What should I do if my cat eats and then throws up?

Possible causes

A cat that eats and then throws up may be due to a large stimulus of the cat food, or it may be caused by diseases such as acute gastroenteritis and gastrointestinal obstruction. Firstly, if the cause is the cat food, it is recommended to switch to low-stimulus and low-allergen cat food and adopt the feeding principle of eating small meals frequently. Secondly, acute gastroenteritis often occurs after inappropriate feeding and generally presents with severe vomiting symptoms. Lastly, gastrointestinal obstruction will cause cats to vomit for no apparent reason, lose weight, and have a decreased appetite.

Treatment for acute gastroenteritis and gastrointestinal obstruction

The best treatment for gastroenteritis is to undergo fluid infusion and injection at a veterinary hospital. If it is not convenient to visit the pet hospital temporarily, it is recommended to give the cat oral veterinary-specific amoxicillin to suppress inflammatory infections. Meanwhile, combine medication containing omeprazole to suppress stomach acid secretion and repair gastrointestinal mucosa. Intermittently feeding the cat glucose can also be helpful.

Acute gastroenteritis is a potentially fatal disease in kittens because it causes vomiting and diarrhea. Once dehydrated, they are prone to shock, and they may even develop rectal prolapse. Once the prolapse occurs, surgery is necessary. However, surgery in kittens carries a significant risk. Adult cats also need to be taken to the hospital for early anti-inflammatory treatment, including vaccination or fluid infusion.

Care for cat gastrointestinal discomfort

1. Firstly, improve the living environment, ensuring a constant temperature of 29-28 degrees Celsius (preventing coldness, as it can exacerbate the cat's condition).
2. Secondly, change the diet to cat-specific cat food, preparing it as a paste (easily digestible, absorbed, and less irritating to the digestive tract), and follow the principle of eating small meals frequently.
3. Temporarily stop offering other foods, as the more varied the diet, the heavier the burden on the digestive tract.
4. Offer oral medication specifically for cat gastroenteritis to alleviate symptoms.
5. Since the cat is now weakened and has low energy symptoms, give it oral warm glucose water to replenish fluids and energy.
6. If the cat vomits, suggest fasting and withholding water for 6-8 hours. If there is no persistent vomiting, consider hydration and oral medication.
7. Temporarily prevent the cat from going outside to play.