What Causes Cats to Vomit?

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http://pets.webmd.com/cats/what-causes-cats-vomit
You have probably seen your cat vomit from time to time without much concern. Vomiting can be a result of something minor, like a cat consuming his meal too quickly, or it can be a sign of a much more serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Usually, a cat vomits because he ate something disagreeable, ate too much or played too soon after dinner. Vomiting can also be associated with gastrointestinal or systemic disorders.

Some causes for a sudden episode of vomiting, or acute vomiting, include:

Bacterial infection of the gastrointestinal tract
Diet-related causes (diet change, food intolerance)
Gastric or intestinal foreign bodies (toys, hairballs)
Intestinal parasite
Acute kidney failure
Acute liver failure or gall bladder inflammation
Pancreatitis
Post-operative nausea
Toxins or chemicals
Viral infections
Certain medications
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What Should I Do If My Cat Vomits Frequently?

An occasional, isolated bout of vomiting is normal. However, frequent vomiting can be a sign of a more serious condition. Please bring your cat to the vet for a complete examination and diagnosis.

Some causes of chronic (ongoing) vomiting include:

Colitis
Gastritis
Pancreatitis
Diaphragmatic hernia
Diet related (food allergy or intolerance)
Foreign bodies
Gastrointestinal ulceration
Heartworm infection
Intestinal obstruction
Kidney failure
Liver failure
Neurological disorders
Parasites
Severe constipation
Toxicity (such as lead)
Gastric or intestinal tumors
What Other Symptoms Should I Watch For?

The causes of vomiting are so varied that it can be difficult to diagnose, and so it’s important to consider the circumstances.

What to Watch For:

Frequency of vomiting. If your cat vomits once and proceeds to eat regularly and have a normal bowel movement, the vomiting was most likely an isolated incident.
Diarrhea
Dehydration
Lethargy
Blood in vomit
Weight loss
Change in appetite and water intake
When Is It Time to See the Vet?

Please see your vet if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above or if vomiting persists. Depending on your pet’s age, medical history, physical examination findings and your cat’s particular symptoms, your vet may choose to perform various tests (blood test, X-ray, sonogram, fecal examination) in order to make a diagnosis.

What Are Some Treatment Options?

The most common course of action is to withhold food and water until after vomiting has stopped for two hours. Afterward, water is introduced slowly, followed by a bland diet. You can baby your cat as you would a sick child and give homemade food such as boiled potatoes, rice or cooked, skinless chicken.

In certain situations your cat may require fluid therapy or antiemetics-drugs to help control vomiting. You’ll need to see your vet to determine the proper remedy.

WebMD Veterinary Reference from the ASPCA
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