07 July 2008

How to Treat a Cat That Is Vomiting

Vomiting is one of the most commonly encountered problems in veterinary medicine. It is nature's way of permitting cats to rid his or her stomach of irritating substances such as spoiled food or other foreign material such as hairballs or plants. But not all vomiting is due to simple irritation.

More serious causes of vomiting are viral infections, obstructions caused by string or other foreign objects, and diseases of the liver, pancreas, or kidney. However, it is important to seek professional help if there are signs of bleeding, or if the cat is depressed and still vomiting after initial efforts at control have failed. If a cat is vomiting, use the following cat care tips:

Step 1: Remove all food and water for at least 12 to 24 hours.

Step 2: If the cat's vomit contains blood or is frequent, contact the veterinarian immediately. If not, proceed to Step 3.

Step 3: After 12 to 24 hours, feed the cat a mixture of small quantities of boiled chicken breasts, skinned and boned, with rice (50:50 mixture). Alternately, chicken baby food may be substituted. If this is held down, a transition to a regular diet should take place over the next two days by mixing in regular cat food, reducing the chicken and rice amounts and increasing the regular cat food amounts.

Step 4: Vomiting can be a sign of many diseases. Do not be fooled into thinking that it is just fur balls. If vomiting continues on a frequent basis, professional help must be sought.

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