Vomiting in cats
Vomiting or sickness is a very common problem in cats. In most cases, they get better on their own or with supportive management.
When cats eat grass, bugs, or their own fur, they can be sick afterward. This is not normally a reason for concern, and they can be cared for at home. Sometimes they may have diarrhoea too. We call this gastroenteritis. It’s important that vomiting cats stay hydrated and maintain stable blood sugar levels.
What to do if your cat is vomiting Why your cat is being sick When to be worried about your cat being sick Tips to prevent your cat from vomiting How to know if your cat is about to be sick How to treat a vomiting cat at home Recommended products for vomiting in cats >Recommended products for vomiting in cats [Recommended productsHow a vet will treat your vomiting cat in practice Are some cats more at risk of vomiting? Other causes of vomiting in cats
When to be worried about your cat being sick Tips to prevent your cat from vomiting How to know if your cat is about to be sick How to treat a vomiting cat at home Recommended products for vomiting in cats >Recommended products for vomiting in cats [Recommended productsHow a vet will treat your vomiting cat in practice Are some cats more at risk of vomiting? Other causes of vomiting in cats
How to know if your cat is about to be sick How to treat a vomiting cat at home Recommended products for vomiting in cats >Recommended products for vomiting in cats [Recommended productsHow a vet will treat your vomiting cat in practice Are some cats more at risk of vomiting? Other causes of vomiting in cats
Recommended products for vomiting in cats >Recommended products for vomiting in cats [Recommended productsHow a vet will treat your vomiting cat in practice Are some cats more at risk of vomiting? Other causes of vomiting in cats
Are some cats more at risk of vomiting? Other causes of vomiting in cats
Vomiting is often caused by irritation of the lining of the stomach and/or intestines. This is called gastritis, or gastroenteritis if diarrhoea is present too. In cats, vomiting is a symptom of many different problems, such as:
Eating something they shouldn’t have, such as plants, insects, small lizards
Sudden changes in food
-
Infections:
Viral: Feline Panleukopaenia Virus
Bacterial: Helicobacter, Salmonella
Parasites: roundworms
-
Parts of toys
Strings
Obstructions: caused by masses or intussusceptions
Food allergies or intolerances: reaction to an ingredient in their food. May cause vomiting, diarrhoea and itchy skin.
-
Eating something toxic or poisonous
-
Plants:
Rhubarb
Castor bean
Nightshade
-
Human medication:
Aspirin
Vitamins
-
Insecticides or anti-parasite treatments for other species
Pyrethrins/Permethrins (topical flea and tick treatments for dogs)
Organophosphates
Arsenic
Anti-freeze
-
-
Illnesses of other organs:
-
Hepatitis
Cholangitis
Hepatic lipidosis or fatty liver
-
Pancreas:
Pancreatitis: inflammation of the pancreas
-
Kidneys:
Kidney infections
-
Generalised infections: sepsis or peritonitis
Tumours