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
Feline Adult Perfect Weight
Tender Chunks in Sauce with breakthrough weight management nutrition for safe & effective weight loss and long-lasting weight support.
Adult Cat Food
Tender chunks in gravy for cats, with high-quality protein to maintain lean muscle. With vitamin E and omega-3s & -6s for healthy skin and balanced minerals to support healthy vital organs.
Mature Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Mature Adult Wet Cat Premium Mousse Chicken is a complete and balanced pet food for mature adult cats 7+ years old, with a deliciously smooth texture they'll love
Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Adult Cat Premium Mousse with Salmon is a complete and balanced pet food for adult cats aged 1-6 years, with a deliciously smooth texture they'll love
Related articles
Is your cat putting on weight?
Learn about the warning signs, symptoms, and treatments of cat obesity and weight management in cats and the conditions that affect on your cat.
What causes weight gain? | Hill's Pet
Being overweight puts a cat at risk of developing many serious health issues. Weight gain indicates an increase in body fat and usually results when your cat eats too much and exercises too little.
Why Is My Cat Itching And Licking So Much?
Discover why your cat may be itching and licking excessively, and what it could mean. Get expert advice on feline healthcare at Hill's Pet.
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.
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.