My Cat is Vomiting in Granger, IN – Should I Call the Vet?

Everyone who owns a cat knows that sometimes cats can vomit. This can be a normal part of your cat dealing with hairballs, but there are times when cat vomiting can be a concern. Many owners are not sure when to be concerned about cat vomiting. This is a reasonable thing to be a bit confused about, and it can be worth knowing some more about when cat vomiting should be of concern for you and your pet.

If you have a cat that vomits on a regular basis, there are some reasons that this might be happening. We will cover the reasons that you might need to be worried about persistent vomiting, as well as talk about when to take your cat to the vet right away.

cat vomiting in granger, in

Reasons That Cats Vomit Persistently

Persistent vomiting can be a sign of a variety of serious medical concerns. These health problems can lead you to take your cat to the veterinarian to have them checked out. While some breeds of cats are more prone to nearly daily vomiting, this is not normal behavior for cats, and you should be concerned unless your vet has given your pet a clean bill of health.

1.     Diabetes

Cats with diabetes often show signs of persistent vomiting first. This is because of their body’s reduced ability to digest food that has been ingested. You might also notice lethargy, excessive thirst, and a dull coat or dull eyes in a cat that has diabetes.

2.     Hyperthyroidism

Thyroid issues can cause a whole host of symptoms, and your cat might only be vomiting, or it could show a dry coat, reduced appetite, or restlessness. Your vet will check on a variety of different health concerns when you take your cat that has been vomiting to them, and thyroid problems are usually one of the conditions that are at the top of the list

3.     Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is a very common culprit behind excessive vomiting. Cats with more advanced kidney disease will also drink all the time, and they might get very thin or even smell strange.

4.     Parasites or Foreign Bodies

If your cat has parasites or it has ingested something that cannot pass through its GI tract, you might notice that they are vomiting all the time. This might include bloody vomit and bloody stool. You will need to be sure to get your cat to the veterinarian right away if you have noticed these symptoms.

When Should You Take Your Cat to the Emergency Vet?

Most of these health conditions can wait a few days for attention from a vet. However, there are some symptoms that should make you take your cat to the vet right away. Make sure that you are checking your cat’s hydration by doing the tent test so that you are sure that they are not becoming severely dehydrated. The tent test is done by pinching the skin between your cat’s shoulder blades and lifting. If the skin does not snap right back into place, your cat is dehydrated, and you should probably head to the vet.

Serious symptoms related to vomiting that should make you take your cat to the vet right away:

  • Repeated vomiting
  • Blood in vomit
  • Weakness or lethargic behavior
  • Pain or other distress
  • Fever
  • Blood in stool
  • Collapse

If you see large amounts of mucus in the vomit, you might be seeing signs of an inflamed intestine. Undigested food can be related to many different things, but in some cases, it can be a sign of poisoning or a complete halt to GI tract processes. Strongly smelling vomit is almost always a sign of an obstruction.

What Kind of Treatment Will My Cat Need?

There are different treatment protocols that can be used to manage vomiting in cats. If there is a food allergy that is causing the problem, a change in food can solve the issue in most cases. Parasites are typically easy to treat with worming medications. If your cat has been poisoned, there are processes that can be done to try and remove the substance from your cat’s system or to try and counteract the negative effects of the substance your cat has consumed.

When blockages are present, surgery is almost always needed to remove the object that has caused the blockage. Your vet will take an x-ray to see if there is a foreign body present that needs to be removed. Conditions like diabetes and kidney disease can often be treated with ongoing medication support and changes to diet. Your vet will be able to help you to figure out what is the best treatment protocol for your pet to help resolve the vomiting and to make them feel better.

Cat Vomiting That is Persistent Needs Vet Attention

If you have been dealing with a cat who is vomiting on a regular basis, you should probably make sure that you get an appointment for them to see a vet. If your cat is vomiting violently, there is blood in the vomit, or you have noticed that they seem weak, lethargic, or uncomfortable, you should get your cat to the vet right away. Cats do not prosper when they are dehydrated, and it can be life-threatening for a cat to be dehydrated for too long.

Your vet will be able to help you to figure out why your cat is vomiting, and they can advise you about the best treatment for this health concern. While cats can sometimes vomit due to hairballs or other normal processes, cats that are vomiting persistently and that seem not to be feeling well should see the vet prevent long-term health concerns. Cat vomiting can be linked with lots of other health concerns, so it is never wise to assume that your cat is fine and ignore issues that could be more serious. Your vet is a valuable resource, and you should consider it a good policy to check with your vet if you are concerned.

Need to talk with a veterinarian about your cat’s vomiting? Call Kryder + Harr Veterinary Clinic at (574) 277-6533 today!

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Welcome to Kryder & Harr Veterinary Clinic! Our animal hospital has been a fixture in the Granger community since 1981, practicing full-service veterinary medicine for all our pet parents and their furry family members. At KHVC, we pride ourselves on our history, of providing excellent customer service for our clients, along with dedicated, compassionate, and exceptional medical care for all of our patients.