Is your cat vomiting? Have you noticed a change in colour or consistency of their poop? Sickness and diarrhoea are pretty common in pets and can be caused by lots of things. Often it’s nothing to worry about - they might have eaten something unsavoury or picked up a bug like we do. Although most cases settle on their own we do need to be careful because sometimes it may be a sign of a more worrying condition. Vomiting especially can cause rapid dehydration. Here are some pointers to help you decide if your pet’s sickness or diarrhoea needs veterinary attention.
Taking Action
The first step, if your cat is vomiting, is to stop feeding and make sure there is plenty of fresh water available. If your cat continues to vomit for more than 8 hours or is vomiting very frequently, seek veterinary advice. There’s usually no need to withhold food if your cat has diarrhoea. Self-limiting diarrhoea should normally settle in 2-3 days. However, there are some circumstances where you should not wait for 24 hours before talking to your vet, if your cat is being sick.
Tasty Tips
Call your vet if…
- Your cat is very young or very old (as they can become dehydrated very quickly)
- Your cat has an existing health condition, such as diabetes
- Your cat already takes medication. Ask for advice about whether it can or should be stopped while your pet is being sick
- You see blood in vomit or diarrhoea or if black tarry looking material is being passed
- Your cat looks very miserable, becomes depressed or the gums feel dry and tacky
- After 24 hours, if your cat’s tummy appears to settle and you need advice about what to feed next, talk to your vet. Vets will often recommend a specially formulated food such as Hill's Prescription Diet i/d, rather than an immediate return to your cat’s normal food.
One last word of advice – call your vet before taking your sick cat to the practice. They may ask you to wait in a different waiting area if they suspect your cat could be infectious to other patients.
Reviewed by Dr. Emma Milne BVSc FRCVS
Related products
Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Adult Cat Food with Chicken is a complete pet food, specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology.
This food is specially formulated to fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life.
CULINARY CREATIONS ADULT CAT FOOD
Hill's Science Plan CULINARY CREATIONS Adult cat food with Salmon & Carrots was formulated to provide a great-tasting experience to cats. Its delicious flavour and texture are combine with essential nutrients to support cats' optimal health during the prime time of their life. Specially formulated with high-quality salmon protein, essential taurine for heart health & balanced minerals to support kidneys & bladder.
Sterilised Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Adult Sterilised Cat Dry Food with Salmon is specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology. It is a precisely balanced nutrition, tailored to meet the needs of sterilised cats, to help keep sthem lean & healthy.
Senior Vitality Mature Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Senior Vitality Cat Food with Chicken & Rice provides precisely balanced nutrition that helps promote their everyday ability to get up and go.
Related articles
Skin Problems to Watch for in Your Cat
Understand common skin issues in cats and how to manage them effectively. Learn signs and prevention, and get care tips. Find out more at Hill's Pet.
Cat Poo: A Comprehensive Guide
Learn how your cat's poo can be a good indicator of her overall health, including how to spot unhealthy or abnormal cat poop and what it might mean.
Cat Allergic Dermatitis: Causes & Treatments
Learn about the causes of cat dermatitis, how to spot the symptoms and the best treatment options. Visit Hill's Pet for detailed guidance and tips.
Helping a Cat with Sensitive Skin
Cats with sensitive skin have special needs and even healthy cats can sometimes develop poor skin health. Learn more about sensitive skin symptoms in your cat, what you can do to help your pet feel more comfortable and get recommendations on sensitive skin cat food.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.