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It the cause is a simple stomach upset,
withhold food for the remainder of the day to
allow his stomach to settle, but provide plenty of
water. Provide small portions of bland food for
the next few days or until he is visibly
recovered. If the vomiting is due to food
intolerances; try a different variety or different
brand. Organic cat foods (e.g. Yarrah) or ones
without artificial additives may help. A Selected
Protein prescription diet may be required. If
preservatives are the cause, a fresh meat diet
with nutritional supplements may be required.
Non-preservative usually have a shorter shelf
life. If vomiting is due to eating inappropriate
items, you must restrict access to these items!
Vomiting convulsions place a great strain on an
elderly cat's system, using up energy and causing
muscle strain. Continued vomiting causes serious
dehydration. In brain experiments, scientists
forced cats to retch or vomit continuously; the
cats died from exhaustion and dehydration in under
24 hours. If your cat vomits, provide clean, fresh
water so it can rehydrate. If he is under
veterinary supervision or convalescing, the vet
may recommend you provide an electrolyte drink
(e.g. Lectade) or may use intravenous rehydration/feeding
to reduce the strain on its stomach.
Occasional vomiting and regurgitation is
normal, but continued or repeated vomiting or
regurgitation is a sign of an underlying or more
serious problem. If you suspect the vomiting is
not simply indigestion or hairballs, visit the vet
promptly. The earlier the cause is diagnosed, the
more successful the treatment is likely to be.
Visit the vet promptly if your vomiting cat has
diarrhea, is lethargic, won't eat or drink, or the
vomit contains blood.
Lower
Digestive Tract - Bowel
What goes in must come out so keep an eye on
your cat's litter tray or toileting area and learn
what is 'normal' for your cat. Some cats produce
softer stools than others. Some foods may cause
looser or firmer stools, but be alert for signs of
worms, constipation, diarrhea or bloodstained
stools and take him to the vet if you see anything
abnormal.
Diarrhea (watery stools) occurs when the large
intestine doesn't reabsorb liquid from digested
food. This may the body rushing through waste
matter (e.g. in cases of infection) or a
malfunction of the gut. The most common cause is
dietary upset or milk intolerance. A change of
diet, internal parasites, antibiotics and steroids
can also cause diarrhea. Most of these causes are
easily treated though it takes time for the cat's
system to settle back down to normal.
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