Hairballs are normal, yes, but chances are that’s NOT what’s making your car wretch.
Vomiting is a common and frequently complex problem in cats. According to Gary Norsworthy, DVM, DABVP (feline practice), the greatest of all feline myths is that vomiting is normal. It’s not.
If one of your human family members seemed healthy but was vomiting twice a week-or twice a day-would we accept it as normal? Give up on these excuses:
- He eats too fast.
- She has a sensitive stomach.
- They’re just hairballs, and they are normal.
- That’s just the way her is; he’s a puker.
Signs of Disease
Gastrointestinal diseases, renal failure, inflammatory or other liver diseases, pancreatitis and even lymphoma can cause chronic vomiting. Don’t wish away vomiting as probably a hairball-get it checked out by your veterinarian.
Sign of Poisoning
Vomiting that isn’t chronic could be caused by poisoning. The following substances are the most common household toxins for cats.
- Plants: Autumn crocus, azalea, cyclamen, kalanchoe, lilies, oleander, dieffenbachia, daffodils, lily of the valley, sago palm, tulips, hyacinths, poinsettias, and amaryllis to name a few.
- Over the counter medications: Including aspirin, acetaminophen, Advil, Aleve, Motrin, Kaopectate, Pepto- Bismol
- Prescription drugs: Including antidepressant drugs, such as Prozac, Pacil, Celexa and Effexor.
- Dietary Supplements and vitamins
- Human food: Onions for example
- Household cleaners: Drain cleaners, concentrated dishwashing chemicals (including dishwasher tabs), lime-removal products,, oven cleaners and concentrated toilet cleaners pose the biggest threat.
- Topical flea/tick treatments, flea shampoo and collars: (If your purchase from a veterinary hospital, they are guaranteed!)
- Essential oils: Often found in potpourri
- Insecticides and rodenticides
