Vomiting in my cat
Vomiting is defined as the forceful ejection of gastric and occasionally, proximal small intestine content through the mouth.
Most cats will very occasionally vomit. Because humans hate to vomit
we assume that the same applies to our cats. The concern is not the act
of vomiting but the frequency and the potential cause.
Vomiting occurs under the control of a series of complex activities
originating in the vomit center of the brain and a chemical receptor in
the heart. Between them they recognize stimuli from elsewhere in the
body which triggers gastric and diaphragmatic contraction leading to
vomiting. Many animals will have increased salivation indicating nausea
prior to vomiting.
The importance of the owner's assessment is to determine the
importance of the symptom and whether it warrants professional help by
visiting the veterinarian or whether home care and nursing will
suffice. The following symptoms should be noted?
- How often does your cat vomit? Weekly, daily, hourly?
- How long has it been vomiting for? One hour, one day, one week?
- How is your cat? Is it bright, dull, collapsed?
- Are there other symptoms? Diarrhoea, inappetance, incontinence?
Unfortunately only experience, common sense and professional
knowledge can give you all the answers but the general rule is that if
the vomiting is only occasional, of recent duration and if your pet is
reasonably bright, then probably there is not too much to worry about
and, vice versa.
Causes of vomiting
There are too many causes of vomiting to list here. However the
article will look at a few of the more interesting causes and solutions.
- Fur balls in cats is probably the most common cause.
-
Swallowed 'foreign bodies'. This can be anything from an undigested
mouse to a sewing needles in the cat. Many smaller foreign bodies will
cause initial vomiting but then pass on their own accord. However, they
occasionally become lodged and become a surgical emergency. If your pet
is vomiting regularly (several times per day) and NOT passing faeces,
there is a potential intestinal blockage and you should visit your
vet.
- Parasitism is divided into Roundworm
and Tapeworm categories. The former is often incriminated in causing
partial intestinal blockages, especially in kittens. If you have not
wormed your cat in the past 3 months it may be worth doing so.
- Dietary problems are a common cause of
vomiting whether they are primary (over eating, gorging, too rich, too
fatty food) or secondary to some other cause of vomiting (such as a
gastric infection). If your cat has a delicate stomach we would suggest
a low fat, easily digested, medium protein diet fed in several small
portions over the day.
- Metabolic diseases such as
kidney disease, liver disease, sepsis, changes in mineral balance can
all lead to vomiting. They usually present with other symptoms as well
and will need veterinary attention.
- Poisons. It depends on the type of poison. If known consult your vet.
-
Infections of the stomach (gastritis) often also effect the upper
intestine so that your cat may also present with diarrhoea. Certain
infections may also affect yourself. Use gloves when
handling vomit and faeces and wash well afterwards with an antiseptic
solution. Most infections are self limiting after a couple of days when
the bodies immunity overcomes the bacteria or virus.
Treatment for vomiting
Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms. If your cat is
reasonably bright, passing faeces and vomiting just a couple of times
per week then home nursing may be all that is required.
- Starve for 24 hours
- Keep in the house for 3 days with a litter tray to evaluate faeces and to prevent eating elswhere.
-
Remove water and offer a re-hydration electrolyte to prevent dehydration. In the first 24
hours this should be given at the rate of 5 to 10ml every half hour by
mouth. If too much is given at once, vomiting will reoccur. This can be
continued on an ad-lib basis for a further 3 days along with bottled
water as required
- Change to a low fat, low fibre,
medium protein diet for a minimum for three
days or if a dietary sensitivity / allergy is suspected. Feed 4 small feeds daily.
- Worm your pet regularly.
If vomiting persists for more than 48 hours seek veterinary attention.