Vomiting

pooper scooper

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My cat is a little over a year, believe he's a DSH (see my avatar) he was a sorta rescue, someone I knew had a daughter who bought him but then could not care for him, his next step was shelter so I took him.

He had his initial shots, he just hasn't been neutered yet.  My issue is that I can't pin down why he vomits.  Sometimes it might be once a week, sometimes a few weeks, sometimes it seems like a few days in a row.  The vet said it was normal for a kitten but now that he's a little older I'm wondering if it's still normal (before I take him back).

He seems otherwise ok, matter of fact right after he vomits he's very playful.  Any other time he does not seem to be having any problems, and he eats and drinks normally.

A few months back we bought cat litter from BJ's wholesale brand, which claimed to be 99.9% dust free, and of course it was no where close to that.  When he came out of the box after using it his coat would be grey with dust, and he would vomit.  I only let him use it twice and switched him back to Tidy Cat scoopable immediately.

So my question is, in your experience is it really normal for a cat to vomit at random, or might there be some underlying issue?  He's really good with his food, he doesn't over-feed.
 

mrsgreenjeens

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No, it isn't really normal for a cat to vomit at random.  Tossing up a hairball now and then would be somewhat normal, but vomiting is not normal. 

When he vomits, is the food digested, or not.  Is the vomit just froth, or liquid, or what? 

What do you feed him? 
 
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pooper scooper

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I feed him Purina One smart blend indoor formula for adults.  He used to eat the kitten formula, and we mixed it with this gradually per the directions before switching him over.  He will eat a half to 3/4 cup a day, and he always gets fresh water. 

Mostly there will be a few undigested, seemingly even unbitten kibbles in his vomit which is mostly digested food (mostly solid "mash", can pick up with a napkin and just wipe up excess with soap and water).  Sometimes it's just that froth you mentioned, and that is usually with a hairball but sometimes clear.  Sometimes it's clear with just some kibbles in it that look like they haven't been chewed.  I watch when he eats though, he eats slow and he does appear to be chewing it up?

Occasionally I feed him Whiskas temptations treats.  I used to try to give him a little taste of human food or wet food now and again, but that really seems to turn his stomach, except for turkey, he loves fresh turkey.  We will give him a sliver of that now and again and it never bothers him.

*I often catch him chewing plastic.  Only as often as there is some around that I don't notice until he's chewing on it, once I realised he was doing this I put all plastic out of his reach so now if there is even a little piece somewhere that goes unnoticed, he zeroes right in on it and will start chewing.  I read that many plastics are manufactured with fish oil, but I thought I'd mention this in case it mattered.

He is due for his next shots in October, I'm wondering if I should take him back to the vet before then.  He doesn't seem malnurished, my one friend thinks he's thin, but her cats were much older and I have seen him grow a lot.  He's very active and he doesn't eat all day, so I think he's just "in shape".

Thank you for your response :)
 
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mrsgreenjeens

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Well, one of my cats threw up frequently, so I switched him to Purina One Sensitive Stomach (that was before I switched them all to raw).  That really helped a LOT.  So, it could be your guy just has a sensitive stomach, since he doesn't appear to be overeating, and since he isn't throwing up constantly.

I'm actually not sure what all the different scenarios mean (undigested vs digested, etc.), but wanted to have the info in case someone reads this who has a lot more knowledge on the subject than I do. I think when they throw up just froth (without any hairball, it means an over acidic stomach, but this is also different than throwing up liquid.  This froth is actually just a white froth that quickly disappears into the carpet.  Unless you actually see them doing it, it's hard to find it later (I know this one from lots of experience
)

I would definitely speak to your Vet when he goes in for his next exam, and if it gets any more frequent, would make than appointment sooner. 

I wouldn't try to feed him any human food with the exception of meat, raw preferably, and if cooked, only without onion, garlic or spices.  Cats don't need grains, starches, fruits or vegies.
 
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pooper scooper

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Thanks :D that's good to know because when I chop up green peppers and onions he goes nuts (I usually only give him one piece) that's the thing with all food, if it's something he really wants like turkey he will beg and knead our legs, but otherwise he's very good with his food manners.  He will sit up on the chair or something and wait and see if there is any for him.  And even with turkey once he's had a sliver or two he's done, and he walks away. 

I do know the frothy one, because I have seen that happen.  I'm home with him daily so I will get him there sooner if anything changes.  I was going to do that anyway I just thought it might feel better to talk it out (and it does :) )

Thank you!
 

princessesme

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I agree with mrsgreenjeans. It just sounds like him and his food just aren't getting along. Also, maybe try switching to a grain free kibble and/or grain free wet? My girl, Esme, transitioned very easily over to Before Grain dry, when I transitioned her after adopting her from the shelter. If cost is an issue, based on my local store prices and online, Before Grain was an affordable grain free kibble option.

Also, if you are looking for a dust-free (or mostly), check out Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Ultra. I switched our kitties over to it due to the dust, and it has helped Esme with her breathing (since the dust bothered her).


If you are in the US, I know PetSmart carries it for a decent price. HTH!
 
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