
Cats throwing up white foam is a common occurrence that may be caused by various issues, including dietary changes, gastritis, inflammatory bowel syndrome, and hairballs. While occasional vomiting is normal, frequent vomiting is a cause for concern and may indicate a more serious health issue. If your cat is vomiting white foam, it is important to observe their behaviour and look for other symptoms such as lethargy, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and diarrhoea. In most cases, withholding food and water for a few hours and then gradually reintroducing a bland diet can help settle your cat's stomach. However, if the vomiting persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Reason | Dietary changes, gastritis, inflammatory bowel syndrome, hairballs, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, pancreatitis, liver disease, chronic kidney disease, an overactive thyroid, parasitic infection, poisoning, digestion problems, metabolic disorders, intestinal or urinary tract obstruction, thyroid disease, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, infection, liver disease, etc. |
Treatment | Fasting for a few hours, feeding small amounts of bland food every few hours, boiled chicken, pumpkin, probiotic yogurt, anti-vomiting medication, ice cubes, unflavored Pedialyte, etc. |
Fasting and bland diet
Fasting and a bland diet are recommended for cats with upset stomachs. Cats may experience an upset stomach due to a variety of reasons, including a sudden change in diet, ingestion of foreign objects, medication side effects, toxic food, pancreatitis, viral or bacterial infections, inflammatory bowel disease, or metabolic diseases.
If your cat has an upset stomach, it is recommended to withhold food for 12 to 24 hours. During this time, ensure that your cat stays hydrated by providing access to clean, fresh water. It is important to note that cats should not go without food for more than 24 hours, as they may develop a serious condition called "fatty liver disease." After the fasting period, gradually reintroduce food by offering small meals of bland, easily digestible food, such as boiled chicken or hamburger with the fat poured off, rice, cottage cheese, or chicken and rice in a 1:4 ratio. This bland diet should be fed 4 to 6 times a day for 3 to 7 days. If your cat is still not interested in food, you can try warming up the food or offering an appetite stimulant like Nutrical, which is available at most pet stores.
It is important to closely monitor your cat during this time and contact your veterinarian if the vomiting persists or if your cat shows other signs of illness, such as lethargy, refusal to eat, or diarrhoea.
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Hairballs
To prevent hairballs, you can regularly brush your cat to remove any loose fur from their coat. There are also over-the-counter dietary supplements available in gel and chew forms that can help with hairballs.
If your cat is throwing up hairballs frequently, or if you notice other unusual behaviours, you should consult your veterinarian.
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Inflammatory bowel disease
IBD can affect any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract but most commonly affects the stomach and/or intestines. If the stomach is involved, your cat will experience chronic vomiting. If the intestines are involved, chronic diarrhea will occur. In some cases, both parts of the digestive tract are involved, resulting in both vomiting and diarrhea.
IBD can be challenging to diagnose, but cats can still have a great quality of life and live a long time with the appropriate treatment.
Symptoms of IBD in Cats
IBD symptoms in cats usually occur with increased frequency over time (daily, weekly, or monthly). Symptoms include:
- Chronic intermittent vomiting
- Rumbling and gurgling abdominal sounds
- Bright red blood in the stool
- Distressed coat hair
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Lack of energy
- Vomiting blood, food, or bile
Diagnosing IBD in Cats
Your veterinarian will take a detailed history and ask questions about the duration and frequency of symptoms. They will then perform a complete physical examination, followed by routine laboratory tests, including:
- Complete blood count
- Biochemistry profile
While these tests do not definitively diagnose IBD, they help rule out other diseases with similar symptoms, such as kidney disease, elevated thyroid levels, and liver disease.
An abdominal ultrasound may also be recommended to assess the thickness of the stomach and intestinal walls, which can be significantly thicker in cats with IBD.
The only way to conclusively diagnose IBD and determine its extent is through tissue biopsies, which are obtained through surgery or endoscopy.
Treating IBD in Cats
While there is no cure for IBD in cats, symptoms can often be managed through dietary changes, medications, and other treatment methods.
Dietary management is a critical component of therapy, with hypoallergenic or novel protein diets being the most recommended. It usually takes two to four weeks to see if your cat responds to a new diet, and it may be necessary to try several types of diets to find the most effective one. During the diet trial, only feed your cat the prescribed food, and avoid giving treats, tuna, or anything flavored, including medications.
In some cases, a change in diet alone may not be enough, and medications are needed. The most common medications used to treat IBD are immunosuppressive drugs, such as steroids, to reduce the immune system's response. Antibiotics may also be prescribed if your cat has diarrhea.
Prebiotics and probiotics may also help balance GI bacteria that can potentially contribute to the development of IBD. Soluble fibers, such as psyllium, may be added to your cat's diet if inflammatory colitis is an issue. Additionally, folate or vitamin B12 supplements can be given if your cat is deficient.
The goal of IBD treatment is to minimize symptoms so your cat can have a good quality of life. With proper management, your cat can maintain a comfortable and healthy life. However, relapses may occur, and strict compliance with diet and medication regimens is essential, along with careful monitoring by your veterinarian.
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Peppermint tea
If your cat is throwing up white foam, it is usually because they are vomiting on an empty stomach. This can be due to a change in their feeding schedule, or because they are not being fed on time. The build-up of gastric juices and hydrochloric acid can irritate the stomach and cause your cat to vomit.
If your cat is throwing up white foam, it could be a precursor to a hairball. Hairballs occur when a cat swallows loose hair while grooming, and the hair builds up in their digestive system.
Other reasons for a cat throwing up white foam include gastritis, inflammatory bowel disease, adrenal gland disease, and kidney failure. If your cat is repeatedly throwing up white foam, it is important to monitor them for other symptoms and contact your vet if you are concerned.
It is important to note that while home remedies can help with the symptom of vomiting white foam in cats, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
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Mineral oil
It is recommended to add a teaspoon of mineral oil to a cat's food twice a week to prevent constipation and vomiting. However, it is important to note that some sources advise against giving mineral oil to cats, as it may not be effective and could potentially make them very sick.
If your cat is throwing up white foam, it is important to monitor them closely and contact your veterinarian if the condition persists or is accompanied by other signs of illness.
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Frequently asked questions
Common reasons for cats to throw up white foam include dietary changes, gastritis, inflammatory bowel syndrome, and hairballs.
Observe your cat's behaviour. If your cat looks normal after throwing up, with normal behaviour, appetite, and bowel movement, this could be a one-off thing that will resolve on its own. If the vomiting continues, however, you should withhold food for a couple of hours while continuing to observe them. If your cat doesn't vomit, give them a few tablespoons of water and continue observing. If your cat doesn't vomit after taking small amounts of water, you can start giving very small amounts of bland food every few hours.
Pumpkin is a great natural remedy for vomiting. It helps prevent vomiting by aiding your cat's digestion and helping them pass any ingested fur. Giving your cat probiotic yoghurt can also help with vomiting, as it contains a good amount of healthy bacteria, which can restore the natural balance of bacteria in your cat's gut and soothe their stomach.
If the vomiting has been going on for more than 2 days, or if your cat is also showing other symptoms like lethargy, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, pain, distress, diarrhoea, bloody stool, fever, or blood in vomit, you should take your cat to the vet.