Acute Vomiting in Cats – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Acute Vomiting in Cats – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

There could be varied reasons for vomiting in cats or vomiting in kittens. They commonly puke from time to time because they either have a sensitive digestive system or might have consumed something that upsets their stomachs. Nevertheless, the condition can become severe or acute if the cat does not stop vomiting or the cat is throwing up green bile. In such conditions, you should take the cat to the veterinarian.

Vomiting can be caused due to varied reasons; however, some causes are more serious than others. Continuous bilious vomiting in the cat can be an indicator of serious health issues. Acute vomiting in cats can also be problematic as it can have various causes, and determining the exact cause is a daunting task. Vomiting due to serious issue could be a cause of weight loss in cats. Here is all you need to know regarding acute vomiting in cats. 

Symptoms of Acute Vomiting in Cats

Below mentioned are some of the common symptoms of acute vomiting in cats. 

  • Weakness
  • Pain and distress
  • Non-stop vomiting
  • A little bit dark blood in stool or vomit (melena)
  • Blood in vomit or stool (hematemesis)

Causes of Acute Vomiting in Cats

Below mentioned are some of the common risk factors included.

  • Tumors
  • Liver disease
  • Dietary indiscretion
  • Gastroenteritis
  • Heatstroke
  • Change in diet
  • Eating too fast
  • Allergic to specific food
  • Dislocation of stomach
  • Parasites in intestine
  • Food intolerance
  • Metabolic issues like kidney disease
  • Issues in Esophagus

Diagnosis

In order to diagnose acute vomiting in cats, all you need to do is take a sample of your cat’s vomit to the veterinarian. The veterinarian will measure the temperature of the cat and will also examine the abdomen. If the veterinarian could not identify the issue properly, then he or she might ask you to limit the diet of your cat and then collect the sample of the cat’s stool over the period, as the cause might be passed in the stool. Cat’s body occasionally uses vomiting to clear the toxins in the intestines. 

If there is excessive mucus in the vomit, then the issues might be an inflamed intestine. If there is undigested food in the vomiting, then it could be due to overeating, food poisoning, or anxiety. On the other hand, bile in bile in vomit might indicate pancreatitis or inflammatory bowel disease. 

If there is red blood in the puke, then the reason could be an ulcerated stomach. Nevertheless, if the blood is brown, then the issue might be associated with the intestine. In the case of intestinal obstruction, strong digestive disorders are usually observed. If the veterinarian suspects obstruction in the esophagus of your cat, then he or she might conduct an oral exam. 

Treatment of Vomiting in Cats

The treatment of acute vomiting  in cats or cat vomiting medication is mainly based on the cause of vomiting. Some of the possible suggestions by veterinarian might include:

  • Antibiotics, if the cat has bacterial ulcers
  • Change in diet
  • Medicines to control acute vomiting in cats
  • Surgery, in case of vomiting is caused due to tumor
  • Corticosteroids in case vomiting is caused due to inflammatory bowel disease

In order to avoid vomiting in cats, you should always follow the treatment plan recommended by the veterinarian. You should not experiment with food or medication. In case your cat’s health does not improve, visit the veterinarian again. 

Read More: Diarrhea in cats

Rashmi Saini