If your cat is vomiting undigested food, it may be time to get them checked out by a vet. Early diagnosis makes it easier to address underlying issues.
There are a number of reasons why cats vomit. In this article, we’ll look at five of the most common causes.
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Causes
If your cat is vomiting undigested food more than twice a month, it’s time to see a vet. This is a common issue in older cats, and it can be a sign of an underlying disease or condition.
It may also indicate an infection or GI obstruction, such as a blockage in your cat’s esophagus or stomach. A vet will perform a series of tests to diagnose the cause of the vomiting and recommend the right treatment for your cat.
Some cats bring up their food in what is known as “regurgitation.” This is different from vomiting because the cat will not lower its head and heave, but rather the food is brought up passively without physical contractions of the stomach muscles. This can happen with dry food, or with kibble that has been chewed up.
Treatment
If your cat is vomiting undigested food, it could indicate an underlying problem that requires immediate veterinary care. It is important to identify the specific cause of the vomiting before seeking veterinary help, especially if your cat also shows other symptoms such as loss of appetite, lethargy or diarrhea.
If a veterinarian suspects an intestinal obstruction or blockage, they may need to perform endoscopy, which uses a flexible tube and camera that passes down your cat’s esophagus. This allows the doctor to see inside your cat’s throat and take biopsy samples to find out what is causing the vomiting.
In addition to identifying the cause of your cat’s vomiting, your vet can treat it effectively with symptomatic therapy and medication. This means giving your cat fluids to keep them hydrated and pain relievers to ease any discomfort.
Prevention
If you notice your cat vomiting undigested food frequently, there is probably an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Fortunately, a vet can usually diagnose these problems in the early stages, so the sooner you get them treated, the better your cat’s prognosis will be.
The most common cause of regurgitation is a stomach problem that prevents food from getting into the digestive tract. This can be caused by a variety of issues, including hairballs, food allergies, inflammatory bowel disease and intestinal parasites.
Another cause of regurgitation is stress, which can lead to a stomach reaction. To help curb this reaction, gradually change your cat’s eating and feeding schedules, and give them time to adjust.
Diagnosis
If your cat vomits undigested food it can be a sign of something serious. It could be a sign of a digestive issue, such as inflammatory bowel disease or pancreatitis, or a metabolic problem like kidney or liver disease.
It can also be a sign of an obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract, such as a hairball or foreign body that’s blocking the passage of food. This is a serious concern and can be a life-threatening situation for your cat, so contact your vet as soon as you see it happening.
Another common cause of vomiting is stress. If your cat is throwing up often after eating, it’s likely that they are feeling nervous or stressed, and your vet may run tests to find out what’s causing them to feel this way.
