A vomiting cat is cause for concern. However, vomiting is one of the most common problems that is dealt with at veterinary hospitals. Often, vomiting is not detrimental to your cat — it is nature's way of allowing your cat to get rid of things that are irritating their stomach.
Not all vomiting is harmless. Sometimes, it may denote a serious illness. Here is a look at what you need to do when your cat starts vomiting.
Stop Feeding the Cat
Do not give your cat any food for half a day; you may go for a full day if you think it will be beneficial. However, you should make sure that you still give your cat water. You don't want your cat to become dehydrated when you try to limit their food to decrease the vomiting. Vomiting causes your cat to lose vital fluids; this is why it is essential that you keep replenishing your pet's water bowl.
When to Start Feeding the Cat
After 24 hours have passed, start feeding your cat small quantities of food. Try giving them boiled chicken breast with rice. If you can find chicken baby food, this is also a good alternative that would prevent you from having to make it yourself. Watch to see if your cat vomits or not. If your cat does not vomit, then you can slowly start bringing them back to their regular diet. You can do this by mixing a little bit of the chicken and rice with their regular food over the next few days.
Watch What Your Cat Vomits
The steps discussed above are for regularly vomiting. If your cat starts vomiting blood, you need to take them to the veterinary hospital immediately. Vomiting blood is a sign of a potentially serious illness that should not be overlooked. If you cannot get your cat to the veterinary hospital right away, at least try to call them. There may be something you can do at home until you can go to the hospital.
When your cat vomits, it can be a sign of serious illness, so do not take it for granted that they are just coughing up hairballs. If your cat continues to vomit for a few days, do not hesitate to get professional help because this is a sign that something is seriously wrong with your pet. The sooner you get help, the more likely it is that your cat will recover quickly.
Contact a vet hospital to learn more.
