AboutCarol Experience Since childhood I have cared for, raised, and loved many, many cats. I have been a care-giver to assorted types and personalities of cats and kittens with all sorts of behaviors and attitudes. I have also dealt with the joys, heartbreaks, and frustrations that come from being an animal owner.
Expert: Carol Date: 7/23/2008 Subject: eat and vomit.
Question I have two cats. Peanut (farm cat) is about 12 years old (neutered) and I rescued Mimi (spayed) from an animal shelter for my birthday almost 4 years ago. She is 4 years old now.
Peanut, loves to eat plastic. chip bags, garbage bags, cigarette wrappers, ect. I can usually hear him so I quickly take it away but occasionally, he gets away with it. Afterwards, not even five minutes, he's throwing it back up (thankfully). Sometimes, I'll see him at their food dish, then a little while later, I hear him gagging. I'm beginning to think he is bulimic. He's done this most of his life.
Mimi, is not a plastic eater, but also has the bulimia problem.
When I clean up their messes (when cat food is involved), I notice that there are whole pieces of food in their vomit. They didn't even chew it! Mimi is not as bad about the not chewing thing, but Peanut is.
So, are my cats bulimic? Or are they just eating too fast?
thank you for reading this.
Sincerely,
Somer, Peanut & Mimi.
Answer Somer,
You are playing Russian Roulette with your cat's life! You have been lucky so far that he has vomited or defecated the pieces, but one time he won't, and it will more than likely kill him when it gets stuck in his stomach, or intestines and causes a blockage and/or cuts off the blood supply to both organs! Why do you allow the cat access to plastic? Put them away where he can't get to them! I'm sorry to sound harsh, but it is a serious behavior that can have deadly consequences.
If you see ANY signs of discomfort, body twisting, or pain take him to the vet immediately!
When cats eat, lick, suck, or chew non-food objects or clothing it is called 'Pica'. There is no known cure. Vets are not sure of the cause. Some medical possibilities have included anemia, a mineral dificiency, or a psychological disturbance. Behavioral possibilities have included attention-getting, boredom, hungar, or attraction to the odor of the object.
As cats get older, their dietary needs change. They have different requirements and needs. There may be some mineral that is used in the manufacturing of the plastic that the cat is missing in his system. It is something to speak to a vet about. But cigarette wrappers are cellophane, and that is VERY hazardous to cats.
As far as the vomiting goes it is a good possiblitiy that it is intestinal worms or parasites causing it. Do not buy over the counter wormer though, the worms are becoming immune to it. Get it from a vet who has the latest products on the market. You also need to see the vet for the wormer because you need the correct dosage for your cat plus you need the correct wormer for the type of worms the cat may have...there are a number of them.
A cat also vomits when he eats too fast. Have you tried leaving a bowl of a good quality dry food out all the time so that they can nibble? Then they won't gobble their canned food as fast.
Hairballs could have a lot to do with the vomiting also. Keep the cats brushed daily. Also put a small amount of mayonnaise or butter down their front legs frequently. The grease in either one helps keep their insides 'greased' which helps digestion.
It is a possible, but not common, that the cats have acquired an allergic reaction to the food. There may be something in the food that does not agree with them. Ask the vet about a catfood for sensitive stomachs and see if that helps.
The 12 year old, who is approximately 64 years old in human years, may have teeth problems, or is starting to lose his teeth, which can be the reason the food is not chewed well.
I would take him to the vet for an "older cat checkup". All elderly cats need one periodically as they age.
I hope this helps. And put away any plastic...in drawers (you can put child proof closures on them if he can open them), in a garbage can with a tight lid, etc.
