If you're a first-time cat owner, then you might have a ton of questions about why your cat behaves the way it does, including issues related to its health and actions regarding such. For instance, vomiting can be a common occurrence and for many various reasons--ranging from completely harmless to serious conditions. Knowing the reasons why your cat is throwing up is important in keeping a happy and healthy pet cat.
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Hairballs
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Hairballs are common. In fact, hairballs are also responsible for most of the vomiting a cat will do. The technical term for a hairball is "trichobezoar" and is supposed to occur in meat-eating animals. However, hairballs are supposed to be expelled in feces, but due to generations of domestication, cats have tender stomachs and are more apt to throw the hair up as opposed to digesting it.
Eating Too Fast
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Sometimes your cat can be a bit of a glutton and chow down on his food way too quickly--and in a large amount. This can be for numerous reasons such as a previous history of malnutrition, which is commonly apparent in adopted pets. When the cat eats his food too fast, it may very soon vomit the food right up on the floor. To remedy these actions, simply introduce smaller amounts of food to your cat; increase the amounts when he begins to eat slower.
Pica
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Sometimes, for many different possible reasons, a pet can have what is called Pica. Pica is a disorder that may cause your pet, and even people, to eat things that are not normally edible such as plants, carpet, grass, paint chips and practically any other type of substance. This can cause the sensitive digestive tract of your cat to become irritated--this will make the cat vomit. Pica can prove to be dangerous; if you suspect your cat may have it, consult your vet for further information on what to do for the safety of your pet.
Change in Diet
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Sometimes, especially in older cats and kittens, changing what they eat either too frequently, or too quickly, can cause irritation in the cat's sensitive digestive system. Make sure to find a particular brand of cat food and stick with it for as long as possible. It is only necessary to switch foods on your cat when it is directed by your vet, or particular issues with your cat depends on it.
Food Sensitivity
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Sometimes your cat can simply just have a sensitivity to an ingredient in his food. Keep in mind that many cats develop a sensitivity to milk and dairy products as they age. This can cause them to vomit.
Parasites
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Sometimes when a cat vomits, this can be a sign of a parasitic infection. This can be caused by intestinal worms, which must be treated either by a vet or the administration of worming medications, immediately. If you suspect your cat is vomiting due to an intestinal worm infestation, observe him for a few days, and pay attention to the stool it leaves behind in its litter box. If worms are present in the feces, take him to the vet.
Other Reasons
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There are several other reasons as to why a cat will vomit. Careful observation is important before any steps are taken to prevent or eliminate the problem. If the vomit is foamy and clear or yellowish, this can be feline parvo, which is a fatal disease that is much like a flu virus. Other causes can be poisoning, urinary tract disorders or stress.
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