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Why does my cat keep being sick?
It’s not uncommon for your cat to be sick from time to time and it’s usually nothing to worry about. It is, however, something worth keeping an eye on, just in case the vomiting is a symptom of a more serious condition. You should try to make a note of how often your cat keeps being sick, what he or she is bringing up, and how much of it is being produced.
You will probably get some warning when your cat is about to be sick – hopefully, enough time for you to take action to protect your carpets. His or her abdomen may contract, and you might notice a bobbing of the head.
Why is my cat throwing up?
If your cat is acting normal within itself and is regurgitating their food only once or twice a month, then there may be no real cause for concern. However, if you notice your cat is frequently vomiting and this is accompanied with other signs such as diarrhoea or a change in appetite, there could be an underlying illness or cause for this.
You may notice that your cat has started eating or attempting to eat grass. But why do cats eat grass? The common reason is that they’re attempting to induce vomiting which may be a sign that they are feeling unwell or that they are feeling the need to vomit.
What causes cats to vomit?
Anything that causes discomfort or irritation could cause your cat to be sick. Possible causes for cat vomiting include:
- Parasites or worms
- Rotten food
- Furballs
- A foreign object such as a child’s toy
- General illness such as a virus
- Overeating
It could also simply be that your cat has eaten food that disagrees with them. You should consider whether you have recently switched to a different kind of cat food or dietary supplement.
It is less common but there can be more serious causes for vomiting, particularly in older animals. The vomiting could be a sign of kidney or liver problems or a cancerous tumor, which is why you should visit your vet if you’re worried.
What should I do if my cat keeps being sick?
If your cat continues to vomit and is struggling to keep even water down, then you should see a vet as soon as possible. This is also true if you notice any blood in the sick. More often than not, the problem will be a minor one that will pass but there are some things you can try at home to ease your cat’s recovery.
If you think something in your cat’s food might be the source of the problem, try removing it from their diet and see if there is any improvement. By process of elimination, you may be able to work out what the issue is.
You can try removing food trays but keep their water available. If there is no vomiting, reintroduce food gradually, perhaps a teaspoon every few hours. Try this for a day and if your cat is no longer being sick, return to normal feeding patterns.
What will happen if my cat needs to see a vet?
A lot will depend on the cause identified by the vet. Just like when you go to the hospital, a series of tests may be necessary, ranging from X-rays to blood tests. If the vet believes your cat has swallowed something he or she shouldn’t, then surgery might be needed to remove it.
Your cat being sick can naturally be a worry to you, but remember to keep yourself protected from unexpected vet bills with Argos Pet Insurance provided by Pinnacle Insurance plc. Explore our cat insurance policies today.
