Have you ever seen your cat throw up? For most of us, the answer is yes. While it’s not uncommon, it’s important to remember that it’s never normal.
In cats, vomiting can be caused by a problem in the gastrointestinal system or in other organs of the body. Since it all looks very similar, it can be impossible to tell the difference between something that is temporary and will resolve on its own and something that requires veterinary care. An occasional incident may be the result of a minor condition such as eating something that has upset your cat’s stomach, but it can be a sign of a more serious problem too so it’s always important to talk to your vet, especially if you notice frequent or severe vomiting since it can lead to complications such as dehydration or even death.
Causes
Vomiting in cats is associated with many problems both minor and major, such as:
– Hairballs
– Regurgitation
– Diet (change in diet, allergies, etc.)
– Obstructions from eating a non-food item
– Poisons
– Infections
– Parasites
– Constipation
– Side effects of a medication, vaccination, etc.
– Diabetes
– Cancer
– Diseases/disorders of the kidney, liver, pancreas, gall bladder, stomach, or colon
– Etc.
Other Considerations
Along with vomiting, other important symptoms to watch out for in your cat are:
1. Are they throwing up frequently?
2. Is there blood in their vomit? Does it look like coffee grounds?
3. Have there been any changes in their appetite or water consumption?
4. Do they have diarrhea?
5. Are they lethargic?
6. Have they lost weight?
Treatments
Depending on your cat’s age, history, and exam, your vet may decide to perform tests in order to help make a diagnosis and proceed with the appropriate treatments. If you have specific concerns about your cat, we welcome you to call us at (503) 968-6000 or even schedule an appointment online!