0203 603 4441
After the end of the most recent restrictions, we are now inviting a limited number of clients into the practice at any one time. We are restricting the number of humans and may ask you to wait outside if there are too many people in the practice at once. Please also be aware that it is possible that only one human (and their dependents) will be allowed into see the vet or nurse with your pet at any one time, so please come prepared for this eventuality although we will do our best to accomodate you. We also ask that you wear a mask at all times over both your nose and mouth when in the practice. Many thanks for your continuing patience and support.
why is my cat vomiting?
What is Vomiting?
• Cats vomit just like people!
• They often look sick and may lick their lips and drool.
• Then they will retch.
• Finally they will vomit which may be liquid, food or frothy looking.
Differentials (what could be causing my cat to vomit?)
Vomiting can be a sign for many different diseases in cats.
Below are a few of the more common reasons cats can vomit:
• Gastritis – this literally means an irritation in the tummy - so a tummy upset – sometimes we never find the cause of this if it is just a one off upset.
• Worms
• Foreign body – this means having eaten something they shouldn't have and it getting stuck! (like a toy or string!)
• Toxin ingestion – eating something poisonous
• Inflammatory bowel disease – just like people cats can get IBD and sometimes this can cause them to vomit.
• Pancreatitis – a disease of their pancreas that can also cause a very painful tummy.
• Kidney disease
• Thyroid disease
• Cancer – although less common we have to consider cancers, especially in older cats that vomit a lot.
Diagnosis of vomiting
• It is essential that your cat has a full check over at the vets if they are vomiting.
• The vet will take a thorough history – this means they will ask a lot of questions to find out as much as possible about what could be causing the vomiting.
• Tests that we may choose to perform include:
• Blood tests
• Tummy x-rays
• Tummy ultrasound
• Biopsies (taking a little portion of the stomach or intestines for the laboratory to see if there are any abnormal cells present)
Treatment of vomiting
• Obviously the treatment given depends on what the cause is!
• We may give drugs to stop them feeling sick.
• We may also give medication to settle their tummy (similar to antacids in humans).
• Staying hydrated is vital! So we may recommend a stay in our hospital and a drip.
Prognosis for vomiting (how likely is a cat to do it afterwards)?
• Vomiting cats often recover fully with quick and appropriate treatment.
• Obviously some of the conditions are more serious and may require long term medication.
Worried?:
