Expert: Becky - 11/30/2005

Question
Hi Becky,

My 6 yr old cat has been vomiting quite a bit lately.  I am use to the normal cat vomiting for hair balls or even when he eats grass but he is also vomiting up food and a liquid like substance that is usually cloudy white/creme colored.  I would guess that he vomits between 5 to 7 times a week.  And he usually will vomit three times in a row.  Do know of any reason why he might be vomiting so much and if there is anything I can give him?  Or do you think it is serious enough that I should take him to the vet?

Answer
Hi Keenan,

This may warrant a vet visit.  Sometimes cats will swallow a string or thread and it gets wound up around the intestines, causing them to throw up their meals.  Does he do it after eating every time?  If so, then yes, take him to a vet as food is unable to go through the intestines.  You say he does it 5-7 days a week.... it may be exactly as you stated... hair balls.  Put some butter or margerine on his paws... he will lick it off. Do that every other day for a week, then about ever two weeks afterwards.  This will help pass the hairballs if that is indeed the problem.  If not... and it continues, then I would take him to the vet, it may be some type of digestive problem.

God Bless,
Becky