Vomiting is a symptom that worries all of us who live with cats a lot. It is really a very unpleasant experience to see our best friends have a hard time. But in order for us to help them, we have to know what is the reason that they have been forced to expel the food.
So let's see why do cats vomit and what we can do to prevent it from happening again.
Vomiting vs. Regurgitation: What's the difference?
Before analyzing the causes, it is essential to distinguish between these two processes, as they have different origins. threw up It is the forced expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth, involving abdominal contractions and nausea (salivation, licking the snout). In contrast, regurgitation It is a passive process where food is expelled from the esophagus without effort or gastric contractions, usually occurring shortly after eating.
Common causes of feline vomiting
They have eaten too much or too quickly
It's one of the most common causes, especially if our cats are gluttons. Just like what can happen to us after overeating, It didn't agree with my stomach. And the body reacts by causing nausea. When food is eaten too quickly, the stomach fills with air and unchewed food, leading to immediate regurgitation.
After emptying their stomachs, they will return to their normal lives. To prevent this, it is recommended to give them only the necessary amount, dividing the ration into several small shots or use slow-feeding bowls and scent mats that force the cat to eat more slowly.
Do they have any food allergies or intolerances?
When poor quality food is given to themWith cereals and byproducts (beaks, skins), the digestive system cannot assimilate it, causing vomiting. Some specific proteins or cereals can cause this. adverse reactions which manifest with recurrent vomiting, weight loss, or diarrhea.
To avoid this, they need a natural diet like the Barf or Summum Dietor high-quality foods like Applaws, Acana, Orijen, or Taste of the Wild. In cases of extreme sensitivity, there are hypoallergenic foods with hydrolyzed proteins.
They have changed their diet very quickly
A cat's digestive system is very sensitive. Changing their food abruptly can cause digestive problems. gastric irritationIt is vital to introduce new foods gradually, following this schedule:
- First week: 75% old food +25% new food.
- Second week: 50% old food +50% new food.
- Third week: 25% old food +75% new food.
- Starting from the fourth week: 100% new food.
Hairballs and grooming
Cats ingest hair when they lick themselves, which can form compact accumulations in the stomach. It is very common in long-haired cats or during shedding. If the hair is not eliminated through the feces, it causes tubular vomiting. To prevent it, it is recommended to frequent brushing, the use of lubricating malt and specific "Hairball control" feeds rich in fiber.
Identifying the type of vomit by its color and appearance
- Foamy or white vomit: It usually occurs when fasting or due to gastric irritation. Frequent occurrences can indicate anything from simple gastritis to kidney problems.
- Yellow vomit (bile): It occurs when the stomach is empty for a long time. Bile irritates the gastric mucosa. It is recommended to eat smaller meals, three or four times a day.
- Vomiting blood: Small traces may indicate irritation, but heavy bleeding suggests anticoagulant poisoning or tumors. Requires urgent veterinary care.
- Vomit with worms: Common in kittens (like roundworms), they look like white spaghetti. Treatment is necessary. vermifuge.
Diseases and serious causes
When vomiting is chronic or accompanied by other symptoms, it may be a sign of serious illnesses:
- Gastritis and Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the stomach or pancreas that causes abdominal pain, apathy, and loss of appetite.
- Renal or Hepatic Insufficiency: Common in older cats; it is accompanied by increased thirst (polyuria-polydipsia) and weight loss.
- Strange bodies: Ingestion of threads, plastics, or toys that cause intestinal obstructionsIt's a surgical emergency.
- Intestinal parasites: They interfere with digestion and cause general discomfort and loose stools.
- Lymphoma or IBD: Digestive tumors or Inflammatory Bowel Disease that require specialized treatment such as corticosteroids or chemotherapy.
Psychological and external factors
El stress and anxiety Moving, bringing in new pets, and other stress-related events can affect digestive health. Similarly, motion sickness in cars can cause nausea and vomiting, differing from stress in that it doesn't usually cause severe diarrhea.
What to do and when to go to the vet?
If the vomiting is isolated and the cat is active, you can withhold food for a few hours to allow the stomach to rest, while still providing access to water. Then, reintroduce food. gradually with a soft diet.
You go to the vet immediately If you observe:
- Vomiting that lasts more than 24 hours or is recurrent (several times a week).
- Presence of blood or suspicion of ingestion of toxins.
- Lethargy, fever, seizures or total loss of appetite.
- Unexplained weight loss or dehydration.
Identifying the frequency, color, and context of vomiting is key to an accurate diagnosis. A detailed record or video of the episode will greatly help your veterinarian differentiate between simple regurgitation and a chronic condition, ensuring your cat's rapid recovery.