A cat throwing up white foam is concerning for pet owners. In this article, I, Ivana Crnec, DVM, will explain the reasons cats throw up white foam and discuss treatments, both traditional and at-home remedies.
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Content:
- Why Is My Cat Throwing Up White Foam
- Cat Vomiting White Foam Treatment
- Home Remedy for Cat Vomiting White Foam
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Why Is My Cat Throwing Up White Foam
Your cat is throwing up white foam because it is hungry, has a stomach upset, has worms, or has metabolic conditions.
- Hunger: Skipping meals and not having a strict feeding schedule causes gastric juices to accumulate in the stomach, triggering irritation and vomiting.
- Hairballs: Cats are obsessed with self-grooming and ingest lots of hair when doing so, which causes hairballs and foam vomiting.
- Gastritis: Vomiting white foam is a telltale sign of gastric irritation and is usually associated with dietary indiscretions (eating something the cat was not supposed to).
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS in cats is an acute episode of gastrointestinal distress, usually due to stress and food allergies or sensitivities.
- Parasites: Intestinal worms, particularly in young kittens and cats that are not regularly dewormed, are a common cause of foam vomiting.
- Metabolic Conditions: Issues such as diabetes, pancreatitis, hyperthyroidism, liver conditions, and chronic kidney disease cause vomiting in cats.
Monitor your cat while you are not at home with the help of the Petcube Pet Camera. Early symptom catching and diagnosis are important.
Cat Vomiting White Foam Treatment
The treatment for a cat vomiting white foam depends on the underlying cause. Usual treatments include intravenous fluids, anti-nausea medications, antibiotics, and gastric protectants.
Following the treatment, owners are instructed to give the cat small but frequent portions of a bland diet, or the vet prescribes a formula made specifically for stomach problems.
Home Remedy for Cat Vomiting White Foam
Simple cases of cats vomiting white foam can be managed at home. Here are some tips on how to approach episodes.
- Withhold Food: Implement a fasting period of no longer than 12 hours to allow the cat’s stomach to recover.
- Bland Diet: Once the vomiting subsides, give small amounts of white chicken meat or a prescription diet made for sensitive stomachs.
- Encourage Drinking: Ensure the cat has easy access to fresh drinking water to avoid dehydration.
- Add Probiotics: Use cat-specific probiotics to balance the gut microbiota and support easy digestion.
- Try Catnip: Catnip relieves nausea, soothes the stomach, and reduces muscle cramps along the gastrointestinal tract.
- Prepare Ginger Tea: Offer the cat some homemade ginger tea to soothe its stomach and reduce nausea.
- Give Petroleum Jelly: Apply petroleum jelly on your finger and let the cat lick it because the jelly helps get rid of hairballs.
See the veterinarian if the vomiting does not respond to home treatments. Having the Petcube Emergency Fund helps cover costly vet visits and treatments.
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FAQs
Why is My Cat Throwing Up White Foam?
Throwing up white foam can be caused by simple stomach upset or potentially life-threatening conditions. If you are unsure what the problem is, visit the vet.
What is the Best Home Remedy for Cat Vomiting White Foam?
The best remedy for cat vomiting white foam is fasting, followed by a bland diet and natural herbs and supplements with stomach-soothing effects.
Conclusion
An occasional episode of throwing up white foam can be managed at home with a bland diet and natural remedies or supplements. However, a vet visit is necessary if the vomiting persists for more than a day or if the cat manifests other signs of illness.