cat throwing up

[lucypevensie]

Our 2 year old male cat who normally is a picture of health and had never thown up in his life has all of a sudden started to throw up about once a week or so. I have seen no changes in his appetite or disposition. He might be gaining a little weight but he's definitely not fat. Plus it's winter in WI so it's fine for him to gain a little weight. He does go outside. Once when he vomited my kids said ''ewww it's POOP!" and it did look like a big brown "log" sitting in the pile . Is that a hairball? (Sorry if this is gross BTW.) He has orange fur, not dark brown.

any ideas what might make him vomit? Even if it's something obvious to you, let me know, I don't know what to do about this. It's getting to the point where you have to watch your step around here

 

[Dagna]

Definately could be a hairball. Could also be poisoning. I would think more of a hairball than poisoning since your kitty is still alive. Keep your kitty brushed and it should help. You can also get laxatone from your vet. It's a gel that you give to your cat (most cats love it) that helps keep hairballs to a minimum.


Also, just want to take a bit of time here to remind everyone that winter is coming up, very dangerous time for kitties to be outside. Between antifreeze poisoning and kitties getting chopped up by fan belts while lounging in a warm car engine, this is not a good time for kitties to be outside! If possible, bring your cats inside for the winter!

 

[TCapp]

My cats always threw up after eating lizards. Perhaps your cat has been eating wildlife or plants (or other stuff) that upsets him? Just a thought.

 

[oworm]

From what you describe its almost certainly a hairball. Quite natural and normally nothing to worry about but it is good and helpfull to him if you brush regularly to keep his hair intake to a minimum. Liquid parrafin (yes parrafin but not the stuff from gas stations!!) half a teaspoon in his food helps. You can usually get it from your pharmacy.

The worst thing about hairballs is standing on them in your bare feet first thing in the morning when your trying to find your way to the kitchen!!

 

[Durelen]

Yeah sounds like hairball
You can get medicine for cats that will make all that hair pass through the other end of the cat.
It's a paste and you smear it on a paw so they lick it off.

 

[lucypevensie]

It can't hurt to at least try a hairball remedy. I'll stop and pick some up tomorrow. Thanks

 

[moerunamida]

If the hairball remedy does not work, try switching cat foods. It may be something in his food that is causing him to be sick.

~Mandie

 

[HesMyAll]

It might well be a hairball, but I would take a sample of it in to the veterinarian's office and have it looked at. Your vet could then recommend a treatment.

 

[KristiXP]

My cat used to puke after she ate. She has long hair and it was her hairballs causing her to throw up. We feed her IAMS Hairball Care and she dosn't throw up any more.

 

[Number 81]

Has he had any shots lately? My dog just had a shot and he has had diarrhea for the past few weeks.

 

[lucypevensie]

I bought some hairball remedy last week and it has been more than a week without throwing up. I'm so glad. He loves the stuff too. He gets all excited when he sees what I have for him:lol:

 

[TCapp]

Yay! Pat Kitty on the head for me.

 

[4GivnGrrl]

Just thought I'd add this tip: plain old petroleum jelly---yes, VASELINE---works quite well. I've never bought the other things mentioned, b/c it's just so cheap and effective. Most cate will gladly lick it off your finger, but if not, put a fair-sized glob on a front paw and they will get it.