Please Help - Eating a Tuna Sandwitch for Junebug

Hello,

I have a gorgeous and very friendly black cat named Junebug. He's the most affectionate cat I've ever met in my life. He is a little shy at times and can get a little scared and nervous. He is about 11 or 12, and while he has slowed down and gotten lazier, he seems to be doing pretty well in terms of health (he was always a lazy kitty).

Just today, I spent a good hour or two lazing around on the bed hearing him purr. He seemed pretty relaxed and well. About a half an hour after he hopped off my bed, he started puking. It was for the most part pretty violent (usually they are). He puked up about a quarter sized amount of white froth. So for the most part it wasn't too great in quanity.

He ended up puking around 7-8 times in the span of a half an hour. The last time he puked, he did a meow/growl thing, signaling that he was in great distress. He wasn't interested in drinking any water throughout the event.

I'm wondering if this is a bad sign for Junebug's health. The puke was very white and frothy, much like foam. In all the spots where he puked, there is no sign of food (unless the white foam is a sign of something, I'm not sure). Any ideas?

P.S. I gave him some tuna juice to try to hydrate him, so here I am eating a tuna sandwitch

I would take Junebug to the vet as soon as possible.

Originally posted by Kiwideus
I would take Junebug to the vet as soon as possible.

Click to expand...

That sounds like a good idea. However, do you have any information on the froth? While I will take him, I'm still very curious and worried at the same time.

Please take this cat to the vet NOW- it could be anything from something toxic to something caught in his throat, he needs a vet!

I'm going to move this to the Health & Nutrition forum for you. Many of our health experts check that forum first (or only that forum) so they can help where they can.

I have to agree with Kellye, though. A vet trip ASAP - today even! - would be my best advice.

It's been about an hour or two since his last puking, and he seems to be doing fine, even very well and happy! I have called my Mother at work, and when she calls me back I will request that she schedules a trip to vet.

*sighs*

She is reluctant to take him to a vet. I'm not sure what I should do. I kept insisting that she take him, but she kept saying "There's probably nothing they can do... cat's puke all the time".

Please let her know that cats do NOT puke all the time, and if they do they generally puke up hairballs (long tubey things with hair and food) foam, bile and water being vomited up is of great concern because of what it might be- something toxic, or something the cat swallowed that is caught in the throat. Please try and make your mother understand this is not normal- not by a longshot, and even though your cat appears to be okay, they are very capable of holding in pain and discomfort because they know if they show any weakness, their days could be numbered. I hope you can make a persuasive argument.

I will try very hard. I told her that Junebug had not gotten outside (so he didn't eat any foreign substances, or grass). She has always been reluctant. I remember telling her that I was worreid about Tiger, that he was drinking too much water. She never took him to the vet, and he died of liver failure. *sighs*... I'll put up a fight. Thanks, everybody.

I agree with the others, take the cat to the vet ASAP!

I kept insisting that she take him, but she kept saying "There's probably nothing they can do..

Click to expand...

Please tell your mom there have been many advances in veterinary medicine, and that vets can do MUCH MORE to help an animal than they could before.

Thanks you guys. I'm really going to give it a fight this time. I feel terrible when I'm in such a powerless situation. I hope you guys rest assure that I will personally promise you Junebug makes it to the vet, whether my mom wants to take him or not.

Re: Tiger

Liver failure is a horrible thing for a cat to have died of, but it WAS NOT your fault!

Even in situations that are beyond any possible help, a vet can still administer euthanizasia, and end the animal's suffering in a way that is very quick, painless and humane. This is an inexpensive service, and when nothing more can be done, it is also the kindest thing you can do to help an animal that is suffering.

Originally posted by Lorie D.
Re: Tiger

Liver failure is a horrible thing for a cat to have died of, but it WAS NOT your fault!

Even in situations that are beyond any possible help, a vet can still administer euthanizasia, and end the animal's suffering in a way that is very quick, painless and humane. This is an inexpensive service, and when nothing more can be done, it is also the kindest thing you can do to help an animal that is suffering.

Click to expand...

How does this work? It is kind of like a gas? Hopefully it's not a shot. Thank you for bringing it to my attention. In the final days of a cats life, I think it is necessary to do whatever is possible to make his unknown journey as pleasant as can be.

You are right, it was very difficult. Even though he was so thin he could barely walk, he managed to use the litter box like a good cat would. He has been very loyal to me, and as my first cat he will always be so special and significant to me. Liver failure is a treacherous thing to go through, because you are helpless as your cat becomes weaker and weaker. Thank you for your kind words. I am sure Tiger thanks you as much as I do.

UPDATE: Junebug will be going to vet tommorow. I convinced her,

It is a shot, usually they give the cat a shot of a sedative first to relax them, then they get the euthanasia shot and they go to sleep. There are sometimes when the cat will experience tremors right before the final sleep, but usually it is quite a peaceful end to a painful existence.

Tell us what the vet says.

I hope Junebug feels better soon.

Originally posted by a_loveless_gem
Tell us what the vet says.

I hope Junebug feels better soon.

Click to expand...

I will do! Thank you for your care!

Sorry for the long wait. I haven't gotten around to posting, but I have updates on Junebug.

He wet to the vet for a few reasons (the vomiting, general checkup and constant drinking of water). They took some blood and urine and everything came out great. Junebug is an ideal weight cat(actually gained a few pounds from the last checkup!), and is very well. He is very, very healthy! He's on my lap right now licking my hands as I type.

This is good news, thanks for all your replies.

We had a similar situation with Loulou. She started vomiting violently one day a couple of years ago, and vomited at least 12-15 times in a 24-hour period. She was frantically eating as much grass as she could find to help her with the vomiting. We took her to the vet, they did a blood test and a liver problem was instantly diagnosed (don't know what exactly). They immediately put her on medication and suggested we modify her diet, and we monitored her carefully after that with fairly regular blood tests (every few months). She has been fine, touch wood, ever since. Don't let you mum tell you that the vet won't be able to help! Our vet told us that Loulou's situation was "really serious" but she's still alive and kicking and a healthy, happy cat two and a half years later. I know you know that Junebug deserves to have this chance also!