Cats Vomiting

Cats Vomit

Yes, our kitties vomit. And they do it for a variety of reasons. It's basically a natural thing they do when they need to clear things out. What we need to look for are reasons, to be sure they're OK and not sick.

Food - If their diet has changed, they may vomit if they aren't used to the new food. Or, more commonly, they vomit fairly often if the diet they're on isn't suitable for their nutritional needs. This happens often with the cheapest grades of kibble found at the grocery store, as a rule. But even expensive dry foods can upset their stomachs if the ingredients are not appropriate for them. For example, the first ingredient should be a good quality protein, such as some kind of meat. It should not be a grain, such as corn, wheat or soy. In fact, any grains in the formula are not necessary for good nutrition, but the companies put it in to make it easier and cheaper to manufacture dry food.

Activities - If your kitty is an indoor/outdoor cat, be certain your yard is safe and free from toxins, including toxic plants. In fact, be sure to keep toxic plants out of reach in your home, too. Cats seem to enjoy eating grass, so they will almost certainly do that while playing or roaming around the yard. It's so common, it's probably safe, as long as there are no chemicals used on the lawn for pest or weed control. Be sure kitty isn't nosing around in the garage or the gardening shed, either, as there are usually chemicals in there they should not have access to.

Health - If kitty has recently been spayed or neutered, or vaccinated at the vet's, they may have a short term reaction to the procedure. Be sure to ask your vet about it, especially if the vomiting is severe or lasts more than a few days. If there have been no recent vet visits, it might be time for one! Getting a wellness exam from time to time is always a good idea, too.

Hairballs - Cats lick themselves to keep clean, so it's important to help them with that by regularly brushing them so they don't consume too much fur. The way they get rid of fur in their stomachs is to vomit it out. A shorthair cat still needs some brushing, as they can lick enough loose fur off to create hairballs, too. But it's most important to brush a long haired cat, and daily! Not only do they ingest a lot of hair, but their coats can become tangled and matted. If left uncared for, the mats can become dense and will pull on their skin. This can be painful, and some cats will pull their fur out to get some relief, possibly leaving bare spots, or sores. You can help by also giving them enough oils in their diet to lubricate the digestive tract. Ask your vet which kinds of oils are best for your cat. There also are some preparations you can buy to help them with this important function.







Copyright © 2011 - Dr. RJ Peters 
The Problem Cat