Is your cat throwing up frequently? This is a common concern for pet owners, and understanding the reasons behind it is crucial. At WHY.EDU.VN, we offer comprehensive information and expert insights to help you determine the cause of your cat’s vomiting and how to address it. Identifying potential triggers and seeking prompt veterinary attention is vital for your feline companion’s well-being. Let’s explore the causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for feline vomiting, focusing on cat health issues.
1. Initial Assessment: Gathering Information About Your Cat’s Vomiting
Before heading to the veterinarian, take note of the following aspects related to your cat’s vomiting to assist with diagnosis.
- Exposure to Toxins: Was the cat exposed to plants and other toxins?
- Onset of Vomiting: When did the vomiting start?
- Normal Diet: What is the cat’s normal diet?
- Outdoor Habits: Does the cat go outside, and if so does the cat hunt?
- Vomit Content: What is in the vomit?
- Medications: Is the cat on medication?
- Other Symptoms: Is there also diarrhea?
- Appetite: Is the cat eating?
- Timing of Vomiting: When does the vomiting occur (in relation to eating or other activities)?
- Weight Loss: Is the cat losing weight?
- Drinking and Urination: Is the cat drinking a lot or urinating a lot?
- Play Habits: Does the cat play with string?
Based on the answers to these questions, your veterinarian will have a better idea of which diagnostics, if any, to use. Accurate details are critical for a complete health evaluation.
2. Decoding Vomit: What the Appearance Reveals
While the appearance of vomit isn’t a definitive diagnosis, it can offer valuable clues. Here’s a breakdown of what different types of vomit might indicate:
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2.1 Yellow Vomit
Bile presence suggests possible liver disease or an empty stomach. However, it could also indicate that the cat ingested a yellow substance.
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2.2 Clear Vomit
May be regurgitation from the esophagus or an empty stomach.
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2.3 White, Foamy Vomit
Typically regurgitation from the esophagus or an empty stomach.
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2.4 Blood in the Vomit
Indicates bleeding from the mouth, esophagus, or stomach.
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2.5 Coffee-Ground Appearance
Suggests bleeding from the stomach, often associated with ulcers.
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2.6 Brown, Smelly Vomit
Possible bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract or ingestion of something brown and smelly.
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2.7 Undigested Food
Implies food hasn’t left the stomach. Causes range from food intolerances or allergies to obstructions or upper gastrointestinal tract irritation. The timing of the last meal is important to note. If a cat vomits undigested food after a day of not eating, it could signal an obstruction or a motility disorder.
3. Veterinary Examination and Testing: The Diagnostic Path
A thorough physical exam by your veterinarian is the next crucial step. The veterinarian will check for:
- Abdominal pain
- Masses in the abdomen or elsewhere
- Obvious foreign body (such as a string under the tongue)
- Evidence of weight loss
- Heart murmur
- Enlarged thyroid gland
- Fever
The exam will help determine which diagnostics, if any, are needed. The vet’s experienced assessment can save you time and money.
4. Key Diagnostic Tools: X-rays and Blood Work
If necessary, initial tests usually include abdominal radiographs (X-rays) and blood work with a urinalysis.
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4.1 Abdominal X-rays
X-rays can reveal abnormalities in organ size and shape, foreign bodies, tumors, constipation, and other abnormalities that the vet might not be able to assess with a physical exam.
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4.2 Blood Work and Urinalysis
Blood work can detect organ dysfunction and diagnose endocrine disorders like diabetes and hyperthyroidism. A urinalysis is needed in conjunction with blood work to diagnose conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and urinary tract infections. Blood tests can also identify exposure to some toxins, such as antifreeze. However, diagnosing toxin exposure often relies on knowing about potential exposure and observing classic signs.
5. Advanced Diagnostic Procedures: When More Detail Is Needed
Often, X-rays do not diagnose the problem, but they help determine whether further abdominal studies are needed. These other studies could include a barium study, which will help determine whether there are foreign objects in the intestines or whether there are motility issues with the intestines. Another study could be an ultrasound to look at the architecture of different organs; ultrasound can be used as a means to sample different organs to get a definitive diagnosis.
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5.1 Barium Study
Helps identify foreign objects or motility issues in the intestines.
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5.2 Ultrasound
Examines the architecture of organs and allows for tissue sampling for definitive diagnosis.
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5.3 Endoscopy
In addition, an endoscopy (using a scope to look into the stomach, upper intestines, or colon) might be recommended by your vet. Endoscopy is a way to look for foreign objects in the stomach that do not show up on X-rays, and it can be used to retrieve foreign objects. This procedure also allows viewing of the lining of the stomach and upper intestines to look for abnormalities, and it can be used to collect samples of the upper gastrointestinal tract.
6. Exploratory Surgery: A Last Resort for Diagnosis
In a cat with persistent vomiting that is not being controlled by symptomatic therapy, exploratory surgery might be needed. This is true with some acute vomiting situations (namely, concern that a foreign body is present) and some chronic vomiting situations (namely, looking for signs of intestinal cancer, non-intestinal abdominal disease, or inflammatory bowel disease).
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6.1 Foreign Objects
In the case of foreign objects, the surgery is used both to diagnose and fix the problem by removing the foreign object. If no foreign object is found, then biopsies can be taken during the surgery.
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6.2 Chronic Vomiting
The intent of doing a surgery for chronic vomiting is normally to take biopsies of the intestines, stomach, liver, pancreas, lymph nodes, and any abnormalities in the hope of diagnosing the problem. The most common things to diagnose are inflammatory bowel disease or a form of cancer.
As a diagnostic tool, surgery is preferred over endoscopy by some veterinarians because the whole intestinal tract can be evaluated, as well as different organs in the abdomen. In addition, full thickness and larger intestinal biopsies can be taken during surgery. Furthermore, biopsies of the liver, pancreas, and lymph nodes can be taken.
Conversely, endoscopy might be preferred because it is usually less expensive (although not by much), usually results in a representative sample of the intestines to provide a diagnosis, and is much less invasive. It can take several weeks for a cat to recover from surgery, while an animal who has had an endoscopy and endoscopic biopsies usually recovers within a few hours or within a day.
Because some of the diagnostics can be invasive and expensive (endoscopy can run up to $1,500 and exploratory surgery can cost more than $2,000), many people elect not to do them. There are treatments that can be implemented without a full diagnosis, but those decisions will require communication between you and your veterinarian about the risks of doing those treatments.
7. Fluid Therapy: Rehydrating Your Cat
If the physical exam reveals no abnormalities and nothing in the cat’s history raises a red flag, a veterinarian might just elect to do some symptomatic therapy, such as administering fluids subcutaneously (under the skin). Even if an animal is not clinically dehydrated, giving fluids can be important to flush the system and to maintain hydration. A vomiting patient is likely a little dehydrated simply from fluid loss from vomiting and failure to keep water down.
Dehydration is a self-perpetuating problem, meaning that when animals are dehydrated, they don’t feel good and therefore won’t eat or drink and might even vomit more. This makes them more dehydrated, which makes them feel worse and less likely to eat or drink — and then they get more dehydrated.
Some form of fluid therapy is given for almost every cause of vomiting. If an animal is very dehydrated or weak, IV fluids are often recommended. This involves placing a catheter in a vein and giving the animal fluids through the catheter. It’s a more direct way to give fluids, and more fluids can be given via this method throughout the day. The downside is that giving IV fluids is significantly more expensive and requires the cat to stay in the hospital. However, especially in a very dehydrated patient, subcutaneous fluids do not absorb very well and IV fluids are needed to help the cat.
8. Medication: Addressing Vomiting Directly
Another common therapy for most kinds of vomiting is giving an anti-emetic (anti-vomiting) medication, which can help stop the vomiting and thus decrease fluid loss. These medicines can also help relieve abdominal discomfort and make the cat more prone to eating. Sometimes, stomach protectants such as Pepcid or sucralfate might be indicated, but the helpfulness of these is up for debate. They typically do not cause any harm though. If the anti-emetics do not provide adequate pain control, a pain medication might be added to the cat’s treatment plan.
- 8.1 Anti-emetics:
Reduce vomiting and fluid loss, alleviate discomfort. - 8.2 Stomach Protectants:
Pepcid or sucralfate may be used. - 8.3 Pain Medication:
Added if anti-emetics don’t adequately control pain.
9. Dietary Changes: A Key Treatment Strategy
For both chronic and acutely vomiting cats, one of the most important treatments is dietary change. If your cat has an acute case of vomiting, this might involve a temporary change to an easily digestible diet, such as Royal Canin Gastrointestinal High Energy cat food, Hill’s ID cat food, or a bland human food such as meat-flavored baby food (with no onion or garlic powder added) or boiled chicken. Keep in mind that chicken and baby foods are not complete diets for cats and therefore should only be used for a few days. For cats with chronic vomiting, a diet change can be therapeutic as well as diagnostic.
- 9.1 Acute Vomiting:
Easily digestible diets like Royal Canin Gastrointestinal High Energy or Hill’s ID cat food. - 9.2 Chronic Vomiting:
Diet changes can be therapeutic and diagnostic.
If the new food controls the vomiting, it was partially caused by a dietary intolerance or allergy or possibly low-grade inflammatory bowel disease. Regarding diet trials for chronically vomiting cats, keep them on the new diet for several weeks to see whether it is working. The cat should be on one of the aforementioned prescription diets or a limited-ingredient prescription diet to make sure it’s a complete, balanced diet.
10. Prednisone: Use with Caution
Inflammatory bowel disease might be the cause of vomiting in some cats. The treatment for inflammatory bowel disease often involves the medication prednisone. We don’t recommend that you try prednisone on your cat without any diagnostics being done because prednisone has a lot of side effects, including an increase in thirst, an increase in urination, a weaker immune system, and weak muscles. Giving a cat prednisone can also make some causes of vomiting (such as pancreatitis, diabetes, and kidney disease) worse. However, if your cat’s blood work and X-rays are normal and you do not wish to pursue further diagnostics, a trial of prednisone could be considered. You’ll want to have a thorough discussion with your veterinarian about the risks.
| Treatment | Description | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Fluids | Subcutaneous or IV fluids to combat dehydration. | IV fluids more effective for severe dehydration; Subcutaneous fluids are less invasive but may not absorb well in severely dehydrated cats. |
| Anti-emetics | Medications to reduce vomiting and nausea. | Can help improve appetite and reduce fluid loss. |
| Diet Change | Switching to a bland, easily digestible diet. | Crucial for cats with food sensitivities or allergies. Limited-ingredient diets may be necessary. |
| Prednisone | Corticosteroid used to treat inflammatory bowel disease. | Use with caution due to potential side effects (increased thirst, urination, weakened immune system). Must rule out other conditions like pancreatitis, diabetes, kidney disease. |
| Surgery | Exploration for foreign bodies or to take biopsies. | Reserved for cases where other diagnostics are inconclusive. Can be invasive and costly. |
11. Common Causes of Vomiting in Cats
Vomiting in cats can stem from a variety of underlying issues, ranging from mild to severe. Identifying the root cause is crucial for effective treatment. Here’s an overview of some of the most frequent reasons why your cat might be throwing up:
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11.1 Dietary Issues
One of the most common reasons for vomiting in cats is related to their diet. This can include:
- Food Intolerance or Allergies: Some cats have sensitivities or allergies to specific ingredients commonly found in cat food, such as certain proteins or grains. These sensitivities can lead to gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting.
- Sudden Diet Changes: Cats have sensitive digestive systems, and abruptly changing their food can disrupt their gut flora, leading to vomiting. It’s important to transition to a new food gradually, mixing it with the old food over a period of several days.
- Eating Too Quickly: Some cats tend to gulp down their food, which can cause them to vomit shortly after eating. Using specialized bowls designed to slow down eating can help mitigate this issue.
- Ingestion of Spoiled Food: If your cat gets into spoiled food, either from the trash or elsewhere, it can lead to vomiting due to bacterial contamination.
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11.2 Hairballs
Hairballs are a frequent cause of vomiting, especially in long-haired breeds. Cats groom themselves by licking their fur, which can result in them ingesting a significant amount of hair. This hair can accumulate in the stomach and form a hairball, which the cat then vomits up. Regular grooming can help reduce the amount of hair your cat ingests.
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11.3 Infections
Various types of infections can cause vomiting in cats:
- Viral Infections: Common viral infections like feline panleukopenia (feline distemper) and feline calicivirus can cause severe vomiting, along with other symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and lethargy.
- Bacterial Infections: Bacterial infections, such as salmonellosis or E. coli, can also lead to vomiting. These infections are often contracted through contaminated food or water.
- Parasitic Infections: Intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and Giardia can irritate the digestive tract and cause vomiting.
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11.4 Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the gastrointestinal tract. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and decreased appetite. The exact cause of IBD is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
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11.5 Foreign Bodies
Cats are curious creatures and sometimes ingest things they shouldn’t, such as:
- String or Yarn: Cats often play with string or yarn and may accidentally swallow it. Linear foreign bodies like string can cause serious problems as they can become lodged in the digestive tract and cause a blockage.
- Small Objects: Small objects like toys, rubber bands, or pieces of plastic can also be ingested and cause a blockage or irritation, leading to vomiting.
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11.6 Organ Disease
Certain organ diseases can also lead to vomiting:
- Kidney Disease: Kidney disease is common in older cats and can cause a buildup of toxins in the bloodstream, leading to vomiting.
- Liver Disease: Liver disease can impair the liver’s ability to function properly, resulting in vomiting.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe vomiting and abdominal pain.
- Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland can lead to a variety of symptoms, including vomiting, weight loss, and increased appetite.
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11.7 Toxins and Poisons
Cats can be exposed to various toxins and poisons that can induce vomiting:
- Household Cleaners: Ingestion of household cleaners like bleach or detergents can cause severe gastrointestinal upset and vomiting.
- Pesticides and Herbicides: Exposure to pesticides and herbicides can lead to vomiting, along with other neurological symptoms.
- Certain Plants: Some plants are toxic to cats, and ingestion can cause vomiting. Common toxic plants include lilies, azaleas, and tulips.
- Medications: Certain human medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, are highly toxic to cats and can cause severe vomiting and organ damage.
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11.8 Cancer
In some cases, vomiting can be a sign of cancer in the gastrointestinal tract or other organs. Tumors can cause obstruction, inflammation, or metabolic imbalances that lead to vomiting.
12. Home Care and Prevention
While determining the exact cause of your cat’s vomiting often requires veterinary expertise, there are several things you can do at home to help manage the situation and potentially prevent future episodes:
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12.1 Withhold Food
If your cat vomits once or twice and is otherwise acting normally, withhold food for 12-24 hours. This gives the digestive system a chance to rest and recover. Make sure your cat always has access to fresh water to prevent dehydration.
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12.2 Offer Small Amounts of Bland Food
After the fasting period, offer small amounts of a bland, easily digestible food. Good options include boiled chicken (without skin or bones) or plain, cooked white rice. Feed your cat small portions several times a day.
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12.3 Gradual Diet Changes
When introducing a new food, do so gradually over a period of 7-10 days. Mix a small amount of the new food with the old food, gradually increasing the proportion of new food each day.
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12.4 Frequent Grooming
Brush your cat regularly to remove loose hair and minimize the amount of hair ingested during grooming. This is especially important for long-haired breeds.
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12.5 Elevated Food Bowls
If your cat tends to eat too quickly, try using an elevated food bowl or a slow-feeding bowl. These bowls can help slow down eating and reduce the risk of vomiting.
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12.6 Secure Hazardous Materials
Keep household cleaners, pesticides, medications, and other potentially toxic substances out of your cat’s reach. Store these items in locked cabinets or containers.
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12.7 Monitor Outdoor Activities
If your cat goes outside, monitor its activities to prevent exposure to toxins or ingestion of foreign objects. Be aware of any potential hazards in your yard, such as toxic plants or pesticides.
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12.8 Regular Veterinary Check-ups
Schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian to monitor your cat’s health and detect any potential problems early. Regular check-ups can help identify underlying health issues that may be contributing to vomiting.
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12.9 Clean and Fresh Water
Always provide your cat with clean and fresh water. Dehydration can worsen vomiting and other health problems.
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12.10 Reduce Stress
Cats can sometimes vomit due to stress or anxiety. Try to minimize stressors in your cat’s environment. Provide a safe and comfortable space for your cat to retreat to when feeling overwhelmed.
13. When to Seek Veterinary Care Immediately
While some cases of vomiting can be managed at home, it’s crucial to recognize when veterinary care is necessary. Seek immediate veterinary attention if your cat exhibits any of the following symptoms:
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13.1 Frequent or Persistent Vomiting
If your cat is vomiting multiple times a day or if the vomiting persists for more than 24 hours, it’s important to seek veterinary care.
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13.2 Blood in Vomit
The presence of blood in the vomit (either bright red or resembling coffee grounds) indicates a serious problem that requires immediate veterinary attention.
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13.3 Lethargy or Weakness
If your cat is lethargic, weak, or unresponsive, it could be a sign of dehydration or another serious underlying issue.
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13.4 Abdominal Pain
If your cat is exhibiting signs of abdominal pain, such as restlessness, reluctance to move, or guarding the abdomen, it’s important to seek veterinary care.
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13.5 Dehydration
Signs of dehydration include dry gums, sunken eyes, and decreased skin elasticity. If you suspect your cat is dehydrated, seek veterinary care immediately.
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13.6 Difficulty Breathing
If your cat is having difficulty breathing, seek veterinary care immediately.
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13.7 Known Toxin Exposure
If you know or suspect that your cat has ingested a toxin or poison, seek veterinary care immediately.
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13.8 Fever
A fever (temperature above 102.5°F) can indicate an underlying infection or inflammation.
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13.9 Inability to Keep Down Food or Water
If your cat is unable to keep down food or water, it could lead to dehydration and other complications.
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13.10 Changes in Behavior
Any significant changes in behavior, such as hiding, aggression, or disorientation, warrant veterinary attention.
14. The Role of WHY.EDU.VN in Providing Expert Answers
At WHY.EDU.VN, we understand the concern and worry that comes with seeing your cat unwell. While this article provides general information, we encourage you to seek personalized advice and answers to your specific questions. Our platform offers a unique opportunity to connect with veterinary professionals and access a wealth of knowledge.
14.1 Why Choose WHY.EDU.VN?
- Expert Guidance: Our network includes experienced veterinarians and animal health experts ready to provide accurate and reliable information.
- Comprehensive Answers: Get detailed explanations tailored to your cat’s symptoms and health history.
- Trusted Information: Rely on evidence-based content that adheres to the highest standards of veterinary care.
- Community Support: Join a community of pet owners who share experiences and offer support.
14.2 How to Get the Most Out of WHY.EDU.VN
- Ask Specific Questions: Provide detailed information about your cat’s symptoms, diet, and medical history.
- Utilize Search Function: Explore our extensive library of articles and Q&A to find answers to common concerns.
- Engage with Experts: Connect with veterinary professionals for personalized advice.
- Stay Informed: Regularly check our platform for updated information on pet health and wellness.
By leveraging the resources at WHY.EDU.VN, you can empower yourself with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about your cat’s health. Remember, early detection and proper veterinary care are essential for ensuring your feline friend enjoys a long, happy, and healthy life.
15. FAQ: Addressing Common Questions About Cat Vomiting
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15.1 What are the most common reasons why my cat might be vomiting?
Common causes include hairballs, eating too quickly, food sensitivities, infections, parasites, inflammatory bowel disease, foreign bodies, and organ diseases.
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15.2 How can I tell if my cat’s vomiting is serious?
Signs of serious vomiting include frequent or persistent vomiting, blood in the vomit, lethargy, abdominal pain, dehydration, difficulty breathing, or known toxin exposure.
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15.3 What should I do if my cat vomits once or twice but seems otherwise normal?
Withhold food for 12-24 hours, ensuring access to fresh water. Then, offer small amounts of bland food like boiled chicken or white rice.
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15.4 How can I prevent hairballs in my cat?
Brush your cat regularly, especially if it’s a long-haired breed. Provide hairball-specific diets or supplements.
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15.5 What are some signs of dehydration in cats?
Signs of dehydration include dry gums, sunken eyes, and decreased skin elasticity.
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15.6 Can diet changes cause vomiting in cats?
Yes, sudden diet changes can disrupt a cat’s digestive system. Always introduce new foods gradually.
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15.7 What should I do if I suspect my cat has ingested a poison?
Seek immediate veterinary care. Bring the suspected poison or its container if possible.
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15.8 Are certain plants toxic to cats?
Yes, many plants are toxic to cats, including lilies, azaleas, and tulips. Keep these plants out of your cat’s reach.
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15.9 What is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in cats?
IBD is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and decreased appetite.
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15.10 How can WHY.EDU.VN help me with my cat’s health concerns?
WHY.EDU.VN offers expert guidance, comprehensive answers, and trusted information from veterinary professionals. You can ask specific questions, utilize our search function, and engage with experts for personalized advice.
Is your cat throwing up and you’re unsure why? Don’t navigate this stressful time alone. At WHY.EDU.VN, we provide expert-backed answers and resources to guide you. Our team offers tailored solutions for pet digestive health, helping you understand and address your cat’s symptoms effectively. Contact us today at 101 Curiosity Lane, Answer Town, CA 90210, United States or WhatsApp +1 (213) 555-0101. For more information, visit our website at why.edu.vn and ask our experts your question now.
