VOMITING – IS IT A CAT THING? Margie Scherk DVM, DABVP (Feline) Vancouver, BC, Canada Vomiting: so cat. Or is it? For some reason, we believe that it is normal for cats to vomit. “It’s just what they do. It’s part of being a cat.” But it is no more “normal” for them than it is for us. It’s a sign of a problem. Cats ARE prone to problems that result in vomiting. These include exposure to toxins (from poisons, bacteria, food or kidney disease), stress motion sickness and, inflammation of the intestine (inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], colitis, constipation), stomach, liver or pancreas. How should a caring cat parent help their puking puss? If kitty is otherwise well, it isn’t an emergency, however your cat will need help from their doctor. If your cat is acting ill, get her to the veterinarian quickly. In less urgent cases, your vet may send home dewormer against intestinal parasites or a bland, readily digestible food for a week to sort things out. As part of a thorough examination, your vet will check under your cat’s tongue for string (thread, tinsel, etc.). A sore mouth (yes, cats WILL still eat even if their mouth hurts) may cause them to “binge and barf”. Oral pain is no fun – your vet can help that! Further workup, (blood tests and urinalysis), is needed in urgent or persistent cases because the cause for vomiting may be systemic rather than gut related. The more information you give your vet, the better. •When did the vomiting first start? •How often does it happen? •Is the timing associated with eating? If so, does it occur right after eating or 4-8 hours afterwards?
•How much of it is there? (If a puddle, report in inches.) Liquid deposits on carpet make answering that question difficult, but if it is a pile, you can still report the size. • Can you see semi-digested food in it? What about hair, feathers, grass? •What does the process look like? (Get out your mobile phone and video it if you can.) Is it preceded by yowling, drooling, lip-smacking and repeated swallowing? If so, that suggests stomach or below. If the process looks less upsetting and the vomit is tubular, it may well be from the esophagus (regurgitation). •Did the problem started after or around the time of any change in diet? •Let your vet know if your cat been receiving any over-the-counter treatments, medications or homeopathic remedies? •Are any of your other cats sick? Infectious diseases that cause vomiting may also affect the other cats in the home. Remember to mention anything else that doesn’t seem normal with your kitty. Is there any diarrhea, weight loss, coughing, or increase in the amount of urine or drinking? In older cats, changes can occur gradually so you may have to think back 1 or 2 years and mentally compare current health to previous energy, temperament, appetite, weight, mobility, etc. In a younger cat, changes in health tend to be more abrupt. Hairballs (tubular wads of hair) are also not normal! They represent either an abnormal increase in hair ingestion or decreased normal passage of hair. Vomiting always has a cause. Kitty does not enjoy vomiting. Get it checked out.
•What does it look like (colour, quantity, consistency, For more information go to www.felinefriends.org.uk/vomiting contents)? Is it clear, colourless liquid or froth? Is it yellow or green? Is there fresh red blood or black coffee ground-like contents? Is it slimy or watery when you wipe it up? Are there worms in ToDoes advertise call 01629 57638 or email sharon@sharonshirleyconsulting.com13 it? it smellplease like feces?
