What is Causing My Cat to Throw Up in Groveport, OH?
Unfortunately, cat vomiting is something that every cat owner is going to have to experience occasionally. This is because cats often vomit when they eat too quickly or because they ate something that they really shouldn’t have. Although the occasional cat vomit shouldn’t cause cat owners to go into a panic, frequent vomiting can be a sign of a serious issue in cats that may require veterinary attention.
In this article we will be explaining all the reasons why cats throw up. We will also be explaining how cat owners can know the difference between vomit and a hairball, and we will be describing when you should take your cat to the vet for throwing up.
Reasons Why Cats Throw Up
There are many potential reasons why a cat may be throwing up. As we have mentioned, this can include something that the cat ate or how they ate it. In addition, things like illnesses and intestinal parasites can cause vomiting in cats, and other medical conditions can have vomiting as a symptom in cats as well. Here are some common reasons why cats throw up.
Your Cat Ate Too Fast
Eating too quickly is a more common cause for vomiting in cats than some new cat owners may believe, and this can even cause cats to throw up frequently if they have made this a bad habit. It is recommended that cat owners with a fast-eating cat feed their cat in smaller portions and try a slow feeder that helps slow down the pace of eating.
Your Cat Ate Something They Shouldn’t Have
Cats are naturally curious and sometimes eat things that they will vomit up later. Cats like to chew on plants. Some plants are toxic and can cause vomiting and even organ failure. Some items like string, feathers, and hair ties are objects cats like to play with and sometimes will ingest. These things can become lodged in the stomach or intestines cause repeated vomiting and major distress. If you suspect a toxic plant or product has been ingested please call pet poison control and if you suspect your pet has ingested a foreign object you should call your veterinarian immediately.
Your Cat Is Feeling Sick
Just like people, cats can get sick too. Unfortunately, sometimes illnesses have symptoms like stomach upset, and can cause vomiting in cats. It is always recommended to take your cat to the veterinarian as soon as possible if they are acting sick. This way they can run diagnostic tests and administer treatments to your cat.
Your Cat Has a Food Allergy Or Intolerance
Food allergies and intolerances are another somewhat common cause for vomiting in cats. In fact, lactose intolerance is extremely common among our feline friends, and this problem can cause both vomiting and diarrhea. In addition to food intolerances, food allergies can cause vomiting in cats as well.
The main difference between food intolerances and food allergies in cats is that food allergies will likely have itchy and irritated skin as a symptom in addition to vomiting or diarrhea, while food intolerances do not. Cats with itchy skin often groom themselves excessively, especially around places like their paws, face, ears, and belly.
Vomiting Can Be a Sign of Constipation
Many people do not realize that vomiting can be a sign of extreme constipation in cats. However, this is among one of the most common causes for vomiting in cats. It is important that you take your cat to the vet as soon as possible if they seem to be constipated.
Your Cat Could Have Intestinal Parasites
Intestinal parasites can cause vomiting in cats as well. However, this cause is most common in outdoor cats and cats that spend a lot of time around other animals. Cats can get intestinal parasites like tapeworms, hookworms and roundworms. Intestinal parasites are diagnosed through a fecal sample and are treated by medication that is prescribed by a vet.
Some Medical Conditions Can Cause Vomiting in Cats
There are some medical conditions that can cause vomiting in cats in addition to the other reasons that we have mentioned previously. You should take your cat to the vet to rule out one of the following medical conditions if they are vomiting. Vomiting in cats can also be caused by:
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Some cancers
- Irritable bowel disease
- Diabetes
- Hyperthyroidism
What Is the Difference Between A Hairball And Throwing Up In Cats?
Many times there is not much difference between just a hairball and vomit in cats, especially if the cat hasn’t eaten anything recently. Here are some warning signs that your cat is vomiting and not just throwing up a hairball.
- Other symptoms of illness such as fever, lethargy, and diarrhea
- Signs of constipation
- Vomiting happening multiple times in one week
- Always vomiting after eating
- Noticing something in your cat’s vomit that shouldn’t be there (sign of an obstruction)
When To See a Vet
Although the occasional vomit from your cat is usually nothing to worry about, there may be some times where you will need to take your cat to the vet for vomiting. You should take your cat to the vet immediately for vomiting if:
- They are exhibiting other worrying symptoms of an illness or medical condition
- They are showing signs of dehydration
- If they have vomited multiple times in one day
- If they have vomited several times over the course of a week
- If your cat has eaten something toxic
- If your cat has eaten a foreign body
- If your cat stops eating
Talk with a vet at Groveport Canal Animal Hospital about cat vomiting by calling (614) 836-3222 or booking an appointment online!