Chronic vomiting is pretty common among cats, and this is a fact. As an adult cat owner, you may attribute puking to eating too fast, sensitive stomachs, digestive issues, or pesky hairballs. Even the most confident cat parent will be concerned if they see their cat throwing up. However, even if chronic vomiting is relatively usual to such feline pets, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t research the best cat food for nauseated older cats.
Puking becomes more common as your cat ages. Senior cats may vomit for a variety of reasons. You can make your cat both healthy and happy with the right food, a reliable vet, and regular home checkups.
In this article, we discuss older cats that vomit, the essence of nutrition for them, and the best cat food for them!
Now let’s get started!
Vomiting vs Regurgitation
The act of vomiting involves the evacuation of stomach contents. The condition itself does not constitute a disease or diagnosis but can be a symptom of something else.
There is nothing abnormal about cats vomiting on occasion. The fact that your cat vomits once a month or so is not a cause for concern, especially if the vomited material is mostly hair. Cats usually vomit hairballs after grooming.
You should seek veterinary care if your cat vomits more than three times and displays other symptoms, such as lethargy or difficulty keeping food down. A veterinary evaluation may be needed if you notice any of these symptoms.
Some people use the terms ‘vomiting’ and ‘regurgitation’ interchangeably, but they are not identical. Having a clear understanding of the differences between them is helpful.
As opposed to vomiting, regurgitation is a passive process caused by issues with the oesophagus. Usually, right after eating or drinking, regurgitation occurs rapidly without abdominal contractions. Regurgitation is likely when vomited material resembles undigested food.
What Causes Vomiting In Cats?
It can be challenging to determine what causes vomiting. There are some exceptions to the causes of acute or chronic vomiting, but in general, the causes can be the same.
It is often acute vomiting caused by foreign bodies or toxic substances rather than chronic vomiting caused by chronic ingestion.
In general, cats vomit for four reasons:
- Various toxins
- Medications
- Eating habits
- Illness
Chemicals in household products and poisonous plants are examples of toxins. Inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and chemotherapy treatments can also cause vomiting. In addition, it is common for cats to vomit due to their diet. An acute episode of vomiting can be caused by a sudden change in diet for cats who have sensitive stomachs. For your cat’s digestion to stay healthy when changing his diet, you should transition him slowly onto the new food.
There are also some other causes of vomiting, including eating spoiled food, garbage, or dead animals. Alternatively, it may be caused by dietary intolerances or sensitivities.
Dietary intolerance or sensitivity is most likely to be triggered by the following ingredients:
- Additives in food (colours, flavours)
- Preservatives synthesised artificially
- A high carbohydrate content
- Lactose (derived from milk)
- Grains (wheat, barley, corn)
- Proteins are commonly found in chicken, beef, pork, and eggs.
Your cat may suffer from an underlying disease or disorder if drugs, toxins, or diet do not seem to be the cause of his vomiting. Some symptoms of vomiting have been known to be associated with diseases such as hyperthyroidism and kidney disease. There are a few severe conditions associated with these conditions that require treatment. Cats can also suffer from vomiting caused by intestinal parasites like roundworms.
Your veterinarian can help you diagnose the cause of your cat’s vomiting if you aren’t able to figure it out immediately. If your cat’s health issues do not seem to be due to underlying conditions, your veterinarian can rule them out. The veterinarian should still examine your cat, even if you already know what’s causing your cat’s vomiting.
A Few Less Common Causes of Old Cat Vomiting
Senior cats that are well past their curious stage are generally less common. Foreign objects, parasites, and viruses are less likely causes of senior cats vomiting. For instance, worms and infections may cause them to puke.
What to Look Out
Regurgitation isn’t the only sign that your feline is feeling under the weather. Symptoms to watch out for if your cat is nauseous include:
- Sneezing – Regurgitation and sneezing are commonly associated with feline coronaviruses and upper respiratory tract infections (rhinitis, rhinotracheitis, and herpesvirus, among other things).
- Defecating – Diarrhoea, constipation or intestinal inflammation can cause the contents of the stomach to be propelled from both ends.
- Overdrinking – Your feline could be suffering from cancer, diabetes, or kidney disease if he has increased thirst and regurgitation. If you notice your kitty overdrinking, you should remove his water bowl to prevent him from regurgitating once more.
- A constipated state – In case your kitty is constipated, watch its litter box closely. If you think they might be constipated, you may need to give them something to eat to help them relieve their discomfort.
Until You Get Professional Assistance, What Can You Do?
You must monitor your pet to determine whether regurgitation requires medical attention. If your vet isn’t available, you should know how to handle a regurgitating cat. Nauseous cats can be helped by the following:
- Remove food from the diet for two hours (but allow limited water intake)
- If your cat hasn’t eaten anything for two hours, give her a teaspoon of steamed or boiled chicken or fish.
- If your cat does not vomit after eating, you should feed them the same amount every few hours.
How To Treat Vomiting In Cats?
Cats suffering from vomiting sometimes do best without any treatment at all. Hairballs and occasional vomiting usually follow this pattern. In cases of chronic vomiting, however, you should talk with your veterinarian about finding the cause and then follow their recommendations for treating it.
A bland diet might be recommended for a day or two by your vet if your cat suffers from occasional vomiting. To prevent dehydration, make sure water is readily available. You will probably be prescribed medication by your veterinarian if your pet is suffering from severe or chronic vomiting.
The following factors should be considered when treating your cat’s vomiting:
- Vomiting frequency. It may not be something to worry about if your cat vomits once to three times in 24 hours (but don’t ignore the warning signs and contact your veterinarian right away). You should seek veterinary attention for vomiting that has lasted more than 24 hours.
- Activity and energy. Nothing may be wrong with your cat if he is vomiting but otherwise acting normally. Take your cat to the vet if he experiences additional symptoms such as lethargic behaviour or diarrhoea, constipation, or excessive vocalisation.
- Detection of blood. You should treat a medical emergency if the patient vomits blood, which is generally an indication of internal bleeding. Depending on where the blood comes from, the blood may appear red, dark brown, or black.
Changing your cat’s diet is the best thing you can do if you suspect the vomiting may be caused by dietary intolerance or food sensitivity. Cats should eat cat food made with high-quality natural ingredients without chemicals or additives that may upset their stomachs. Make any changes to your cat’s diet after consulting your veterinarian.
How Should Regurgitating Cats be Fed?
Choosing the right food for your senior cat can be challenging. Cats can eat dry, wet, or semi-moist food. Only quality wet food is a good choice for regurgitating cats. To maintain proper hydration, cats should eat at least one wet meal per day.
The most beneficial thing you can do for your senior cat is to serve him jelly and gravy products if he has dental problems or missing teeth. You can offer these options to picky cats who refuse to give up their kibble. The budget-friendly nature of these options is another benefit:
- A mixture of wet and dry cat food
- A biscuit that has been dipped in water, broth, or soup
Best Cat Food for Older Cats that Vomit
Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Dry Cat Food
A sensitive stomach may be causing your cat to throw up, so this food might help. Your cat will love this 100% natural dry food. Furthermore, it contains enhanced vitamins and minerals as well as the best ingredients.
Food that is digestible by sensitive bellies will reduce upchucks. In addition, it contains prebiotics called FOS, which promote a healthy digestive system. It will also fuel her muscles since the kibble contains real chicken.
As well as whole grains, vegetables, and fruit, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are included in the recipe to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Royal Canin Appetite Control Spayed/Neutered (Sterilized) 7+ Dry Cat Food
This food is ideal for senior cats who have been spayed or neutered. Your cat’s hormone levels can be affected by the simple operation, resulting in weight gain. By maintaining your cat’s body weight, this food helps your ageing feline stay fit and resist the first signs of ageing. Among the best cat foods for cats who throw up, this is one of the best.
Vitamin C is also abundant in this food because it is packed with vitamins and minerals. L.I.P digestion science innovation and highly digestible protein are the essential ingredients in this food. Phosphorus levels have also been increased, which provides renal support to cats with kidney disease.
By using the recipe, you can ensure that your cat is getting the nutrition he needs. As well as slowing ingestion, ring-shaped kibble is also harder to eat.
Ziwi Peak Beef Recipe Canned Cat Food
Using natural, ethically sourced ingredients, Ziwi Peak pet food is known for its high quality. This wet cat food is perfect for vomiting cats.
There is one source of protein and only one main ingredient in this recipe: beef. Chicken, venison, lamb, and mackerel are other options if your cat is sensitive to beef. There is no shortage of animal protein in Ziwi Peak’s recipes, and these recipes are low in carbohydrates and loaded with moisture.
A particular favourite feature of this recipe is the fact that it contains organ meat and bone as well as real meat. Using natural sources as opposed to synthetic supplements, this formula provides high-quality nutrition. Moreover, the chelated minerals help increase the absorption of the minerals by the body of your cat.
Try Ziwi Peak if you need help resolving your cat’s upset stomach or other gastrointestinal issues.
Blue Buffalo Basics – Natural Indoor Mature Dry Cat Food
This Blue Buffalo food is packed with essential vitamins, antioxidants, and vital minerals, providing your cat with their much-needed energy boost. This food is excellent for cats that vomit because it helps your cat maintain a healthy weight. For mature fur babies with food sensitivities, it is made with delicious, limited ingredients.
Additionally, it contains fibre and pumpkin, facilitating gentle digestion. Older cats that vomit will benefit from this cat food.
Hound & Gatos 98% Chicken & Liver Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
The high-quality ingredients in this Hound & Gatos recipe promote gastrointestinal and coat health in addition to supporting your cat’s overall health. The formula contains a healthy dose of animal protein and animal-based fats without adding carbohydrates.
The first ingredient in this formula is fresh chicken, and the second ingredient is chicken liver, which provides essential nutrients and protein. Supplements are added to ensure nutritional balance after these primary ingredients.
The natural flavour of the recipe comes from the fact that the main ingredient is chicken. An excellent alternative to chicken for your cat who is sensitive to it is the Hound & Gatos Trout & Duck Recipe.
Open Farm Pasture-Raised Lamb Dry Food
This Open Farm dry food formula contains the most effective ingredients to prevent vomiting, and that’s why it’s one of the most effective cat food for your pet. In addition to lamb from humanely raised livestock, this formula contains ocean whitefish meal and herring meal.
A rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, herring oil is also used in this recipe, along with animal-based protein. In addition to its novel animal proteins, this recipe contains no hard-to-digest grains, fillers, or artificial preservatives, making it ideal for cats who suffer from vomiting. Despite its high carbohydrate level, this recipe is corn, wheat, and soy-free.
Conclusion
There you go! Despite their independence and free-spirited nature, cats may suffer from a variety of health problems. A common one of these is frequent vomiting, which can cause weight loss and, in some cases, death. As a result, cats frequently vomiting is a serious issue.
Being aware of signs and knowing when to seek help from a vet are the most important things you can do for your pet. If you consider all the factors you need to consider when purchasing food for your feline pet, you may provide the best food for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should cats eat after vomiting?
It is still recommended that you remove food for a few hours if your cat vomits once or twice but is otherwise well. If your cat has a stomach problem, you may reintroduce food after you’ve given it a chance to rest, or you may introduce a bland diet of cooked, unseasoned chicken breast. Fresh water should be available at all times for your cat.
Why is my cat throwing up undigested food?
You should consider regurgitation rather than vomiting if your cat is throwing up undigested food. It is common for cats to regurgitate when they overeat too fast. The regurgitated undigested food generally consists of long, tubular pieces.
Why is my cat vomiting every day?
The occasional throwing up of a cat is usual, but vomiting more than three times a month should not be ignored. Your cat might have simple hairballs, or it might have a severe illness. If so, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.
Why does an older cat throw up?
Most commonly, older cats throw up from eating too fast, being overexcited, ingesting toxins, and being overstimulated. A medical condition might also cause older cats to vomit. Consult your veterinarian if you don’t know why your cat is vomiting.
Why is my 15-year-old cat throwing up?
Regurgitation and increased thirst could indicate cancer, diabetes, or kidney disease in your cat. Monitoring your feline’s water intake and removing their water bowl will be necessary if they are overdrinking. They can regurgitate again due to the excess water.
Why does my cat vomit after eating dry food but not wet food?
It is not uncommon for cats eating only dry food to regurgitate the food almost immediately after eating. They suffer discomfort once the dry food mixes with the contents of their stomachs. Even innocuous things like the shape of dry food could cause regurgitation.
What will the vet do for a vomiting cat?
A variety of treatments may be administered, including intravenous fluids, antiemetics (anti-vomiting medications), and stomach protectants. There may be a need for surgery if a blockage is suspected.