– Withhold food and water for two hours. Oftentimes the stomach lining may be very irritated. Some cats will want to eat even though their stomach is irritated, and they will continue to vomit. Give the stomach time to rest for a few hours.
A vomiting patient is likely a little dehydrated simply from fluid loss from vomiting and failure to keep water down. Dehydration is a self-perpetuating problem, meaning that when an animal is dehydrated, she does not feel good and therefore will not eat or drink, and may even vomit more.
Re-hydration is important after vomiting, but most vets recommend waiting around two hours after an episode of vomiting to offer your cat any water or bland food. Don't let your cat eat their expelled vomit, even if they try.
Cats can survive for about two weeks without eating but only three days without drinking. The longer your cat goes without proper nutrition, however, the weaker they become, so it's important to contact your vet if you suspect they haven't eaten in a day or more.
Cats who don't eat for more than a day or two are at risk for a condition called fatty liver, which can cause liver failure. Fatty liver, or hepatic lipidosis, happens when the body moves stored fat to use for energy during anorexia. The process overwhelms the liver, which is involved in processing the stored fat.
Try buying a few types of canned food (pate-style, flaked, etc.) in different flavors. Place some on a small plate and warm it slightly. If your cat shows no interest, try adding a little fish oil, chicken broth, tuna juice, or cooked egg.
If your cat has an upset stomach that is causing them to have diarrhea or vomiting as a secondary symptom, they will probably drink more water to make up for the fluids lost during this time.
If your cat does start to vomit, do not give them anything by mouth (including water or food) for several hours.
Most cats affected with gastroenteritis will appear less active (lethargic), have a decreased appetite, and may hide. A low-grade fever is also common. Dehydration can occur quickly if the vomiting and diarrhea persist for more than 24 hours.
Why Does My Cat Throw Up White Foam? Throwing up white foam is fairly common in cats. Usually, it means that the stomach is empty, and there is no material for the cat to bring up. If the cat is not eating its food but seems to throw up white foam, it could be a sign of a food allergy or a blockage.
A cat throwing up yellow-colored liquid may be an indication of numerous illnesses from indigestion to kidney disease, or may simply mean that your feline needs to be fed smaller meals more often. Yellow-colored, liquid vomit is usually a combination of bile and stomach acids.
Dark, tarry or coffee ground-like bits in vomit can indicate partially digested blood, and that means a visit to the veterinarian. If cat vomit is yellow or pale green, that could be bile and indicate an underlying disease or condition. "It stains and is hard to get out of the carpet," Ward says.
Vomiting typically indicates a problem with either the stomach or intestines or even a non-gastrointestinal system (see list below) within the body. Regurgitation predominately points to a problem specifically with the esophagus (the muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach).
“If a cat vomits frequently or is showing other signs of illness, such as lethargy, inappetence (a lack of appetite), drooling, hiding, diarrhea, or constipation, then the cat needs to be seen by a veterinarian,” Teller said.
There are a few common but chronic (ongoing) illnesses that can cause a cat to frequently throw up. Parasites, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or inflammatory bowel disease are issues that we frequently see in cats. Ailments such as these are treatable but life-threatening if left unchecked.
Regardless of the cause, cases of protracted feline vomiting will need supportive care, often involving intravenous or subcutaneous fluid therapy, and feeding a bland, easily digested diet once the vomiting has stopped.
If your cat is losing weight, vomiting, experiencing diarrhea or constipation as well as refusing to eat, it's time to see your vet. Gastrointestinal problems such as those listed above are serious and may require emergency care.
Natural ways to stimulate appetite in cats
Try luring your cat with a few pieces of their favourite wet food or chunks of fresh tuna. You can also add low-sodium broth or tuna juice to the food as well. Provide variety: Providing variety in their meal plan can stimulate their appetite.
Acute, severe dehydration — such as if your cat is left in a hot room without water all day — may take a few days to fully recover from, and could even require monitoring at the animal hospital. Always consult your veterinarian if you're unsure.
If you're wondering, “Can cats get stomach bugs?” the answer is yes. Rotavirus, a common cause of gastroenteritis in humans, can be passed to your cat. If you have a stomach bug, stay away from your cat until you feel better to keep the virus from spreading.
Some common infections that can cause cats to vomit include intestinal worms, a bacterial infection in the stomach, FeLV (feline leukemia virus), FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus), FIP (feline infectious peritonitis), or Panleukopenia (“feline distemper”). Even heartworm disease can cause your cat to vomit.
Acute vomiting is vomiting that has been present for no more than two to three days. Most cases will respond quickly to simple symptomatic treatment. The cause of such cases is often never established and may be due to relatively trivial factors such as eating spoiled food or plants.
When shopping for an appropriate food for a cat with stomach sensitivity issues, look for easily digested protein sources such as chicken, turkey or non-fatty fish. Healthy carbohydrates such as white potatoes, brown rice, sweet potatoes, peas or quinoa are good choices.