When Should You Worry?
If you are a total cat PURR-son you want to ensure your feline is always in the best health paw-sible. So what happens when your cat throws up on the kitchen floor or is struggling to hold down its food after a meal?
Not every instance where your cat vomits is cause for concern. Cats are known to be very consistent self-groomers. This means that by default, they tend to swallow a lot of hair throughout the day. Cats are notoriously known for coughing up hairballs as a result of this.
Several different causes trigger vomiting in cats. Paying attention and knowing their triggers can help you pinpoint the issue and take steps towards treatment.
Hairballs/Furballs
This may be the cause for least concern regarding cats throwing up. Due to healthy grooming, most felines hold a wad of undigested fur in their stomach. This is often referred to as a hairball or a furball.
It is usually quite easy to tell if your cat is trying to expel a furball. It will seem like your cat will throw up, but there will be more hacking noises, and their body will spasm more before the furball comes out. Typically when cats are vomiting, and it has nothing to do with a hairball, they won’t spend as much time trying to get it out.
It is important to note that while hairballs indicate a healthy feline, they can pose issues for some cats. Some hairballs can become lodged in their system and cause other underlying health issues. Suppose it seems they are trying to repeatedly expel a furball, but nothing is coming out. In that case, this may also warrant a visit to a pet professional.
Viruses, Bacteria, or Parasites
It is possible that your cat caught something or was exposed to something that could be causing their sickness. If your favourite feline is throwing up frequently in one day, this may be the case. The best thing you can do for them is to stop feeding them more food and contact a professional.
Frequently throwing up in a short period indicates a more serious underlying health issue, and it’s best to address it as soon as PAW-sible.
Eating Habits
Every cat has different eating habits and schedules. If your cat has issues with vomiting after eating, this could mean they are eating too fast. If they inhale their food without chewing it all, they are guaranteed to be left with an upset stomach. Your cat may also be eating too much food in a short period. This tends to be more prevalent in rescue felines or households with several cats trotting around.
Making meal time as relaxing as possible is a great place to start. You can accommodate your fur-tastic feline better and work to develop healthier eating habits. A place to start is with the PAW-some PlayPaw anti-vomiting orthopaedic cat bowl designed specifically for cats. This feeding bowl will help your cat stand properly while eating, so they are not straining their neck. It will help remove any discomfort that could potentially worsen eating habits.
Conclusion
The best thing you can do is pay close attention to your furry friend and monitor their vomiting. Note when it happens and how frequently it is happening. If it is just once a month, there is no real cause for concern. However, suppose your feline friend is hacking up several fur balls a month or vomiting every day. In that case, they need to be taken to see your veterinary provider as soon as possible.
