Expert: Jessica - 9/29/2010

Question
my cat has started throwing up her food.  i thought at first maybe i was feeding her to much.  so lately i just feed her a small amount at a time.  sometimes she keeps it down but other times she gets sick right a way.  this has been going on for at least 4 days what can i do ?

Answer
Hi Connie,

Sorry to say, but she should see a vet.  Vomiting continuously for more than a couple days usually indicates a problem.  She may have parasitic worms, a virus, a protozoan or bacterial infection, or something more serious, such as kidney problems, pancreatitis or Inflammatory Bowel Disease.  It may even be possible this is just a hairball problem, but because chronic vomiting can lead to complications like dehydration, and you don’t want to ignore it if it’s a sign of something serious, you should have a vet check it out right away.

The vet is likely to administer a dewormer and an antibiotic that will reduce inflammation of her gastrointestinal tract, as well as kill some bacteria and protozoan germs.  If hairballs are suspected, you may be sent home with a hairball treatment to give her.  If the vet notices signs on her physical exam that she may be suffering kidney, liver or pancreas problems, they may suggest that you run some blood work on her.  And if she appears to be dehydrated, the vet can give her fluids under the skin to correct it.  A food that is mild on her stomach, as well as an anti-nausea medication such as Cerenia, might also be appropriate.

Best of luck!

Jessica