If you notice your cat vomiting white foam on a frequent basis, there are several reasons why. This condition can be caused by a number of things, including hydrochloric acid related stomach irritation, change in feeding schedule, and food allergies. However, you can usually prevent the condition by providing healthy cat snacks before the vomiting episode begins. Another cause of vomiting white foam in cats is hairballs. Hairballs form in the digestive system because swallowed hair is difficult to digest and can accumulate into a hairball. Normally, a hacking sound will precede the ejection of a hairball.
Hairballs
When cat vomiting white foam is not a sign of a serious health issue, it could be an early symptom of a hairball. Hairballs are caused by ingesting hairs that are difficult for the digestive system to break down. The hair will accumulate in the digestive system, resulting in a hairball. A cat may make a hacking noise before vomiting, which is usually a precursor to a hairball. Your veterinarian can identify the underlying cause of your cat’s vomiting and help you treat it.
Food allergies
If your cat is vomiting white foam frequently, you may suspect it has a food allergy. However, other symptoms may also be present. Your cat could simply have indigestion, or a new diet might not sit well with them. If your pet is vomiting regularly, a visit to your veterinarian is in order. Here are a few causes of cat vomiting white foam. Then, follow these tips for treating the problem.
Pancreatitis
If your cat begins vomiting white foam, it could be an indication of several health problems and diseases. While the vomit is typically foamy, your cat could also be suffering from an inflammatory bowel disease or hyperthyroidism. While the latter is relatively rare, your cat should be seen by a veterinarian for a diagnosis. Treatment for hyperthyroidism may include lifelong medication or even surgical removal of the cat’s thyroid gland. If left untreated, high thyroid levels may lead to heart problems, kidney disease, and stroke.
Stomach worms
If your cat is vomiting white foam, it is likely that the fecal matter contains a mass of roundworms. These worms are generally unseen because they live in the cat’s digestive tract. Therefore, it’s nearly impossible for you to tell if your cat has worms without examining its fecal matter. Roundworms are contracted in several ways, including from an infected mother cat or by eating rodents. Using contaminated cat litter and grooming its paws are some other ways in which a roundworm infestation can be contracted in cats. Similarly, humans are not susceptible to roundworms because they have a parasite of their own called Toxocara canis.
Mental distress
Your cat is showing signs of distress when it starts vomiting white foam. You may be wondering if there’s something wrong, or whether it is depressed. Although depressed cats might drool, they rarely vomit white foam. In general, white foam in a cat’s mouth indicates a more serious problem. For example, your cat could be suffering from serious poisoning or seizures from epilepsy. If your cat is suffering from rabies, foaming from the mouth is also an indication of this condition.