As a cat owner, you might be used to your furry friend coughing up furballs. However, it can be more worrisome to see your pet throw up. In some cases, this can be completely normal, but it could also signal a serious issue. Here are a few reasons why your cat might be vomiting and when you should be concerned.
Your cat may have a food allergy If you notice that your cat tends to throw up soon after eating a meal, it might be because an ingredient isn’t sitting well in their stomach. Common feline food allergies include chicken, beef, fish and dairy products. To help you determine if this is the problem, look for other signs of a food allergy, such as itchy skin and diarrhea. While you might want to consult a veterinarian, identifying and eliminating the allergen from your cat’s diet should resolve the issue. Your cat may have eaten too fast If your cat throws up food that looks like it’s barely been digested, it’s probably because your furry friend simply gobbled up the food too quickly. While this type of vomiting isn’t a cause for concern, you might want to take steps to help your cat slow down if this becomes a regular occurrence. For example, you could place a ping pong ball in the food dish so your pet has to eat around it. Your cat may have ingested a toxin Many household items can be poisonous to cats. These include antifreeze, chemical cleaners and disinfectants, certain medications for humans and insecticides. While antifreeze with propylene glycol (rather than ethylene glycol) is considered non-toxic for cats, it’s best to keep these and other toxins out of reach of your pets. If you suspect your cat has ingested a harmful substance, contact a veterinary clinic immediately. Your cat may have chronic kidney disease In addition to vomiting, signs of chronic kidney disease (CKD) include diarrhea, weight loss, lethargy and drinking more water than usual. This progressive disease is more common among older cats, so be sure to speak with your veterinarian if your pet is getting up in years. When it comes to CKD, early intervention is key to giving your cat the best outcome. Visit a cat clinic in Toronto If your cat vomits repeatedly within a span of 12 hours, you should head to an emergency vet right away to be safe. At Bellamy-Lawrence Animal Hospital in Toronto, you can trust that your pet is in good hands. Contact us today for more information or to book an appointment.