Vomiting in Cats: When to Worry?
Vomiting is a common symptom in cats. It involves the active expulsion of digestive contents, primarily from the stomach, through the mouth, due to the contraction of abdominal muscles and the diaphragm. It should not be confused with regurgitation, which is a passive expulsion (without active abdominal contractions) of undigested food or saliva.
Vomiting often follows a period of nausea, which can manifest with various symptoms. Did you know that your cat can experience nausea without necessarily vomiting? Signs of nausea include yawning, excessive salivation, licking, lethargy, and/or loss of appetite. Sometimes, repeated episodes of nausea can even lead to food aversion, even if the food is not the cause.
The causes of vomiting in cats are numerous and not solely related to digestive issues:
- Hairballs (trichobezoars): Normally, the hair ingested during grooming is eliminated through the digestive tract in feces. However, it can sometimes accumulate and form an indigestible hairball. In response, a cat may try to purge it by ingesting grass, which it cannot digest.
- Motion sickness.
- Eating too quickly: Cats may change their eating behavior when there is competition among multiple cats in the household or when the food distribution method is not suitable. Restricting a cat's access to food can lead to overeating and subsequent vomiting.
- Sudden changes in diet or the introduction of new foods without a gradual transition.
- Ingestion of inappropriate or toxic substances.
- Intolerances, allergies, or reactions to certain foods.
- Gastrointestinal infections, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites.
- Ingestion of a foreign body that could lead to intestinal obstruction.
- Chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with inflammation of the stomach and/or intestinal tract.
- Tumors affecting the stomach, intestines, or other organs.
- Diseases affecting other organs such as the kidneys, liver, or pancreas.
- Endocrine disorders like diabetes or hyperthyroidism.
Did you know that consuming milk can also cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats?
Most cats become lactose intolerant after weaning because they lack the necessary enzymes for proper lactose digestion. Therefore, even though it may seem enjoyable to them, the end result may not be worth it.
In mild cases, vomiting episodes are brief and resolve on their own without medical intervention. In healthy adult cats without other associated symptoms and not dehydrated, a 12 to 24-hour fast can often alleviate vomiting. Gradual reintroduction of food in small amounts is recommended.
In other cases, it is necessary to assess the severity of vomiting based on several criteria:
- Frequency, intensity, duration, and circumstances of vomiting.
- Your cat's overall condition: dehydration, lethargy, fever, and other associated symptoms like diarrhea.
- Your cat's age.
- The presence of blood in the vomit, which can worsen the prognosis and necessitate emergency consultation.
If your cat's health is compromised or if vomiting persists, it is essential to seek veterinary care for a precise diagnosis, prognosis, and appropriate treatment.
Acute cases can lead to rapid dehydration and weakness due to the loss of water and electrolytes (potassium, sodium, etc.).
Medical interventions such as intravenous fluids may be necessary. Prolonged anorexia is also poorly tolerated in cats and can be harmful. Consult your veterinarian if your cat has been vomiting regularly for more than three weeks, even if it occurs only once a week.
So, if you find yourself in any of these situations, don't hesitate to seek advice from your veterinarian.
Dr. BEGU C., Veterinarian.
