My Cat is Vomiting But Seems Fine: What Should I Do?

It can be unsettling when your beloved cat is vomiting but otherwise seems healthy and energetic. You might be wondering if it’s just a minor issue or something more serious. Before rushing to the vet, there are a few things you can consider and monitor.

Initial Observation: Is it Truly Vomiting?

First, make sure you are indeed seeing vomiting, not regurgitation. Vomiting involves abdominal contractions and the expulsion of partially digested food or fluids from the stomach and upper small intestine. Regurgitation, on the other hand, is a passive process where undigested food comes back up, often without any warning signs. If it is just regurgitation, it could mean that your cat is eating too quickly or is having issues with their esophagus, which may also necessitate vet attention if it persists.

Assessing the Vomit:

Carefully examine the vomit. Note the color, consistency, and contents.

Undigested food: Could indicate that your cat is eating too fast or too much.

Semi-digested food: This is more typical of actual vomiting.

Yellow liquid (bile): Suggests an empty stomach, so your cat’s vomit may include bile.

Clear liquid: Might indicate irritation of the stomach lining.

Hairballs: Common in cats, especially long-haired breeds.

Blood: Always a concern. Fresh, bright red blood suggests bleeding in the esophagus or stomach. Dark, coffee-ground-like material indicates digested blood, possibly from the small intestine. If blood is present, consult a veterinarian.

Worms: An indicator of parasite. Take a sample for analysis.

Considering Possible Causes (Even with Prior Deworming):

Even if you have recently administered a deworming medication, several factors could still be at play:

Parasites: The deworming medication might not have been effective against all types of parasites, or your cat could have been re-infected. Certain parasites require specific dewormers, and some may even require multiple treatments. Furthermore, parasite resistance to common deworming medications is becoming increasingly prevalent.

Dietary Indiscretion: Cats are curious creatures and may ingest things they shouldn’t, leading to digestive upset and vomiting. This could include plants, string, insects, or even small toys. Consider whether the food is expired or has gone bad. Also, check if the cat food is causing allergic reaction or sensitivity.

Eating Too Quickly: Some cats tend to eat rapidly, leading to indigestion and vomiting. This is especially true for cats that are fed only once or twice a day or those that compete for food with other pets.

Hairballs: Cats groom themselves meticulously, swallowing a significant amount of hair. When hair accumulates in the stomach, it can form hairballs that the cat will try to expel.

Food Sensitivity or Allergy: Some cats develop sensitivities or allergies to certain ingredients in their food, leading to vomiting. Common allergens include beef, dairy, and wheat.

Stress: Stress can trigger vomiting in cats. This is due to the fact that stress affects the digestive system. Changes in environment, new pets, or loud noises can all be stressors.

Underlying Medical Conditions: While your cat may seem fine, vomiting can be a symptom of various underlying medical conditions, such as:

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): A chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.

Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas.

Kidney Disease: A common condition in older cats.

Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland.

Liver Disease: Affecting the liver’s ability to function properly.

Intestinal Obstruction: A blockage in the intestines, often caused by a foreign body.

What You Can Do (Initially):

1. Withhold Food: If your cat vomits once but is otherwise acting normally, withhold food for 12-24 hours. This gives the digestive system a chance to rest. Make sure your cat always has access to fresh water.

2. Offer Small Amounts of Water: Offer small amounts of water frequently to prevent dehydration. If your cat vomits after drinking, stop offering water for a few hours and then try again with even smaller amounts.

3. Introduce a Bland Diet: After the fasting period, introduce a bland diet such as boiled chicken breast (skinless, boneless) or plain cooked rice. Feed small, frequent meals (3-4 times a day).

4. Consider Probiotics: Probiotics can help restore the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, aiding digestion. Look for pet-specific probiotics at your local pet store or vet clinic. Read the label carefully for dosage instructions.

5. Hairball Management: If you suspect hairballs are the problem, try giving your cat a hairball remedy (available as pastes or treats) or adding a small amount of olive oil or mineral oil to their food. Regular brushing can also help reduce the amount of hair your cat ingests during grooming.

6. Dietary Changes: If the vomiting seems related to food, consider switching to a limited-ingredient diet or a food specifically formulated for sensitive stomachs. This may require a consultation with your veterinarian.

When to Seek Veterinary Attention:

While observation is sometimes appropriate, certain signs warrant immediate veterinary attention:

Frequent or Forceful Vomiting: If your cat is vomiting repeatedly (more than 2-3 times in a day) or with significant force, consult a veterinarian immediately.

Lethargy or Weakness: If your cat is lethargic, weak, or unresponsive, it could indicate a serious underlying condition.

Loss of Appetite: If your cat refuses to eat for more than 24 hours, it’s important to seek veterinary advice.

Abdominal Pain or Distension: If your cat’s abdomen is painful to the touch or appears distended, it could be a sign of a serious problem.

Dehydration: Signs of dehydration include sunken eyes, dry gums, and skin that doesn’t snap back quickly when gently pinched.

Blood in Vomit or Stool: As mentioned earlier, blood in the vomit or stool is always a cause for concern.

Difficulty Breathing: Vomiting can sometimes be associated with respiratory distress. If your cat is having trouble breathing, seek immediate veterinary care.

Known Ingestion of Toxic Substance: If you know or suspect that your cat has ingested a toxic substance, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately.

Fever: A rectal temperature above 102.5°F (39.2°C) is considered a fever in cats.

Veterinary Diagnostics:

When you bring your cat to the veterinarian, they will likely perform a physical exam and ask you about your cat’s history, including diet, deworming status, and any potential exposure to toxins. The veterinarian may also recommend diagnostic tests, such as:

Bloodwork: To assess organ function and look for signs of infection or inflammation.

Fecal Examination: To check for parasites. Even with recent deworming, this is vital.

Urinalysis: To evaluate kidney function.

X-rays or Ultrasound: To visualize the abdominal organs and look for foreign bodies, tumors, or other abnormalities.

Endoscopy: A procedure in which a small camera is inserted into the digestive tract to examine the lining.

Prevention:

While not all vomiting can be prevented, you can take steps to minimize the risk:

Feed a High-Quality Diet: Choose a high-quality cat food that is appropriate for your cat’s age and health status.

Control Portion Sizes: Avoid overfeeding your cat and consider using a puzzle feeder or slow feeder to encourage slower eating.

Regular Grooming: Brush your cat regularly to reduce hairballs.

Deworm Regularly: Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for deworming.

Keep Toxic Substances Out of Reach: Store cleaning supplies, medications, and other potentially toxic substances in a safe place where your cat cannot access them.

Provide a Safe and Stress-Free Environment: Minimize stress in your cat’s environment.

In conclusion, while a single episode of vomiting in a cat that otherwise seems fine might not be a cause for immediate alarm, it’s crucial to be observant and consider possible causes. If the vomiting persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, prompt veterinary attention is essential to ensure your cat’s health and well-being. Early diagnosis and treatment can often prevent more serious complications.