Have you ever noticed your cat throwing up white foam? At first, you thought it was just a spit-up since your cat already threw up a day ago. Then the next time it happened, you became frightened that your cat was suffering from a serious health condition, such as an intestinal blockage.
Why is my cat throwing up white foam?
If your cat is throwing up foam, it can be a sign of a variety of different things. The most common cause is an upset stomach, but there are other possibilities as well.
The most important thing to remember about throwing up white foam is that it’s not necessarily an emergency. If your cat is otherwise acting normally, eating and drinking normally, and there aren’t any other symptoms like excessive thirst or lethargy, then you don’t need to rush to the vet.
When should I be worried about my cat throwing up?
If your cat seems in pain or discomfort (particularly if they’re vomiting repeatedly, drooling or salivating excessively), you should call the vet immediately. In addition to acting sick themselves, cats can also become sick from eating something toxic or contaminated, so it’s important that you rule out any potential causes before taking any action—otherwise, you could end up making matters worse for both your cat and yourself!
cat vomiting white foam treatment
Here are some steps to take if your cat is throwing up white foam:
- Remove food and water: Remove your cat’s food and water bowls for 12 hours. This will help to give your cat’s stomach a chance to settle down.
- Monitor your cat: Observe your cat closely and look for other signs of illness, such as lethargy, lack of appetite, or diarrhea.
- Reintroduce food: After 12 hours, reintroduce a small amount of bland food such as boiled chicken or white rice. Offer this to your cat in small portions and monitor their reaction. If they keep the food down, you can gradually increase the portion size over the next few days.
- Give water: Offer water in small amounts frequently to prevent dehydration.
- Monitor your cat’s behavior: Observe your cat for any changes in behavior, such as vomiting again or exhibiting other signs of illness. If your cat continues to vomit or shows signs of dehydration, such as lethargy or reduced urination, you should seek veterinary attention immediately.
Reasons Why Cats Throw Up
- Hairballs: Hairballs are a common cause of vomiting in cats. When cats groom themselves, they ingest hair; over time, hair can accumulate in the stomach and form a hairball. If the hairball is too big to pass through the digestive system, the cat may vomit to get rid of it. To prevent hairballs, it’s essential to groom your cat regularly, especially during shedding season, and consider adding a hairball prevention supplement to their diet.
- Dietary indiscretion: Cats have sensitive stomachs, and feeding them inappropriate foods can lead to vomiting. Cats may vomit after eating something that doesn’t agree with their stomachs, such as spoiled food, too much food, or new foods that they are not used to. Feeding your cat a balanced diet of high-quality cat food is vital to prevent dietary indiscretion.
- Gastrointestinal issues: Gastrointestinal issues such as infections, inflammation, or obstruction can cause cats to vomit. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pancreatitis, and gastroenteritis are common gastrointestinal issues in cats that can cause vomiting. It’s important to seek veterinary attention if your cat is experiencing frequent vomiting, diarrhea, or other symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or weight loss.
- Foreign bodies: Cats are curious creatures, and they may ingest objects that they shouldn’t, such as hair ties, toys, or strings. These foreign bodies can get stuck in the digestive system and cause vomiting. Suppose you suspect your cat has ingested a foreign body. In that case, seeking veterinary attention as soon as possible is important, as it could lead to serious health issues if left untreated.
- Motion sickness: Just like humans, some cats are prone to motion sickness. If your cat vomits during car rides or other forms of transportation, it may be due to motion sickness. Speak to your veterinarian about possible treatment options to help your cat feel more comfortable during travel.
What can I give my cat for vomiting?
If you’re wondering what to give your cat for vomiting, you can try a few things.
- Make sure that your cat has enough water. If your cat doesn’t have enough water, the vomiting may be due to dehydration or simply not being able to hold down water.
- If you suspect dehydration, you can give your cat some Pedialyte or another electrolyte solution. You can also offer your cat wet food or chicken broth; these will help hydrate it as well as provide nutrients that might help settle its stomach.
- If your cat is just throwing up out of anxiety, offering it something small, like a bit of tuna fish from your plate or a little hairball remedy (which contains ginger), might help calm it down and get it feeling better.
Why Does My Cat Throw Up Undigested Food?
It’s not uncommon for cats to throw up undigested food, and it can have several causes.
One cause is simply that your cat ate too much, which is particularly common if you’re feeding a large breed of cat or an older cat whose metabolism has slowed down. In these cases, it’s best to watch your cat closely when they eat and stop feeding them as soon as they begin to look full.
Another possible cause is a food allergy or sensitivity. Cats with this issue often vomit after eating the same thing repeatedly, so if you think your cat might be allergic to something in their diet, try switching brands or ingredients.
Finally, there are some medications that can cause vomiting in cats. If your cat starts throwing up undigested food after taking any kind of medication or supplement, talk with your vet about stopping it immediately so that no further harm comes from it.
Conclusion
If your cat is throwing up white foam, it is essential to diagnose if the cat is sick. White foam is usually due to stomach acid secretion or a food allergy, so it is important to rule out other issues like parasites or a more serious issue such as pancreatitis.