Expert: Norman Auspitz - 12/30/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello,
I just got a cat for the first time about 1.5 weeks ago and she is probably at least a year old. She is vigorous and outgoing but she keeps throwing up every meal I give her starting yesterday. She has thrown up all over my house in various places and had never done this until yesterday. I haven't switched her food either. She acts like she's always hungry and meows at me constantly whenever I go in the kitchen like she's starved and wants more food. I know nothing about cats, this is my first cat and I don't want to be over-feeding her or possibly feeding her the wrong foods. Is this normal/common and what is usually the cause for something like this. She is going to see her vet, but should I keep feeding her until then even though she throws it up? Please advise!

ANSWER: Sara,

See what the vet says.  It is not unusual for cats to throw up occasionally, but not after every meal. It is more likely that there is something medically going on or she got into something or the food is something that disagrees with her.  It would be nice if you could get a history on her to see what she was being fed before you got her.

The fact that she was OK for a week and a half would seem to indicate something that just came up.  

What are you feeding her? Did you change foods before she started throwing up?

BTW, constant meowing may not indicate she is hungry. We do not really know why cats meow at us or what they want when they do meow.

I would feed her many small meals until your vet has had a chance to see what is going on.  If you are feeding dry, I would avoid foods with corn, wheat or soy, especially the glutens.

Please let me know how it goes.

Best regards... Norm.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I believe I was over-feeding her. I realized she doesn't need her dish full all the time and that's what I was doing. She saw her vet and the vet did a fecal exam and found tapeworm. Perhaps this is contributing? She got all of her vaccines and bloodwork so, hopefully, if I get her on a regular eating regimen rather than refilling the dish whenever she eats it, then she won't overeat and vomit as a result. She is pouting under my bed after her vet visit. My vet recommended Purina food products. I have heard from others that there are better brands, what is your take?

Answer
Sara,

OK, now that you have got the amount down to something reasonable, we use a dry food that has no wheat, corn, or soy.  It is am Eagle Pack Pro product and is called Holistic Select (they have three flavors chicken, duck, and salmon).  We use the chicken which is a kitten/adult formula and has extra protein.  We also mix our dry food with a good canned (9-Lives or Friskies) when feeding, but this might not be practical for one cat.  If your cat is thriving on the Purina keeping her weight, not throwing up, not gaining too much weight, then I would leave it alone.

The problem with switching brands, is there is no guarantee your cat will eat the new product.  A number of people mix a couple of different types of dry together when they feed. Thus, again, you have to do what works for you and your cat. As I said above, if she is thriving on the Purina, leave it be.

Best regards... Norm.