Cat Throwing Up White Foam: Know The Causes, Treatment, And Preventive Measures
Ever woken up in the middle of the night to the awful sound of your cat throwing up? Not a pleasant experience, especially when you turn on the light to find your cat throwing up white foam. It can be pretty alarming, and you may start panicking.
But not to worry – it’s usually not an emergency. However, it is very natural for you to be concerned. You want to know what’s going on, why my cat is throwing up white foam, and how you can help your feline friend. In this article, we will answer all these questions so that you know what to do the next time you see your cat throwing up white foam! Read on…
What Is My Cat Throwing Up White Foam?
When your cat throws up white foam, it is normal for you to be worried. But don’t panic – cat vomiting white foam is common and usually happens when your cat has an empty stomach. The thick, white foam you see is caused by mixing mucus, saliva, and digestive juices.
But if you see your cat throwing up white foam multiple times, it can be caused by causes other than an empty stomach. We have talked about these causes in detail below:
Empty Stomach or Eating too fast
Some cats vomit bile or foam when their stomach is empty for too long. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals may solve the problem. On the other hand, If your kitty is in the habit of wolfing down their food, the stomach can’t keep up. Slowing them down with puzzle feeders or spreading meals into smaller portions can help.
Hairballs
Cats groom themselves daily and swallow a lot of furs. This can cause nausea and vomiting of foam. Brushing your cat regularly and giving hairball medication or lubricant can prevent this.
Dietary indiscretion
Your cat may have eaten something that didn’t agree with them, like table scraps or trash. Cats have sensitive stomachs, so even a tiny amount of human food can cause upset.
Withhold food for 12 hours to allow their stomach to settle, then slowly reintroduce bland cat food. If vomiting continues for more than a day, see your vet.
Irritable bowel disease
IBD causes inflammation of the digestive tract, leading to vomiting and diarrhea. It can often be managed with diet changes, probiotics, or steroids. Watch for other symptoms like loss of appetite or weight, and talk to your vet about diagnosis and treatment options.
Pancreatitis
The pancreas produces enzymes to help digest food, and pancreatitis occurs when these enzymes digest the pancreas. A high-fat diet usually causes it and causes severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
See your vet immediately for IV fluids and medication. A special low-fat, high-fiber diet and probiotics can help prevent flare-ups.
Parasites
Internal parasites like roundworms, hookworms or giardia can also lead to vomiting in cats. Have a stool sample checked by your vet, who can prescribe deworming medication if parasites are detected. Be sure to properly clean litter boxes and practice good hygiene to avoid re-infection.
By determining and addressing the underlying cause of your cat throwing up white foam, you can get them back to feeling like themselves again. But if the vomiting doesn’t subside soon or you are worried, call your vet—they know your cat’s medical history and can properly assess the situation.
You can also ask your vet to provide you with a cat vomit color chart, which will help you to know the reasons behind different types of vomiting in cats. It will enable you to take proactive measures so that your cat feels better quickly.
When Should You See The Vet For Vomiting And A Foamy Throw-Up?
If your cat is vomiting white foam, it could indicate an underlying health issue that requires veterinary attention. Here are some signs it’s time to call the vet:
- Your cat is vomiting multiple times a day or for more than a couple of days in a row. Frequent vomiting can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
- There is blood in the vomit. Blood indicates irritation or damage to the stomach or esophagus that needs treatment.
- Your cat seems lethargic or shows other signs of distress like loss of appetite, diarrhea, or stomach pain. These can be indicators of a blockage or other serious problems.
- The vomit has a strange odor. Unusual smells can signify the presence of toxins, parasites, or other abnormalities.
- Your cat is a kitten, senior cat, or has a pre-existing medical condition. These populations are more prone to severe vomiting and dehydration.
- You see pieces of foreign material like string, carpet fibers, or plastic in the vomit. This indicates your cat may have an intestinal obstruction that requires emergency surgery.
- The vomiting comes on suddenly in a previously healthy cat. Sudden, acute vomiting can be a sign of poisoning, organ failure, or other life-threatening issues.
If your cat shows any of these signs or you have a “bad feeling” about their condition, don’t hesitate to call your vet or an emergency vet clinic right away. It’s always better to be safe in these situations. They can examine your cat, run any necessary tests to determine the cause of the vomiting, and provide proper treatment to prevent dehydration and restore health.
At-Home Care For A Cat Throwing Up White Foam
If your cat is throwing up white foam, don’t panic. There are several possible causes, many of which can be addressed at home. Here are some common cat throwing up white foam home remedy you can apply:
1. Make Sure Your Cat Is Hydrated:
Dehydration is a common cause of vomiting in cats. Ensure your cat has access to fresh, clean water at all times. You can also give them an oral rehydration solution like Pedialyte to restore fluids and electrolytes. Use a syringe or dropper to slowly administer 1-2 milliliters at a time.
2. Withhold Food For 12 Hours:
Giving the stomach time to settle can help stop the vomiting. Don’t feed your cat for at least 12 hours to give their tummy a break. After 12 hours, slowly reintroduce bland, easy-to-digest foods like boiled chicken, rice, or pumpkin.
3. Treat Any Underlying Conditions:
If vomiting persists for over a day or your cat seems lethargic, consult your vet. They can determine if there are any underlying conditions like gastroenteritis, parasites, or pancreatitis and prescribe medication as needed. Common treatments include antacids, anti-nausea medication, antibiotics, or dewormers.
4. Make Dietary Changes:
For frequent vomiting, switching to a bland yet highly digestible diet can help. Ask your vet about prescription gastrointestinal diets. You can also add probiotics or digestive enzymes to improve your cat’s gut health. Multiple small meals may be easier to digest than one or two large meals.
5. Feed Smaller, Frequent Meals:
Instead of one or two large meals, feed your cat smaller, more frequent meals. This can help prevent overeating and reduce the risk of vomiting.
6. Choose The Right Food:
Ensure your cat’s diet is high-quality and suitable for their age, health, and activity level. Some cats may benefit from a special diet prescribed by a vet, especially if they have food allergies or sensitivities.
7. Slow Down Eating:
If your cat eats too quickly, consider using a slow feeder or puzzle feeder to slow them down. This can help prevent vomiting caused by eating too fast.
8. Regular Grooming:
Brush your cat regularly to reduce the amount of hair they ingest, which can help prevent hairballs.
9. Avoid Sudden Diet Changes:
If you need to change your cat’s food, do so gradually over a week or more to avoid upsetting their stomach.
10. Monitor for Foreign Objects:
Keep small objects, strings, and other potential hazards out of your cat’s reach to prevent them from swallowing something that could cause vomiting.
Monitor Your Cat Closely
After cat vomiting white foam, keep a close eye on them for 24 hours. Make sure they are drinking enough water, eating bland food, and not showing any other symptoms. If the vomiting returns or your cat seems very ill, take them to the vet right away.
If an underlying condition is diagnosed, follow your vet’s recommendations for treatment, such as antibiotics, steroids, or other medication. These can help resolve the vomiting and manage any additional symptoms.
Thus, with prompt action and proper care, most cases of cat throwing up white foam can be resolved quickly. Be attentive to your cat and take them to the vet if symptoms persist or worsen.
By staying vigilant, determining the underlying cause, and making appropriate changes, you can get your cat back to their usual playful self and prevent future stomach upset.
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