Causes of Cat Vomiting & Weight Loss

Heartworms

• Heartworms most often live in the lungs and hearts of cats and are potentially fatal. These parasitic worms are white, round and can be up to 5 inches long. Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes, which pick up larvae from one animal and inject it into another animal. Heartworms in cats can live up to three years. Symptoms of heartworms include trouble breathing, wheezing, frequent vomiting and rapid weight loss. Treatment for heartworms in cats can be very dangerous and sometimes the vet will recommend letting the cat expel the worms naturally.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is similar to HIV in humans. FIV affects the cat's immune system, eventually making it impossible for the body to fight disease or infection. It is transmitted through saliva, most often from a bite. The saliva must reach the blood stream in order for the virus to spread, so an infected cat cannot give it to another cat by grooming it. Symptoms of FIV include rapid weight loss, vomiting, frequent infections, diarrhea and poor coat condition. Unfortunately there is no cure for this virus, but medication and special diets can help prolong the lifespan.

Liver Disease

• There are many causes of liver disease in cats, the most common being exposure to toxins. The most common toxins a cat may come in contact with are pesticides, herbicides, household cleaners and even certain kinds of plants. The liver is important because it cleans blood, aids in food digestion and vitamin absorption. Signs of liver disease in cats also include bad breath, diarrhea and lethargy. Treatment for liver disease differs depending on the cause, but it can often be treated with medication and a specialized diet. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

• Inflammatory bowel disease is the number one cause of chronic vomiting in cats. With IBD, the cells in the gastrointestinal tract become inflamed and literally attack the tract itself. The actual cause is unknown, but it is widely believed to a result of bacteria or parasites. Symptoms of IBD are loss of appetite, diarrhea, weight loss, vomiting and lethargy. Since the cause of IBD isn't known, treatment can be difficult. It is believed that there are many different factors that can cause IBD, so doctors must use their best judgment for treating it.

Stomach Cancer

• Stomach cancer is especially dangerous because cats rarely show any symptoms until the late stages. Some signs include lethargy, hiding, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid weight loss, pain in abdominal area and loss of appetite. In the later stages of cancer, it is common for blood to be mixed with the vomit and stools. A combination of any of these symptoms should be checked out by a vet. If cancer is suspected, an ultrasound and blood test will be performed to determine if the cat has it. Because radiation and chemotherapy are too dangerous for a cat, the most effective treatment is usually surgery. Unfortunately, it is often too late to save the cat by time it gets to this point.