You may be wondering what causes your cat to regurgitate after eating. You can reduce your cat’s intake by feeding them less often or feeding them in smaller portions. If your cat regurgitates frequently, you may want to separate him from the rest of the household when he eats. Avoid letting him scarf down other cats’ leftovers. A trip to the vet should also be considered if your cat continues to regurgitate after eating.
Symptoms
If you see your cat vomiting after eating, it might be a sign of a gastrointestinal issue. Vomit can be red or green and contain various substances, including bile, partially digested food, or blood. It may also contain a trace amount of blood. Vomit that is brown in color is caused by bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as an ulcer. Vomit that is clear or foamy is often recently ingested water. If you notice your cat throwing up after eating, take him to the vet for an evaluation.
Causes
If your cat is vomiting after eating, there are a few potential causes. Your cat may have an allergic reaction to a food, be suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, or have ingested a toxic substance. Vomit that is blood-colored, brown, or white may be regurgitated food or blood from the esophagus. Vomit that is white and foamy is likely regurgitation of undigested food.
Treatments
While there is no definitive cure for vomiting in cats, some treatments are effective in controlling the condition. Anti-emetic medications are prescribed to reduce the vomiting, reduce fluid loss, and ease abdominal discomfort. Certain metabolic diseases also require anti-emetic medication. Treatments vary depending on the cause of the vomiting. Anti-emetic medications may be prescribed to treat parasites or to combat inflammation. Your veterinarian may also suggest further tests.
IV fluids
In cases of dehydration, a veterinarian may decide to administer IV fluids to your cat. The goal of fluid therapy is to maintain your cat’s hydration, flush out the digestive system, and prevent dehydration. Vomiting cats may already be dehydrated, but their bodies can’t keep the fluids down without additional help. IV fluids are a safer alternative to antibiotics, which can worsen dehydration. Antibiotics can also lead to GI upset, so it’s important to follow a proper gut restoration plan with your vet afterward.
Endoscopy
If your cat is prone to vomiting after eating, it may be time for an endoscopy. An endoscopy is a procedure that passes a scope through the cat’s esophagus, stomach, rectum, and colon. The camera is accompanied by a tiny light. This allows the medical team to see everything, including any foreign objects. If there are no foreign objects, your veterinarian may remove them with the scope.
Laparotomy
If your cat frequently throws up after eating, you may need to consult a veterinarian. The reason for this procedure depends on the cause of the vomiting, whether the cause is a foreign body or chronic vomiting. Exploratory surgery may also be necessary to look for signs of intestinal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or non-intestinal abdominal disease. If you are worried about a foreign body, you can choose endoscopy instead. Both procedures are effective in treating vomiting, but there are a few things to keep in mind before choosing either one.