Beyond the Hairball: What Causes Cat Nausea

Every cat owner knows their furry friend can be a little sensitive to their food choices. But what happens when your cat starts showing signs of discomfort, like vomiting or refusing to eat? You might find yourself worried, wondering what’s going on and how to help. One common reason behind these symptoms is nausea.

What is Nausea?

Nausea is a feeling of unease or discomfort in the stomach that can cause a range of symptoms, including:

• Vomiting: The most common symptom of nausea is vomiting, where the cat forcefully expels contents from their stomach.
• Loss of Appetite: Cats experiencing nausea may lose their appetite and refuse to eat.
• Drooling: Cats may drool excessively when nauseous.
• Licking Lips: Cats might lick their lips repeatedly as a sign of nausea.
• Restlessness: Nauseous cats may become restless and pace or hide more than usual.

Causes of Cat Nausea

Nausea in cats can be caused by a wide range of factors, including:

• Hairballs: Hairballs are a common cause of nausea in cats, especially long-haired breeds. Cats groom themselves frequently, and they can accidentally swallow hair, which can accumulate in their stomachs and cause nausea and vomiting.

• Dietary Indiscretion: Cats who eat something they shouldn’t, such as scraps of food, plants, or even non-food items, can experience nausea and vomiting.
• Dietary Changes: Sudden changes in diet can cause stomach upset and nausea in some cats.
• Stress: Stress can also cause nausea and vomiting in cats. Stress can be triggered by a variety of factors, such as:
  • Moving to a New Home: Relocating can be stressful for cats.
  • Introducing a New Pet: Adding a new pet to the household can be stressful for existing cats.
  • Veterinary Visits: Many cats feel anxious during veterinary visits.
  • Loud Noises: Loud noises, such as fireworks or thunderstorms, can be stressful for cats.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: A variety of gastrointestinal issues can cause nausea and vomiting in cats, including:
  • Gastritis (Inflammation of the Stomach): Gastritis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
    • Dietary Indiscretion: Eating something they shouldn’t.
    • Stress: Stress can cause stomach ulcers.
    • Infections: Bacteria or viruses can cause stomach inflammation.
    • Medications: Certain medications can irritate the stomach lining.
  • Intestinal Parasites: Intestinal parasites can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
  • Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause nausea and vomiting.
  • Food Allergies: Food allergies can trigger nausea and vomiting.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): IBD is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the intestines.
• Underlying Medical Conditions: Nausea and vomiting can also be a sign of a number of underlying medical conditions, such as:
  • Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland can cause nausea and vomiting.
  • Kidney Disease: Kidney disease can cause a buildup of toxins in the body, leading to nausea and vomiting.
  • Liver Disease: Liver disease can impair the liver’s ability to filter toxins, leading to nausea and vomiting.
  • Cancer: Cancer can cause nausea and vomiting, particularly if it affects the digestive system.

A Case Study: Whiskers’ Morning Mishap

Whiskers, a 5-year-old Maine Coon, woke his owner, David, early one morning with a loud, projectile vomit. “He was a little shaky, and he seemed to be feeling unwell,” David says. “I wasn’t sure what was wrong.”

David took Whiskers to the vet, and the veterinarian suspected that Whiskers was suffering from gastritis. The vet recommended a bland diet and medication to help soothe Whiskers’ stomach. “Whiskers felt much better after a few days,” David says. “He was back to his normal self, happily eating and napping.”

Diagnosing Cat Nausea

Diagnosing the cause of nausea in cats requires a thorough examination by a veterinarian. They will perform a physical exam, ask about your cat’s history, and often recommend some additional testing.

• Physical Examination: The veterinarian will assess your cat’s overall health, including their weight, body condition, and any signs of illness.
• Bloodwork: Blood tests can help rule out a variety of medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, liver disease, or cancer.
• Urinalysis: A urinalysis can help to assess kidney function, which can be affected by a number of medical conditions.
• Fecal Examination: A fecal examination can detect intestinal parasites.
• Radiographs (X-rays): X-rays can help to identify any abnormalities in the internal organs, which could indicate a medical condition.
• Ultrasound: Ultrasound can provide a more detailed view of the internal organs, helping to identify any abnormalities.
• Endoscopy: In some cases, your veterinarian might recommend an endoscopy, a procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the esophagus, stomach, or intestines to examine the lining for signs of inflammation or other problems.

Treating Cat Nausea

Treatment for nausea in cats depends on the underlying cause.

• Hairballs: To prevent hairballs, brush your cat regularly to remove loose hair. You can also give your cat hairball remedies that are available at pet stores.
• Dietary Indiscretion: If your cat eats something they shouldn’t, monitor them closely for any signs of nausea or vomiting. If they vomit or show signs of discomfort, contact your veterinarian.
• Dietary Changes: If you’re switching your cat’s food, do so gradually over several days.
• Stress Reduction: Try to reduce stress in your cat’s environment by:
  • Providing Safe Spaces: Offer your cat a quiet, comfortable space where they can feel secure.
  • Using Pheromone Diffusers: Pheromone diffusers can help to create a calming environment.
  • Playing with Your Cat: Playtime can help to relieve stress.
• Medications: If nausea is caused by a medical condition, your veterinarian may prescribe medications to treat the underlying problem. For example:
  • Anti-Nausea Medications: Medications to reduce nausea and vomiting.
  • Antibiotics: Medications to treat bacterial infections.
  • Antifungal Medications: Medications to treat fungal infections.
  • Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Medications to reduce inflammation in the stomach or intestines.
  • Antacids: Medications to reduce stomach acid.
  • Medications to Treat Hyperthyroidism, Kidney Disease, or Liver Disease: Medications to manage the underlying medical condition.
• Dietary Management: If your cat has gastritis or other stomach problems, your veterinarian may recommend a bland diet for a few days. Bland diets typically consist of cooked chicken or turkey and white rice.

A Case Study: Whiskers’ Recovery

Whiskers, the Maine Coon with gastritis, responded well to treatment. He was prescribed medication to reduce stomach acid, and David followed the veterinarian’s instructions for providing him with a bland diet.

“Whiskers felt much better after a few days on the bland diet,” David says. “He was back to his normal self, happily eating and playing.”

Tips for Caring for a Nauseous Cat

• Monitor Your Cat’s Behavior: Pay close attention to your cat’s behavior, especially if they’re vomiting or showing other signs of nausea. Look for signs of discomfort or distress, such as:
  • Restlessness: Pacing or hiding more than usual.
  • Lethargy: Sleeping more than usual.
  • Changes in Appetite: Refusing to eat or having difficulty eating.
• Provide Fresh Water: Make sure your cat has access to fresh water at all times.
• Offer Small, Frequent Meals: If your cat is vomiting, offer them small, frequent meals instead of one large meal.
• Consult a Veterinarian Immediately: If your cat is vomiting frequently, or if they’re vomiting blood or bile, or if they have a fever or other concerning symptoms, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Conclusion

Nausea is a common problem in cats, but it can often be managed with proper care. By understanding the causes and recognizing the symptoms of nausea, you can work with your veterinarian to develop a treatment plan that’s right for your cat. Remember, every cat is unique, and their nausea might require a different approach.

Key Terms:

• Nausea: A feeling of unease or discomfort in the stomach.
• Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach.
• Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland.
• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas.