All pet cats vomit at some point and it is not always something to worry about. However, when it becomes persistent you need to understand what the causes may be, and how to treat it. Persistent vomiting can be a sign of a serious underlying illness, so needs veterinary attention.
Symptoms
Occasional vomiting when your kitty is generally well and active otherwise, isn't a problem. However, vomiting for more than 36 hours, or when it's accompanied by depression and lethargy needs investigation; your cat may become dehydrated or there could be a serious issue needing urgent attention. Note other symptoms accompany the vomiting, such as lethargy and diarrhea, to assist diagnosis. Note whether the cat is defecating--this is important as a cat who vomits copiously but isn't defecating may have an intestinal blockage.
Causes
There are many causes of feline vomiting; seriousness depends on duration and other symptoms. The most common cause of vomiting is fur balls from ingesting hair. Other frequent causes of persistent vomiting are gastric upset caused by inappropriate or changed diet, colitis (bowel inflammation), and kidney disease. Cats suffering liver disease or heart failure vomit persistently, too. Poisoning is rarely a cause, but if it's a possibility for you cat, show your veterinarian the packaging from what you believe it has eaten.
Diagnosis
A vital part of diagnosis is the your account of the symptoms and duration of persistent vomiting. Kitty may be sent home for further observation over an agreed period; a few are admitted to the vet practice to be watched by veterinary staff. If further diagnostic tests are still needed, these may include urinary, blood and fecal sampling, endoscopy and x-rays with or without the use of contrast dye.
Treatment
Since most vomiting causes aren't serious, many cats are treated by being starved of food for 24 hours and sent home for observation. All cats must drink normally, though. After 24 hours--and if vomiting has eased--food may have been the main cause. If vomiting persists, however, the vet may give your kitty intra-venous fluids and admit him to the surgery. If treating your kitty at home, keep him inside and away from other pets, and observe everything he eats and passes until you're sure he's fine.
Special Diets
Following a period of persistent vomiting, don't put kitty right back on his normal food because he will be unable to cope. Start with either steamed chicken and rice--or just plain chicken specially prepared for him--or use a prescription "intestinal diet" from the vet; these are highly digestible feeds made of poultry and using only selected proteins that are easy for cats to break down. Keep your kitty off dry diets for a couple of days as he may be unable to digest them and will vomit them back. Feed "little and often."
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