Weak muscles
Prednisone can also worsen conditions like pancreatitis, diabetes, and kidney disease. If blood work and X-rays are normal and further diagnostics aren’t pursued, a trial of prednisone may be considered after a thorough discussion with your veterinarian about the risks.
For further guidance on managing your cat’s health issues and finding reliable resources, visit solcat.net.
7. Why is My Cat Throwing up Undigested Food?
One potential reason your cat is throwing up undigested food is because the food has not had the opportunity to properly break down in the stomach. This can happen if the cat eats too quickly, has a sensitive stomach, or has an obstruction in the digestive tract. According to research from the Cornell Feline Health Center, rapid eating can lead to inadequate chewing and increased air intake, both of which contribute to vomiting.
8. What Does Foamy Vomit Mean For My Cat?
Foamy vomit typically means that your cat’s stomach is empty, and the vomit consists primarily of stomach fluids and air. This can be due to several factors, including acid reflux, dietary issues, or even stress. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) notes that foamy vomit is often seen in cats that haven’t eaten in a while.
9. Is It Possible That My Cat Has Eaten Something Toxic?
It is certainly possible that your cat has eaten something toxic, as many common household items and plants can be poisonous to cats. Signs of toxicity can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite. According to the ASPCA, common toxins for cats include household cleaners, certain medications, and some types of plants.
10. Why Does My Cat Vomit After Eating?
One of the biggest issues of cats is to vomit after eating for reasons like eating too quickly, food allergies or intolerances, or even underlying health issues like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery found that food sensitivities are a significant cause of chronic vomiting in cats.
FAQ: Common Questions About Cat Vomiting
What should I do if my cat vomits once?
If your cat vomits once but seems otherwise normal, observe them closely. Withhold food for a few hours, then offer a small amount of bland food. If vomiting continues or other symptoms develop, consult your veterinarian.
When is vomiting in cats considered an emergency?
Vomiting is an emergency if it’s frequent, projectile, or accompanied by:
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain
- Blood in vomit
- Dehydration
- Collapse
Seek immediate veterinary care.
Can hairballs cause vomiting in cats?
Yes, hairballs are a common cause of vomiting in cats. Regular grooming can help minimize hairball formation.
What are some common causes of chronic vomiting in cats?
Chronic vomiting can be caused by:
- Food allergies or intolerances
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Kidney disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Cancer
Is it safe to give my cat human medication for vomiting?
No, never give your cat human medication without consulting your veterinarian. Many human medications are toxic to cats.
How can I prevent my cat from vomiting?
Prevention strategies include:
- Feeding a high-quality, balanced diet
- Avoiding sudden dietary changes
- Preventing access to toxins
- Regular grooming
- Providing small, frequent meals
What kind of diet is best for a cat with a sensitive stomach?
A diet that’s low in additives is the best for a cat with a sensitive stomach.
How often is too often for a cat to vomit?
Anything more than once a month is often for a cat to vomit.
Does age effect a cats vomiting?
Yes, the age of a cat can effect the liklihood of a cat vomitting.
Should I take my cat to the vet if they start showing behavioral changes?
Yes, you should take your cat to the vet.
Remember, solcat.net is your go-to resource for all things cat-related. Explore our website for more valuable information and connect with a community of passionate cat lovers. Our address is 950 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98104, United States. Reach out via phone at +1 (206) 386-4000 or visit our website, solcat.net for prompt assistance and valuable insights into your feline friend’s well-being. Let’s work together to ensure your cat lives a happy, healthy life!
