It is absolutely normal for cats to have occasional episodes of vomiting; however, if it is unusual for your cat, if the episodes increase, if the cat is losing weight or looking sick, you should take him to the vet for a check-up. While waiting for your visit, there are some simple methods you can use to help your cat feel better and stop throwing up.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Rule Out Other Causes
Step 1. Check when it was last dewormed
A worm infestation, such as tapeworms, can actually cause cats to vomit. By treating him against intestinal parasites, you can stop this disorder or at least rule out that this is the possible cause of his discomfort.
- If you allow him to roam free and hunt, deworm him more frequently.
- If he has already been treated, do not forget to have him undergo regular boosters.
- There are many useful products on the market that you can buy for this purpose.
- For nematodes use selamectin (Stronghold).
- To eliminate many varieties of worms you can use melbimycin (Sentinel).
Step 2. Consider possible allergens
Many cats suffer from allergies, especially to proteins, and yours may have an intolerance to a component of its diet; identify and remove any type of allergen from your diet.
- Ask your vet for advice on a hypoallergenic diet for your cat.
- Feed your cat this type of diet for at least eight weeks to make sure all allergens have been eliminated from the body.
- Slowly introduce new foods, one at a time, and check for more vomiting episodes.
- When allergens reach the stomach, they cause irritation which in turn can cause vomiting.
- Some cats vomit almost immediately after eating a food they are sensitive to, while others spend hours before they get sick.
Step 3. Pay attention to the new medications your cat is taking
These domestic felines are very sensitive to medicines and many active ingredients include vomiting as a side effect. Take note of the medicines you are giving him and see if they could be responsible for his ailments.
- Your vet is able to give you more information about possible complications from medications.
- If medication is the cause of vomiting, ask your doctor to prescribe an alternative product.
- Cats are extremely sensitive to drugs and you shouldn't give home remedies to your feline friend.
Part 2 of 3: Acting Directly
Step 1. Brush your cat every day
Cats are easily prone to hairballs when taking care of their hygiene; when they clean their fur they can in fact ingest a lot of hairs that irritate the stomach and induce vomiting. By brushing your cat regularly, you greatly reduce the amount of hair it can ingest and prevent it from vomiting.
- Take care of his coat every day;
- You need to brush it, regardless of whether it is a long or short-haired specimen;
- Use a comb to loosen tangles;
- Use a rubber brush to remove loose hair.
Step 2. Feed your cat kibble to prevent hairballs from forming
There are several types of cat food on the market that are formulated for this problem; If possible, choose a variety that is high in fiber.
The fibers facilitate the passage of hair through the digestive system
Step 3. Use a mild lubricating paste specifically for cats
If hairballs are a big deal for your kitty, this may be a suitable solution. It is a lubricant that aids in the passage of boluses through the intestinal tract.
- There are different types of products on the market, which you can buy in pharmacies or even online.
- Many are made with inert liquid paraffin and often taste pleasant to cats, who are so enticed to lick them.
- Spread about 2-3 cm of the product under the cat's paws twice a day for two or three days to lick it.
- This lubricating paste coats the hairballs, facilitating their passage and expulsion with feces.
Step 4. Have the cat eat slowly
Some specimens tend to eat quickly and in this way ingest a lot of air along with food; this habit causes stomach irritation, quickly causing bouts of vomiting. Stop this behavior with a few simple actions:
- Divide the food in a muffin pan to make smaller portions and encourage your cat to eat more slowly.
- There are several devices you can buy that are already set up to deliver food more slowly.
Part 3 of 3: Determining When to Take Your Cat to the Vet
Step 1. Pay attention if you lose weight
A healthy vomiting cat shouldn't lose weight. If your feline friend vomits at least two or three times a week and you notice weight loss, take him to the vet. You must also have him examined if you notice the following symptoms of intestinal dysfunction:
- Soft stools
- Traces of blood in the stool
- Stool with mucus;
- Diarrhea.
Step 2. Watch for behavioral changes
Pay attention to any unusual attitudes that the cat generally does not exhibit; it could be a lot of details, but if it seems to you that they are outside his usual temperament, you must have him examined by the vet. Here are some examples of unusual behaviors you should monitor:
- He has a decrease in energy, appears tired or lethargic;
- He is calm, reserved or apathetic;
- Excessive meowing or hyperactive.
Step 3. Check for changes in eating habits
Pay attention to how much he eats, drinks and also check how often. If your cat exhibits any unusual behavior regarding appetite or thirst, take him to the vet.
- If you eat or drink a lot less than usual and lose weight, you should see your doctor.
- You have to take him to the vet even if he drinks a lot more than normal.
Step 4. Refer him to a doctor if in doubt
It is not always easy to identify the type of problem that afflicts him, but the vet is able to precisely define the cause of the vomiting episodes and understand if it is a symptomatic disorder of some more serious pathology, such as:
- Pancreatitis;
- Kidney problems;
- Liver problems
- Inflammatory bowel disease;
- Worms;
- Infections.
Advice
Although unpleasant for people, vomiting can be completely normal in cats
Warnings
- If your cat has symptoms other than vomiting, take him to the vet.
- If you're not sure if your cat's vomiting or behaviors are normal reactions, make an appointment with your vet for a visit.
