My Cat Isn’t Eating or Drinking and is Vomiting: What Should I Do?

My Cat Isn’t Eating or Drinking and is Vomiting: What Should I Do?

A cat refusing food and water while vomiting is a serious situation requiring prompt attention. Ignoring the problem can quickly escalate into a dangerous health crisis. This comprehensive guide will explore potential causes and offer actionable steps to help your feline friend. Remember, this information is for guidance only, and veterinary advice is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Possible Causes of Vomiting and Loss of Appetite:

Several factors can contribute to a cat’s refusal to eat and drink, coupled with vomiting. Let’s examine some key possibilities:

Ingesting Spoiled Food: Cats, like humans, can suffer from food poisoning. Consuming spoiled or rotten food can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. While mild cases might resolve on their own, severe instances necessitate immediate veterinary care. The severity is determined by the amount ingested, the type of toxin, and your cat’s overall health. Monitor your cat closely for signs of worsening symptoms such as lethargy, dehydration, or persistent vomiting.

Gastrointestinal Issues: Various gastrointestinal problems can cause discomfort and lead to vomiting and appetite loss. These include indigestion, pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and intestinal infections. Overeating is a common culprit. Feeding your cat too much at once, or offering rich, fatty foods can overwhelm their digestive system. Providing a bland diet like boiled chicken and rice (only after consulting your vet) may help soothe the stomach. Furthermore, probiotics specifically designed for cats can aid digestion and restore gut health. However, it’s essential to seek professional veterinary advice for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, especially if symptoms persist.

Hairballs (Trichobezoars): Grooming is essential for feline hygiene; however, cats often ingest significant amounts of hair during self-grooming. This hair accumulates in their digestive tract, forming hairballs. While occasional hairball vomiting is normal, frequent episodes or a severe blockage require intervention. Regular brushing can significantly reduce the amount of hair ingested. Providing a high-fiber diet or hairball remedies (available at pet stores) can assist in the expulsion of hairballs. However, persistent vomiting suggests a more significant problem and necessitates veterinary evaluation.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP): This viral disease can manifest with a variety of symptoms, including vomiting, appetite loss, and fever. FIP is a serious condition requiring immediate veterinary attention.

Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Cats with pancreatitis may also show signs of dehydration and lethargy. Immediate veterinary care is necessary as this condition can be life-threatening.

Food Allergies or Intolerances: Just like humans, cats can develop allergies or intolerances to specific ingredients in their food. Common allergens include fish, eggs, beef, wheat, and dairy. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, skin issues, and digestive upset. Identifying and eliminating the allergen is crucial. A veterinarian can help determine the cause through allergy testing and recommend a suitable elimination diet.

Toxicity: Ingesting toxins such as certain household cleaners, medications, plants, or even certain human foods can result in vomiting, appetite loss, and other serious symptoms. Immediate veterinary care is essential if you suspect your cat has ingested something toxic. If possible, bring a sample of the suspected toxin with you to the vet.

Other Underlying Diseases: Various other underlying medical conditions, like kidney disease, liver disease, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes, can manifest with vomiting and appetite loss. A thorough veterinary examination is essential to rule out these conditions.

What to Do if Your Cat is Vomiting and Refusing Food and Water:

Observe your cat closely: Monitor the frequency and nature of the vomiting, as well as any other symptoms like diarrhea, lethargy, fever, or changes in urination or defecation.

Provide a comfortable, warm environment: A stressed cat may have a decreased appetite. Keep them warm and quiet.

Offer small amounts of fresh, clean water: Dehydration is a serious concern. Encourage your cat to drink by offering water in various locations and using a shallow bowl.

Temporary food restriction: In cases of vomiting, a short period of fasting (4-6 hours) might be beneficial to allow the stomach to settle, but consult a vet to determine the appropriate duration. Afterwards, offer small amounts of a bland, easily digestible food like boiled chicken and plain, cooked rice (vet approval is essential).

Introduce probiotics: After consulting your veterinarian, probiotics might aid in restoring gut health.

Do not give over-the-counter medications: Human medications can be toxic to cats.

Seek veterinary attention immediately: If symptoms are severe (persistent vomiting, severe lethargy, dehydration, blood in vomit or stool), or if they persist despite home care, immediate veterinary intervention is crucial.

Prevention:

Provide high-quality cat food: A balanced diet is vital for maintaining optimal health.

Regular veterinary checkups: Routine examinations help detect problems early.

Regular deworming: Prevent parasitic infections.

Safe environment: Keep hazardous substances out of reach.

Regular brushing: Reduce hairball formation.

This information is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. If your cat is vomiting, refusing food and water, or showing any other concerning symptoms, consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your cat’s chances of recovery.