Expert: Jessica - 11/5/2009

Question
I have a 6 month old black siamese kitten. A few weeks ago, she went through a vomit streak of 3 days; first throwing up food, then green bile. I took her to the vet, they took xrays (found nothing), blood test (was normal), then gave her an IV and anti-vomiting medication. Gave me antibiotics and sent me along. She kept throwing up throughout the next day; I kept with antibiotics, and she went back to normal.

Now a couple weeks later, she's back to vomiting for the past 2 days. She doesn't get hairballs... So I'm really stuck for what could be going on. I can't afford another $300 bill without answers. Is it worth taking her into the vet, or should I wait it out?

The only thing I think it might be is that she sometimes gets into packing peanuts and plays with them, but doesn't eat them.

Answer
Hi Hannah.  My youngest blue point was very similar, and I feared something was the matter with him.  But as his digestive and immune systems continued to mature, he had far fewer tummy troubles.

Siamese have notoriously sensitive bellies.  In fact, Royal Canin has formulated a food just for them, called Siamese 38, based on this fact.  Once she's a year old, you may want to consider making this her adult cat food.  Part of the problem is that many Siamese have a habit of not chewing their food well.  If you can find a kibble with a chunky texture that will encourage chewing before swallowing, this could help some.  

Another part of the issue is that their flora & fauna balance can be easily thrown off.  You can help prevent this by giving her a prebiotic/probiotic supplement.  A good one is FortiFlora by Purina (available online, including at www.entirelypets.com).  Another is Proviable by NutraMax, also sold at Entirely Pets and elsewhere online.  You can also get these through your vet.

However, since she's not keeping much food down right now, I'm afraid she will need to see the vet again, at least for fluids and another injection of an anti-emetic.  Your vet might give you a different antibiotic this time.  Flagyl (metronidazole), Albon (sulfadimethoxine), Panacur (fenbendazole) and Tylan (tylosin) may all be tried.  I'm assuming she was dewormed, but if not, an all-wormer like Profender or Drontal would be in order, as well.  Those are by prescription.

I hope she's feeling much better soon!

Jessica