Cat Vomiting & Feline’s that Vomit

Why do cats and kittens vomit? What are the most common causes? What is the best way to treat felines that vomit?

Vomiting that occurs occasionally in an otherwise healthy cat is not a cause for concern. However, it is crucial to note that vomiting persisting for over 72 hours with or without signs of illness, such as appetite loss, depression, lethargy, or diarrhea, can indicate a more severe problem that requires a trip to the vet. The fluids lost during vomiting result in dehydration, which could be potentially life-threatening. The food, acids, and other materials expelled during vomiting can sometimes be lifesaving. Since cats are naturally carnivores, vomiting is a protective reflex to eliminate bones, for example, after consuming a bird or rodent.

Causes of Cat Vomiting

• Hairballs are the most common cause of periodic feline vomiting.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is the most common cause of chronic vomiting. Vomiting hairballs daily is often the predominant sign of IBD in cats.
• Eating linear foreign objects – ribbon, tinsel, and string are feline holiday favorites
• Parasites – roundworms in kittens can cause vomiting
• Cancer – Mast cell tumors are a type of cat stomach cancer that causes vomiting, which may contain blood. The vomit may be blackish with a foul odor because of the blood.
• Feline Liver disease can result in stomach ulcers
• Chronic Feline kidney failure
• Cat Poisons – aspirin, antifreeze, plants, pesticides, cleaning agents, lead, herbicides, and heavy metals.
• Distemper virus in unvaccinated kittens

What Can Cat Owners and Vets do to treat Cat Vomiting?

Withholding food and water for 12 to 24 hours allows the body to recover and controls most mild cases of vomiting.

• Giving food and water usually makes vomiting worse.
• Gradually reintroducing small frequent meals daily over the next 2-3 days resolves most cases.

Complementary Therapy for Cat Vomiting: Homeopathic Cat Remedy. These remedies may be given with other treatments to manage cat vomiting. However, they should not replace veterinary care in severe cases.

• Nux Vomica 6c – Use for cats that act moderately ill and isolate themselves. This homeopathic remedy is safe and effective, with no food 10 minutes before or after treatment.

The dosage is one pellet every 4 hours until the signs are gone. Discontinue if the cat is not better after 24 hours. While homeopathic remedies are safe, they may not suit all cats. If your cat shows any adverse reactions, discontinue and consult a veterinarian.

Continue up to 5 days if the cat is responding.

• Pulsatilla 6c – Use for cats reluctant to drink. Use the same dose as for Nux Vomica.

Herbal Remedy: Chamomile Tea – This herb is soothing and relieves nausea. Use for mild stomach upsets.

Recipe:  Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 TBSP of the flowers, steep for 15 minutes, strain, and dilute with an equal amount of water.

Give a teaspoon after withholding food and water for 12-24 hours.

FAST FACT: Did you know that peppermint tea can relieve nausea in cats? However, unlike dogs, most cats do not like the taste of mint. Therefore, it is essential to consider your cat’s preferences when choosing remedies.