Causes of Vomiting in
Cats - Throwing Up
There can many varied reasons why a cat
vomits, from a serious illness to eating something disagreeable. An
occasional, isolated episode of vomiting is usually normal.
As a rule of thumb, if your cat
throws up once
or twice or infrequently and then goes on to eat normally, play normally,
pee and poop
normally and shows no signs of ill health then there probably is no
reason for concern.
If your cat has chronic vomiting. (Chronic
means persistent and lasting. Continuing for a long time; lingering;
habitual.) then
medical advice should be sought. Always check with your vet if vomiting
is severe or persistent. You should also take into consideration other
factors. How is your cat's general health? Is he well? Is he lethargic?
Does he have other symptoms for example diarrhea or no appetite?
Because vomiting in cats could signal a serious underlying disorder your
vet will ask you many questions and may run tests in relation to the
vomiting to determine the cause.
Below are some of the reasons why cats
vomit. Some are temporary and minor and others indicate an underlying
serious illness.
Hairballs may cause
vomiting
One of the most common reasons for vomiting
in cats is hairballs. Keep in mind that when a cat vomits all the contents
of it's stomach are expelled including hair. Because you see hair in the
vomit don't always assume that hairballs are the reason the cat is
vomiting as there could be other causes.
More reading on
Hairballs in Cats
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Eating Problems
The cat eats too quickly or overeats.
A change in diet.
Food intolerance
Eating grass or plants
Eating food that has gone off
Eating rodents or lizards or other foreign material. |
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Parasite problems can
cause your cat to throw up
An infestation of worms and other intestinal parasites can cause your cat to vomit.
You may even notice your cat vomiting up worms. If your cat is vomiting
worms you should give him de-worming medicine as soon as possible. Read
more on
Worming your Cat or Kitten & Symptoms of Worm Infestation
Your cat may also vomit
after giving him worming medication.
Poisons
Toxic plants, anti-freeze, lead paints, cleaning agents,
human medications, coffee, weed killer, fertilizers and many other
poisonous substances found around the home.
Accidental over dosage of medications.
Gastric and Intestinal Problems
Colitis, Cancer, Constipation, Enteritis, Fungal
Disease, Gastritis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Obstruction, Tumours, Ulcers.
Metabolic
diseases
Acidosis, Diabetes, Feline
Hyperthyroidism, Hormone Imbalance, Kidney disease, Liver disease,
Pancreatitis, Sepsis
Infections
Salmonella, pyometra
(infection of the uterus), abscess
Other Causes
Feline Urinary Syndrome, Heat Stroke, Motion Sickness.
Vomiting can be caused by many
feline disorders and it must be stressed that this article is for
information purposes only and is in no way intended to replace veterinary
advice.
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