Help, my boy's barfing too much

[engsohere]

Ok, my cat has been barfing for the past couple of days. Previously he would barf about once every 10-15 days, sometimes he will go as long as 20+ days without barfing. Just a little history...

May 1st he barfed once

May 9th he barfed twice

Today he barfed again

I'm worried because he has never barfed twice in one day and as you can see he's already barfed 4 times this month.

I feed him Soild Gold Katz n' Flockin', which I think is a very high quality food, and he's been on it for 6-7 months so I doubt that's the problem. I've been free feeding him as well, he eats about 4-5 times a day, little amounts throughout the day. He's drinking lots of water and elimination habits are unchanged. So I really don't know what could be wrong?

Could it the the warmer weather? Right now it's about high 80's during the day and I'm not running AC, just the windows open and the overhead fans. One thing I've noticed is that he's shedding a lot of hair, which I guess is normal since summer is approaching.

I would like to hear from anyone who has had similar problems, and what suggestions can you offer me. Thanks.

[kb2yjx]

How old is your cat?? Is there fur in the vomit? When you say he drinks "lots", how much is " lots?" Does he only eat dry food??

[Grace]

Take him to the Vet.

I've only had one cat who vomited that much and he had cancer.

[engsohere]

Thanks for the reply...

I'm not sure of his age, maybe two no older than three. I took him in as a stray about a year ago. He drinks about 8-10 times a day, and not just little sips, sometimes he drinks up to a minute. Yes, I only feed him the Soild Gold dry food. Just for reference...

Jan 08, barfed 1st, 15th, 18th, 21st
Feb 08, barfed 7th, 29th
Mar 08, barfed 3rd, 10th, 29th
Apr 08, barfed 2nd, 25th

Sometimes there's very little hair in his vomit, but he's a DSH so I doubt that's an issue. On the other hand, he's really been shedding alot so that could make sense. Right now I'm leaning toward the warmer weather as the cause, but this is a first for me so I can't say for sure. Here are a few pics...

[Medusa]

If he's vomiting food, it could be that he's eating too much too fast. My little Creamsicle does that and sometimes she doesn't even leave the food dish and she's throwing it up. I have to put a large stone in the center of the food dish so that she's forced to eat around it slowly, thereby causing less vomiting. If it's a lot of liquid vomit, especially dark liquid, it could be bile and that isn't good. It could indicate a liver problem. Take him to your vet and then you'll know for sure. Whatever the reason, frequent vomiting isn't normal and should be checked out. Since he's drinking so much, sometimes for as long as up to a minute, he could also be dehydrated from the vomiting or he could have early indications of a kidney problem. I haven another cat, Puddy, who drinks like that but she's in chronic renal failure. The hair loss could be because he's shedding his winter coat or it could be due to illness. Do your cat and yourself a favor and take him to your vet w/out delay. And please let us know what your vet says and how he's doing.

[engsohere]

Thanks for the suggestion Medusa. I don't have a vet so what should I look for in an establishment? What types of test will they do and when will I know the results?

I hope it's not serious but it just worries me since he's never barfed twice in one day before. Yes, he vomits soild food, not liquids, and he usually does it within 5 minutes after the meal. I also notice he's drinking more water now than during colder weather. I did some research on the net and some people say it's okay for a cat to barf once or twice a week, is this true?

[Grace]

He's adorable - what's his name? He certainly doesn't look like he is losing weight.

You do need to find Vet, though. Do you have friends with pets? If so, ask them about their Vets. Are there any Emergency Pet Clinics in your area? Another good place to get information.

[Catty1]

engsohere - if you have friends who have pets, ask them who their vet is, and if they like the vet. Word of mouth is a good way to go.

Or ask your local Humane Society who they use, and how to go about finding a good vet.

Here are some tips from one site...

How to Find a Veterinarian
From your Veterinary Medicine Guide

Whether you are new to an area, just got a pet, or looking for a second opinion, here are some tips on finding a veterinarian.

Difficulty Level: Easy Time Required: varies

Here's How:

1. When searching for a new vet (relocation, new pet) ask friends, family, and co-workers who they see and why they like that vet.
2. When seeking a second opinion or referral, first ask your current vet if possible.
3. If you feel uncomfortable about asking your present vet for a referral, start with step one above.
4. Call the state veterinary medical association (VMA) for specialist referrals in your location.
5. The AVMA (http://www.avma.org) also has state veterinary medical association contact information online.
6. There are several sites online that will do a localized veterinarian or veterinary hospital search for you (see 'Related Links' below).
7. The Yellow Pages are also an option for initial research when finding a veterinarian.
8. Once you have the names of some veterinarians in your area who see the species of pets or animals that you have, the next step is to call or stop by the office.
9. Is the reception staff friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable?
10. Will the office hours work with your schedule and lifestyle?
11. What about emergency coverage after hours and on holidays?
12. Is the veterinary staff (doctors, technicians, assistants) professional and knowledgeable?
13. Do the staff members have a good 'bedside manner' when relating to you and your pet?
14. If the vet and/or hospital that you have selected do not meet these criteria, you may want to keep looking until you can be assured that your pet is receiving the best possible care.

This Google search link has a few options to click on: http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=...e+Search&meta=

If he was a stray - bless you for taking him in. He should have had a medical checkup right away, but now would be a good time.

As for tests, I don't know anyone here who could answer that. The vet will examine your cat. It could be as simple as kitty's having worms (inside or outside kitty?), or a symptom of something else. Even a change in food can help, and might solve the problem.

Please ask your friends, and get your furbuddy to a vet soon.

[engsohere]

Thanks for the replies...

He just ate and everything seems to be fine. I also got a piece of rock and put it in the middle of the bowl. Medusa, thanks for the suggestion, also thanks for the Cat Dancer idea...I read one of your posts a few months back and got it for him(see pic). To be quite honest I don't trust 'Doctors' very much, so I try to avoid them unless absolutely necessary. A part of me also worry that if they do find something seriously fatal, what will I do? That's why I'm asking if it's normal for a cat to barf once in a while, and what interval would be acceptable? Regardless, thanks to all and I will keep you guys informed.

[Medusa]

I can understand your distrust w/doctors; a lot of people feel that way. However, we as humans can talk and voice our concerns and let others know when we're sick and what's hurting, etc. Animals have no voice so a good vet is an absolute necessity. Others have posted lots of good info about finding a good vet but if you have friends who have pets, ask them for a referral. You've had your cat for about a year you say, so it's past time to get him checked out completely. Probably whatever is wrong can be corrected easily but the longer you put off taking him in, the worse it can get if it does turn out to be something that he would need medication for. Don't be scared. Be brave for your cat. That way you'll have him for years to come and you owe it to him to give him a healthy life. It'll be fine. Take him to a vet w/out delay. Then hopefully you can post and tell us what the vet said and say "Whew! I was worried for nothing."

[columbine]

I agree with everyone who's suggesting a vet visit. Cats are notorious stoics, and couldn't describe how they feel even if they wanted to. It could be caused by any one of a million things, some serious, some trivial, and only a vet knows how to figure it out.

He sure is a cutie!

Love, Columbine

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm sorry to hear that your cat is barfing so much. I have a few cats that if they eat too fast then they will also barf. I don't free feed any more and I also feed them small amounts of wet and dry food. Sometimes if they drink a lot of water after eating then this will also cause them to barf. Sometimes it's also just due to hairballs so I try to give them some Petromalt hairball remedy at least once a week. I'd also get your cat checked out by a vet. It's also very important to take your cat in every year for an annual exam. I hope it's nothing serious. Good luck.

[Jessika]

Please, please please please take him to the vet...

Vomiting is nothing to take lightly if it is persistent...

[Catty1]

Has your boy seen a vet? Did you talk to a friend who has a good one?

If you don't trust vets, that is fine...but I would hate to see your furbaby die because of that mistrust.

Please get him looked at - if it becomes an emergency, you won't be able to choose the right vet. Now you can.

Please update!

[jazzcat]

I have a cat who is a chronic barfer, Ripley. Since my vet recommended I feed him only Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach he rarely barfs.

I also have cats who barf if they eat too fast so that could be it.

One other thought, Rumor went through a barfing stage when she was about a year old and then I noticed she was also a little constipated. I took her to the vet who said it was really bad hairballs and put her on Lax'Aire (a hairball rememdy). It did the trick.