What to do if a cat vomits white foam

Therapeutic fasting in cats should be about 12 hours. After that, you can gradually return the cat to its normal diet. At first, a sparing diet and give boiled chicken meat, as well as strong rice broth, then introduce chicken broth or special therapeutic food. After 3-4 days, the cat is transferred to standard food. Usually such actions are enough for the pet to be cured and return to full life.

Kitten playing with a piece of paper

A cat vomits saliva with white foam

In addition to natural factors that provoke the appearance of vomiting with white foam in cats, there are a number of diseases and abnormalities of development. At home to accurately diagnose and determine the presence of physiological or pathological vomiting is not possible and without a qualified specialist can not do.

Pathological conditions that provoke the appearance of vomiting in domestic cats are:

  1. Infectious lesions. A large number of diseases of viral or bacterial etiology can lead to serious disorders and complications in the body. One of the signs of rabies, feline immunodeficiency disease, panleukopenia or herpesvirus infection is vomiting. In addition to the white foam in the eruption of gastric contents, infectious diseases are characterized by a sharp deterioration in the health of the pet, an increase in body temperature, profuse saliva production, general lethargy and apathy. If the cat vomits pink liquid with foam – it is necessary to sound the alarm, as the pink color is provided by an admixture of blood.
  2. Diseases of the digestive system. Various inflammatory processes in the stomach, pancreas, duodenum, especially in neglected cases, lead to violations of the animal's appetite, stool disorders, severe weight loss. Yellow foam vomiting occurs (with pathological processes in the gallbladder), pink foam vomiting indicates the presence of blood with ulcerative lesions of the stomach and duodenum.
  3. Helminthiasis. Infection with parasitic organisms cannot be avoided. Severe infestation provoked by tapeworms, or other types of worms, leads to serious disorders in the body of the animal. Worm infestation is accompanied by alopecia (loss of hair), diarrhea alternating with constipation, change of appetite, vomiting with white foam, and in some cases adult worms.

Symptoms

The appearance of foam at the mouth of the cat is a cause for concern to the owner of the pet. The cause can be both a normal physiological condition (when regurgitating lumps of hair), and the development of serious dangerous diseases (rabies). Especially if the saliva is foaming at the mouth. In such cases, it is recommended to isolate the cat immediately and take it to the veterinary clinic.

The appearance of foam from the cat's mouth when vomiting as a result of prolonged starvation, intoxication, stressful experiences, as a rule, does not differ in other characteristic signs except nausea. Vomited gastric contents have no extraneous odors or impurities.

If the vomit does not contain any foreign substances, and its color is not yellow or green, or has a foul odor, you should contact the veterinarian and have the pet seen by a doctor. The occurrence of the following characteristic symptoms requires immediate intervention by a specialist:

  • The cat is vomiting too often, vomiting virtually nonstop;
  • The body temperature rises or falls;
  • Coughing, discharge from the eyes and nasal cavity;
  • loss of appetite;
  • The general condition of the animal is depressed;
  • The animal has profuse diarrhea.

When a cat vomits pink liquid with foam, do not hesitate. The cause of such vomiting may be a stomach ulcer or a perforation of the esophagus. The pink color indicates an admixture of blood and indicates damage to the mucous membrane of one part of the digestive tract.

The color and presence of particles in the vomit mass can characterize the degree of neglect of the pathological condition:

  • Vomit with white foam is most often a sign of prolonged starvation of the pet;
  • the presence of mucous white flecks in the liquid spewed by the stomach, indicates that the cat is infected with helminths;
  • if the cat vomits yellow foam, the cause may be a dangerous disease – plague of flesh eaters or panleukopenia;
  • the gray color of the vomit indicates a violation of the diet and the presence of pelleted food residues;
  • The dark green, almost black color of the vomit can be a sign of cancer in the digestive tract;
  • yellow vomiting occurs when the functional features of the gallbladder and liver structures are disturbed;
  • green fountain vomiting – intestinal obstruction;
  • Vomiting with feces is a sign of lower intestinal trauma.

My cat is vomiting white foam

Usually, a cat who vomits white foam can also show other signs of illness and this helps narrow down the potential causes. It can be quite innocent, like indigestion or something new in their diet that doesn't suit them. But at the same time, white foam vomiting can be a signal of serious cat health problems.

It is not always possible to diagnose the problem at home, so it is advisable to tell your veterinarian if your cat vomits white foam. Especially if this is not the first time or if your cat shows other symptoms, such as lethargy or refusal to eat. Let's look at some possible causes. Your veterinarian may diagnose your cat with one of the following!

Top 10 reasons why a cat vomits white foam

cat vomits white foam

Stomach Disorder or IBS

One reason why a cat vomits white foam is a stomach problem. It can be an innocent irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, such as an upset stomach. Or it could be a chronic problem, such as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). Other signs of digestive problems may include:

Hairballs that a cat vomits.

Some cats may also regurgitate white foam when they try to regurgitate hair stuck in their throat and digestive tract. This is a common problem that most cats encounter. Especially if they have long, fluffy fur . They will remove the hairball , belching it until it is removed from their body . And it can also lead to the removal of fluid from the digestive tract.

Gastritis

Gastritis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach in cats. It can cause discomfort and a number of physical symptoms, including white vomiting. Other signs of gastritis in cats include lethargy, dehydration and increased thirst. Gastritis in cats can be acute or chronic, so it is important to report any symptoms to your veterinarian.

There are several causes of gastritis in cats. From stress or food intolerance to reactions to medications and more serious medical problems.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis in cats is an inflammation of your cat's pancreas. Like gastritis, pancreatitis can be acute or chronic. Not all cats with pancreatitis will vomit white foam, but many will suffer from nausea. And some will experience vomiting as a symptom.

If your cat has chronic pancreatitis, your veterinarian may try a number of different solutions to treat your cat's symptoms. This may include dietary changes, medications or anti-nausea therapy

What should I do if my cat vomits white foam?

First, check to see if the vomiting is accompanied by other symptoms, because if it happens occasionally, it shouldn't be a problem. You should always contact your veterinarian if you have the slightest suspicion. Of these other tips that may be helpful to you, the following stand out:

  • Write down the symptoms you observe in your cat, as well as the frequency and amount of vomiting. This information will be very helpful to the veterinarian.
  • Make sure they always have water, as vomiting causes severe dehydration.
  • Avoid foods that are too greasy or hard to digest; whenever a cat vomits, it is best to give them a mild diet.

How can I avoid white foam vomiting in cats?

As always, prevention is always the best weapon against the appearance of chronic ailments. In the following lines you have a list of recommendations for your cat's health care in this regard:

  • Never leave the vet for later: this could be a lifelong problem.
  • Provide your cat with a suitable diet, since food plays a fundamental role in all aspects of his health, not just his digestive system.
  • Try to always give him food at the same time: your cat may vomit white foam because he missed a meal.
  • Prepare your environment to avoid accidents, such as foreign bodies getting inside.
  • Regularly update your internal deworming regimen.
  • Check it periodically, at least once a year.

This article is for informational purposes and cannot replace a veterinary diagnosis. As you may have read, the symptoms of various diseases are many times similar to each other, so special tests are needed to determine which one the feline family animal is suffering from. For your peace of mind and his health, don't be afraid to give him the veterinary care he needs.

Vomiting or regurgitation?

A discharge of digestive contents through the mouth is not always vomiting. In cats, vomiting can be confused with regurgitation (regurgitation).

Vomiting is an active process accompanied by noticeable muscle tension. Vomit contains gastric juice, which gives it an acidic smell. Vomiting is usually preceded by nausea, which can be guessed from the animal's restlessness, copious salivation, and gagging.

Regurgitation, unlike vomiting, occurs without visible effort on the part of the animal and is often without preceding symptoms. Regurgitated masses by the cat are usually odorless and contain undigested food. Vomiting can occur when the esophagus is pathologically dilated (megaesophagus), narrowed (stenosis), inflamed (esophagitis) or when the esophagus is blocked by a foreign body.

Photo of a cat

Is vomiting dangerous for a cat?

Vomiting is the body's defensive reaction aimed at freeing the gastrointestinal tract from foreign bodies, excess food, and poisonous substances.

The causes of its occurrence can be relatively harmless or serious, indicating a life-threatening condition for the pet.

Also relevant to the health of the pet are the possible consequences of vomiting itself: the loss of body fluids and electrolytes with the vomit, the risk of aspiration pneumonia and inflammation of the esophagus.

Therapeutic measures

The veterinarian's help is needed if the vomiting lasts more than a day, the cat vomits several times a day after each meal or even without food. If in addition to food there is blood or bile in the vomit, there is no appetite and the animal refuses to drink water – the help of a specialist is needed immediately.

After examination, the veterinarian will suggest further examination, if necessary, make a diagnosis and prescribe a treatment.

Medication therapy

Treatment of vomiting is chosen depending on the causes that caused the condition. When poisoning, enterosorbents are used to prevent the absorption of toxins into the bloodstream, and a sparing diet with plenty of water is prescribed.

If the animal is infested with parasites, anthelmintics are used. They are given per body weight twice at intervals of 7-14 days (details are given in the instructions of each specific drug).

Medicinal treatment of vomiting after eating in cats

In diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, antibacterial, enzyme, anti-inflammatory drugs are used, drips are prescribed. Treatment is carried out under the supervision of a veterinarian. The self-administration of medications can harm the cat, worsen its condition and lead to death.

If the vomiting is a secondary symptom of viral infection, the root cause is eliminated. To do this, the cat is prescribed a number of drugs: antiviral and antibacterial, immunomodulatory, nutritional, probiotic and others.

It is necessary to follow all the veterinarian's prescriptions and complete the course according to his recommendations, not when the animal feels better. An untreated ailment can return with double the force.

Diet

In case of repeated vomiting, food should be removed: the cat should be on a starvation diet until the nausea and diarrhea cease. Then, for two days, you should give the cat light food in small portions 5-7 times a day.

Preventing digestive problems

A significant step for every owner should be a regular visit to the veterinarian. For healthy individuals, an annual examination is sufficient, older cats and chronic cats need to see the doctor more often.

Vomiting in a cat after eating can be caused by inadequate care. Most veterinarians recommend feeding your pet only quality food and pouring clean and distilled water every day. Portions should be limited – even if you love your cat you shouldn't overfeed him, otherwise he could become obese and cause all the problems that follow.

Comb the cat thoroughly every week. Use a special brush to remove as much hair as possible, which can risk getting into the cat's stomach. During the moulting period, short-haired animals need combing once every two days, long-haired – once or twice a day.

Vaccinate your cat annually against infectious diseases and deworm the cat regularly. This will help maintain the strength of the immune system.

Breeders are advised to be attentive, observe the condition and well-being of the pet, notice changes and react to them.

This article is for informational purposes only. Contact your veterinarian!

Yellow vomit

Vomit excreted in a cat can be with various impurities. The appearance of yellow vomit indicates the presence of large amounts of bile acids in the stomach. The main reason for the appearance of vomit colored yellow are disorders of the hepatobiliary system. It occurs against the background of intoxication of the body or consumption of excessive fatty food by the cat. Self-prescribing treatment at home, is fraught with the development of complications. Therefore, in advance, when vomiting, colored yellow in the cat, you should go to the veterinary clinic.

The appearance of an eruption of gastric contents containing undigested food particles most often indicates that the cat absorbed food too quickly. This is observed after long periods of starvation. The pet tries to fill itself up, swallowing large chunks of food without even chewing.

In this case, the main task of the owner of the pet is to reduce the amount of food, slicing food into small pieces. Cats can also overeat when they live in whole groups in the house. Competition creates a specific struggle between pets. In such cases, it is necessary to feed separately from each other, so that the animals can eat in peace without fear that their portion will be taken from them.

Lactating cats can burp bits of food, giving pre-digested food to their growing kittens. The digestive system of small kittens is slowly getting used to adult food, which consists mostly of large amounts of protein. Lack of protein in the diet also negatively affects the overall condition of the animal. Vomiting may occur. Normally fermented food is better digested by the intestines.

The occurrence of vomiting may be provoked by the consumption of cow's milk by the cat. Adult cats, contrary to conventional wisdom, cannot fully digest milk. The lack of an enzyme that breaks down lactose leads to indigestion. In addition to eruptions of gastric contents, the pet may have other digestive disorders.

Vomiting with blood

The appearance of vomit in a cat with blood admixture is always a red flag. Bloody vomit is a sign of serious changes in the pet's body. The presence of dark blood or coagulated blood in the vomit mass indicates the development of pathological processes in the stomach area.

The presence of scarlet blood in the vomit indicates that the disease is localized in the esophagus or mouth of the cat. The most innocuous causes of blood in cat vomit are oral trauma or gum disease.

Serious pathologies such as gastric ulcers, inflammatory processes and malignant tumors can also provoke the appearance of blood. It is necessary to know the exact causes of the specific syndrome. This can only be done in the inpatient setting of the veterinary clinic after a thorough diagnostic examination. Only after that can the doctor develop an individual therapy regimen.

What is foamy vomiting by consistency

The appearance of white foamy vomit is considered normal in the case of a long hunger strike or severe stress. In this case, the vomit will not smell unpleasant, any impurities (except a small amount of liquid) are absent.

If the hairy lump has accumulated and stagnated for a long time, the vomit may acquire an unpleasant odor. In this case, it is advisable to examine what the cat burped and make sure there are no bloody or greenish streaks. If there are no streaks, everything is fine, the body has coped on its own.

But if you saw impurities or color changes, a sharp, unpleasant odor, blood or incomprehensible clots – it is better to immediately contact the vet. A strong relentless gag reflex will cause dehydration and exhaustion, so your pet will definitely need your help.

What is white foam vomiting in a cat by consistency

Treatment at home and at the vet

If you notice unusual vomiting in your pet, you should try to help before you even get to the vet. At home, it is important to create a comfortable environment. Never scold your pet for displaying uncontrollable physiological reactions! Observe the cat carefully, and note in a notebook any unusual phenomena or accompanying symptoms – the veterinarian will be sure to ask about them.

The bowl should have clean, filtered water at room temperature, but food should be put away for the time being – especially if you suspect illness. Protect your pet from pestering from children and other animals. Prepare a comfortable carrier and a warm blanket for transport to the clinic (if it's cold outside).

First aid at home

The very first action is to restrict the pet from eating, unless we are talking about hunger nausea. For twenty-four hours you should not give food – this will reduce the strain on the body. Be sure to look closely at the vomit, so that you can accurately describe everything to the doctor. Ideally, take a picture of them. See if there are any contributing factors: is the cat restless, is he drooling, is there any complaining noises, etc.

Treatment of white foam cat vomiting at home

If the cat is vomiting because he is hungry, offer him just a little boiled diet food – chicken or beef broth, a little wet food. Start with one tablespoon of food, then gradually, over two days, increase the portion to the usual amount. At this time, the interval between feedings should be minimal – up to 3 hours.

During the starvation diet, water should be freely available. It is worth using only bottled or filtered liquid – water from the tap will only hurt more. If the condition stabilizes, you can give some boiled rice.

If nausea persists, provide first aid to prevent dehydration. Most likely, the vet on the phone will recommend the following:

Causes of severe seizures in an adult

In 90% of cases, coughing up to vomiting attacks in an adult are caused by a severe respiratory infection. Causes when there is a very severe cough to vomiting in an adult can be:

  • accumulation of mucus in the nasal cavity (runny rhinitis) – the flow of sputum along the walls of the nasopharynx in some people causes a gag reflex, which is accompanied by a cough;
  • bronchitis;
  • ARI;
  • allergic reaction (the irritant can be different, so medical control is required);
  • ascariasis;
  • ACUTE RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS;
  • whooping cough;
  • foreign object in the airways (in most cases – the problem occurs in children, but adults can choke on a piece of food)
  • tracheitis;

The immediate cause of the gag reflex in an adult is simple – coughing irritates the receptors in the pharynx and the root of the tongue. In addition, the inflamed mucosa of the upper respiratory tract is painful and predisposes to non-standard reflex reactions, which is vomiting.

cold viruses

In the case of exposure to viruses, the cough is dry at first, then it becomes wet as mucus begins to be expelled. In addition to vomiting, there may be pain in the chest, increased body temperature, and signs of intoxication. When the disease is neglected or severe, the sputum contains particles of pus.

There is a cough to the gag reflex, if there is acute or chronic bronchitis. In the first case, the symptom is expressed in strong attacks, accompanied by the discharge of watery sputum, sometimes with purulent inclusions. Allergic reactions are accompanied by a severe cough, rhinitis, and sneezing. The symptomatology disappears if there is no contact with the irritant.

What to do when the gag reflex in the background of coughing?

In the case where the cough causes vomiting or there are frequent urges, you can alleviate the condition. To do this, you need to:

  • humidify the air in the room;
  • Conduct a wet cleaning (concentration of allergens and irritants will decrease);
  • drink an infusion of mallow and plantain (in winter, dry assemblies are used) – effective if you have a dry cough.
  • Do steam inhalations with fir or eucalyptus (exceptions: fever, allergies).

There is no specific treatment for cough until vomiting. Since its causes are irritation of nerve endings located in the pharynx and at the root of the tongue, the only option how to stop the attack would be to take an anti-cough medication – Libexin, Butamirat, Sinekod or any other.

Anti-nausea medications are drugs of occasional use. Their long-term use is not recommended.

bronchitis

When to see a doctor urgently

Sick cat

There are a number of cases when the owner does not know what can be done and how to help the fluffy. The first thing to do is to stop panicking, because panicking will not help, and ask for help from specialists. A trip to the hospital should be immediate in these cases:

  1. The cat has been vomiting water or foam for more than 3 hours.
  2. Vomit has a white or yellowish color, but bloody spots can be seen in it.
  3. The pet refuses not only to eat, but also to drink, while vomiting incessantly.
  4. In addition to the main symptom, diarrhea began, the pet's nose became dry and hot, indicating an increased temperature. In addition, the owner should be alerted to cramps, which indicate dehydration and central nervous system damage.

In all these cases, do not self-medicate, so as not to further aggravate the situation. It is better to entrust the health and life of a pet to a qualified doctor, who will correctly diagnose and prescribe adequate treatment.

In some cases, antibiotics are prescribed to treat infectious diseases in cats. Properly selected drugs can quickly put the family pet on its feet.

How to protect your cat from poisoning

Worming drug

All diseases are easier to prevent than to treat, so you should pay attention to the prevention of diseases and poisonings. To protect your cat from poisoning and digestive disorders, you should follow these rules:

  • Give your pet only healthy and fresh food. If dry food is used for feeding, you should not save on it, you need to choose products of high quality.
  • Do not overfeed fluffy and especially kittens, portions should correspond to age and weight.
  • The food should be slightly warm and finely chopped.
  • Periodically, cats are given antihelminthic drugs.
  • All vaccinations are done according to the schedule.

If trouble has happened and the beloved cat is sick, it is necessary to act quickly. In most cases, the health of the animal and its life depends on the coordinated actions of the owner. When the pet's condition worsens by the minute, you need to quickly go to the hospital.

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