lethargy and white, foamy vomit

The family cat, Big Kitty (8 yrs., male), started making these terrifying (for him and us) hacking noises last night and throwing up both large and unbelievably small piles of white foam. He's an indoor cat whose only time outside are only when he steathily zips past someone out the door, only to be fetched and brought back in within the minute. He usually has a proud (almost arrogant) manner of keeping himself and sick and lethargic isn't a way we've seen him very often.

He has serious problems with the vet's office when he goes (turns from "nice enough", to "evil psycho tantrum"), so the vet isn't to psyched about us bringing him in if it isn't completely necessary. The vet (via phone) suggested seeing if he was using the litter box (he had just urinated) and giving him a little Pepto Bismol (I'm really not sure about that...)

In any case, I'm wondering if this problem could be a hairball (I've never seen a cat groom as much as he does) or something worse. I'd really like to be able to take him to the vet, but I don't want to cause him any more stress then need be if it's some common ailment that can be treated without subjecting him to a visit to the place he hates most. Any ideas on what this might be? Thank a bundle!

Since none of us here are vets and wouldn't diagnose your kitty without being able to see him anyway, my only suggestion is take this kitty to the vet. Foaming at the mouth and throwing up certainly indicates something is definitely wrong and a trip to the vet is the only way to find out what it is. As for the vet prescribing Pepto Bismal instead of seeing your cat, perhaps it's time to change vets.

This is just my opinion, and I'm sure that a mod or someone with more experience and knowledge will be along to post shortly, but your vet not wanting to see that cat angers me. If he is lethargic and throwing up, something is obviously not right, and he needs to be seen. I would not give my cat Pepto-Bismal, nor would I be trying to self-treat my cat at home. Cats hide their pain and illness extremely well, and if you are noticing his lethargy, something is definitely wrong.

I just wanted to clarify, he isn't "foaming at the mouth," but throwing up foam. If he was foaming at the mouth, I'd be beside myself right now. Also, the vet didn't recommend Pepto in lieu of RX vet meds, but as something to calm him until he could be seen, if need be. His reluctance to see the cat was more in effort to cause the cat less stress than to simply brush off his job. My purpose in posting was not to supplement medical advice, but rather ask if this was just a symptom of something as simple as a hairball since my cats have only have those once or twice --and minor ones at that. Anyway, I'm sorry I didn't make all that clear initially.

I am sure he needs to see a vet ASAP
Could he have gotten into any thing poisonous???
Linda

Don't give him Pepto Bismal... I think it has something in it that is toxic to cats... it's in another thread on here somewhere.

I definitely say go to the vet. Perhaps some Rescue Remedy or Feliway spray would help calm him down?

Good Luck!

We took took him to the vet and he handled himself with absolute class (hissing only once). Some bloodwork and x-rays determined a tumor that had been pressing into his intestines and stomach. He conducted exploratory surgery to see if it could be removed. It couldn't. He wouldn't live more than a few more days. It would have been terribly, terribly cruel to have him come out from under the anesthesia for our sakes to say goodbye just to have him put down after, so they let him go. It was just shocking that it happened so quickly --no signs of anything until less than 24 hours ago.

I don't have any flowery eulogy for him as a send-off. Maybe I will in the next few days. We're just missing that grump right now. He was a hissing psycho more often than not and I've seen angry scorpions with more pleasant personalities. But we all loved that arrogant, hotshot SO much. So, we're still kind of reeling, clearly.

I sorry to read of your loss. I too had a cat that went from "healthy" to not in a matter of a couple of days.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Hugs to you.

I'm moving this to the Rainbow Bridge.

RIP Big Kitty.
You were loved.

I'm so very sorry It was a painful decision what you had to do but i'm sure your little boy understood you did what was best for him.

Have fun over the bridge Big Kitty

I'm so sorry for your loss. RIP big guy.

How heartbreaking for you and your family to lose Big Kitty so suddenly. It sounds like he had quite the personality! May your memories of him comfort you. At least he didn't have to suffer very long or be subjected to numerous visits to the vet, which it sounds like he disliked worse than most.

You know you were loved, Big Kitty. Rest in peace at the bridge until you meet your people again.

Aw Kristin, I'm so sorry it happened so quickly that you weren't able to say goodbye. There wasn't anything else you could have done.

Condolences on the loss of Big Kitty. Poor baby...thank you for doing what was necessary, rather than prolonging his suffering. May you find peace after the sudden loss of your cat.

I have also had the occasional crochety cat. Although they may not be as fun on a day to day basis...somehow they become so very beloved.

Rest in peace, Big Kitty!

I too, had a cat that had more than a few hissy moments, and she was much beloved in our family. We still miss her 12 years after her passing.

So sorry for the loss of Big Kitty. He was loved and cared for and your memories of him will delight you again and again

I am very sorry for your loss. It's so difficult when they fail this quickly and we lose them unexpectedly. We are still reeling from losing Sunni last summer. Please accept my sincere condolences. RIP Big Kitty.

grump or not - they always manage to crawl into our hearts

I am deeply sorry for your loss, sudden as it was.

RIP

Condolences on your loss of Big Kitty. It never ceases to amaze me the extent to which cats disguise their illnesses & injuries so completely. Big Kitty was able to pass on while the trail over Rainbow Bridge was made wide and easy by the anesthesthia and you gave the truest gift of love when you let him keep on going - true love, indeed, can be letting go. At 8yrs., Big Kitty was in the prime of life and I am so sorry for your entire family. Hugs, Susan