Caturday: When Is Cat Vomit Just Tuesday... and When Should It Prompt a Trip to the Vet?
If you share your home with a cat, you've probably experienced it: the unmistakable sound of retching at 3 a.m., followed by a resigned search for paper towels. Cats vomit often enough that many owners find themselves wondering whether it's normal or a sign of something serious. The truth lies somewhere in the middle. Occasional vomiting can be part of life with a cat. Frequent vomiting is not. The "Probably Just Tuesday" Category Many otherwise healthy cats vomit from time to time for fairly benign reasons. A hairball every few weeks is usually not alarming, especially during shedding season. Cats may also vomit shortly after eating too quickly, particularly if they compete with other pets for food or gulp down a favorite meal. Some cats have sensitive stomachs and occasionally react to a dietary change, a rich treat, or something they should not have sampled. If your cat vomits once, then immediately returns to normal behavior, eats well, drinks normally, and acts...