My Pet World: Wait... why are so many cats vomiting?
Dear Cathy,
I have a suggestion for the cat owner whose cat was vomiting daily. Three different vets couldn't find a reason. We had a similar problem with our previous cat. We discovered she was chewing on a non-toxic plant in our home. We removed the plant, and the problem stopped. I suggest the owner look around the house for items her cat may be chewing on.
— Sharon, East Hartford, Connecticut
Dear Sharon,
That's a good tip. A plant doesn't have to be toxic to cause gastric distress for a cat or dog who may chew on its parts. The solution is to remove the plant from the home or put it where the cat can't reach it, like in a hanging basket.
I am concerned, though, about the number of emails I received about vomiting cats. Cats may vomit for many reasons, generally related to illness, gastric distress, allergies, and diet. Cats may also be impacted by stress, which occurs when there is a new pet or person added to the family, when a family member leaves home, or when the litter box moves, among other things. But overall, cats shouldn't be vomiting unless it's a hairball, which can be prevented with over-the-counter products.
But based on the letters I received, there are many cats that frequently vomit, and here is what they have done to address it.
Isabelle in Westbury, New York, suggests raising the cat's food bowl six inches off the floor, which improves digestion.
If fast eating contributes to the vomiting, Leonora in Avon, Connecticut, suggests increasing the kibble size to slow the cat’s intake.
Maryellen from Commack, New York, feeds her senior felines with similar symptoms smaller amounts of food throughout the day rather than all at once.
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