Projectile Vomiting in Cats

Vomiting from a cat is an unpleasant experience for both the cat and the pet owner. It should be distinguished from regurgitation, which is not vomiting. Vomiting expels the contents of the stomach through the mouth. The cat coughs, gags, heaves and emits a stream of mucus, blood, bile and old food. So-called "projectile vomit" is clearly different from regurgitation, which doesn't have as much force in the action. If blood is present in the vomit, call a veterinarian. The cat may have been poisoned or is suffering from worms.

  1. Description

    • Projectile vomit from a cat occurs when a cat appears distressed. It salivates heavily, tries to swallow, heaves and contracts its abdominal muscles, producing vomit. The cat may clean itself or rest after this exhausting procedure. The vomit itself may contain blood, mucus, bile and old food. The contents of the vomit help indicate the condition of the cat. For example, the presence of worms in the vomit shows the cat is suffering from an intestinal or stomach infestation, and should be taken to the vet.

    Intestinal Worms

    • Parasitic worms can cause cats to vomit. Tapeworm and roundworm are the most common kind of intestinal worms that affect cats and cause vomiting. The tape worm latches onto the intestine and grows into an adult. Fleas transfer tape worms to cats; so does eating rodent feces. Roundworms also attach to the intestines, competing with the host for nutrients. A vet can diagnose these conditions with tests and microscopic evaluation of the stool of the cat. Treatments involve various products you can buy at any pet store or prescribed products from the vet.

    Food Allergies

    • Cats can have an allergy to the food you give them. Particularly difficult foods for cats to digest are milk, beef, fish, eggs and wheat. Many of these foods are found as ingredients in common household cat foods. In addition, cats are drawn to milk and it can be difficult to resist giving it to them. In addition to projectile vomiting, other symptoms of food allergies include hair loss, swelling around the ears and scratching.

    Toxins

    • Toxins also induce vomiting in a cat. Many household products contain ingredients that are dangerous, and even deadly, for cats. Bleach, antifreeze and aspirin are a few. Keeping products on shelves or in cabinets, and making sure the lids are sealed after use, helps reduce the likelihood that a cat will stumble across toxic substances.

    Cleanup

    • It's important that you clean up the projectile vomit. This substance stains carpets and other fabrics quickly. To clean, pick the substance up with a paper towel or napkin. Attempting to wipe or rub the vomit away can spread the stain. A spoon also works well to lift the vomit off the surface. Dab the area with a dry and wet sponge alternately to soak up even more of the liquid residue. A commercial product, such as Resolve or Revivex, may be needed to clean up the last remains of the projectile vomit.