Vomiting & Diarrhoea in Cats
A common problem that cats may encounter is acute vomiting and diarrhoea. While it may not always be a cause for immediate alarm, it's essential to understand when to be concerned, possible causes, how to assist your cat at home and when you should take your cat to the clinic for veterinary care.
Causes of vomiting and diarrhoea
Acute vomiting and diarrhoea can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:
Dietary Changes: Abrupt changes in diet, consuming spoiled or inappropriate food, or food allergies can upset a cat's digestive system.
Ingestion of Foreign Objects: Cats are curious creatures and may ingest non-food items, leading to gastrointestinal irritation.
Gastrointestinal Infections: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in cats.
Toxic Substances: Ingestion of toxic plants, chemicals, or medications can have adverse effects on a cat's digestive system.
Stress and Anxiety: Cats can react to stressful situations by experiencing digestive disturbances.
Underlying Medical Conditions: Vomiting and diarrhoea can also be symptoms of more serious underlying health issues, such as pancreatitis, kidney disease, or inflammatory bowel disease.
What can I do to help my cat at home?
If your cat experiences mild vomiting and diarrhoea but is otherwise alert and behaving normally, you can take some steps to help at home:
Never starve your cat: withholding food can increase the risk of your cat developing a life-threatening liver condition called hepatic lipidosis. Research also shows that the gastrointestinal tract requires food to speed up the recovery and healing process
Hydration: ensure your cat has access to clean, fresh water at all times
Bland and highly digestible diet: feed this diet in small amounts and often. For example, six small meals per day instead of two of a highly digestible food such as Hill’s I/D or Royal Canin Gastrointestinal or boiled rice or potato with cooked white fish, chicken breast, turkey or egg (feed ⅓ protein to ⅔ carbohydrate)
Electrolytes and probiotics: use these feline-specific supplements alongside their diet, following manufacturer’s instructions.
Monitor: Keep a close eye on your cat's symptoms and general behaviour, noting any changes. Is your cat bright, alert and behaving normally?
Prevention
While some causes of acute vomiting and diarrhoea may be unavoidable, there are measures you can take to reduce the risk:
Gradual Diet Changes: When transitioning to a new food, do it gradually over several days.
Pet-Proof Your Home: Keep toxic substances and small objects out of your cat's reach.
Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Ensure your cat receives routine check-ups to catch any potential health issues early on.
Stress Management: Minimise stressors and provide a safe, comfortable environment for your cat.
Keep worming and vaccinations up to date.
When Is It Time to Visit My Vet?
It's crucial to monitor your cat's symptoms closely. If the vomiting and diarrhoea persist for more than a 24 hours, worsen in severity, or are accompanied by other concerning signs like lethargy, loss of appetite, or dehydration, it's time to schedule a visit to the veterinarian. Prompt professional care can help diagnose the underlying cause and initiate appropriate treatment, preventing more serious complications.
If you notice any of the following clinical signs then your cat should be seen by a veterinarian:
Vomiting several times per hour or continued vomiting
Unable to hold water down
Blood in the diarrhoea or vomit
Lethargy increasing
Painful abdomen
Inappetent or anorexic
Dehydration
If you know or suspect your cat has swallowed something that could damage the intestine, such as a ribbon or thread: don’t try to pull the thread out as this can cause damage lower down the intestinal tract
If your cat does not improve despite being given supportive treatment at home for 24-48 hours (elderly and young kittens should see a vet sooner)
If your cat has chronic vomiting of once or twice a month
Acute vomiting and diarrhoea in cats can be distressing for both you and your feline friend. Understanding the signs, potential causes, and when to seek veterinary care can make a significant difference in your cat's recovery. By taking preventive measures and being attentive to your cat's health, you can ensure a happy and healthy life for your beloved companion.
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