That Kitty Mess Could Mean More Than You Think

Living with cats pretty much means living with a fair amount of kitty barf. For most of us, hearing the unmistakable sound of a cat upchucking means you drop everything and run for the paper towels. But it could also mean there’s more to worry about than the risk of stepping in goo barefooted. Determining whether your vomiting cat needs more than a cleanup depends on a number of factors. It’s best to gather as much information as possible about what’s going on before you get your vet involved. So, before you call, try to have the answers to the following questions handy.

- By Iris Zinck

Once, Twice, or More?

A single episode of vomiting with no other unusual symptoms does not necessarily cause alarm. Since cats groom themselves with their raspy tongues, it follows that they tend to consume a fair amount of fur—which is not the easiest thing to digest. Some cats are able to pass undigested hair in their feces, but for many, the hair builds up in the stomach until it causes irritation that leads to vomiting and the production of a hairball. If your kitty is bringing up hairballs once or twice a month, it’s not a serious concern.

More frequent episodes of vomiting, though, could warrant further action, even if they are clearly hairballs. Your cat may require additional grooming or a dietary supplement to help it pass the fur. Another cause of occasional yet repeated vomiting in cats is pregnancy. “Morning sickness” is not unique to humans and maybe an issue throughout pregnancy. In the first few weeks, it’s a sign of the changes going on in the mother cat’s body, but later in pregnancy, it can mean that the kittens are exerting pressure on the digestive system and making it difficult for mom to keep a full meal down. She will need smaller, more frequent feedings until the kittens arrive.