What can I do for my cat that vomits 3 to 4 times a day and has lost weight?

Our question this week was:Dr. Debra – My cat has lost approximately 20% of his body weight this summer. He acts like he will vomit 3 or 4 times a day but nothing comes up. His stomach area moves in and out with a regular beat. He sometimes goes all day without eating and then will eat normally. What can we do to help him get well?

Ted Akers

Answer

Hi – thanks for your email. Ted – this sounds serious. You wrote that your cat has lost 20% of his body weight, vomits 3 to 4 times a day and his appetite waxes and wanes.

A 20% loss of weight is a lot. There are MANY causes for vomiting but I am very concerned about your cat and what the exact underlying cause is. Some cats may have lymphoma or inflammatory bowel disease as possible causes.

A couple articles that might be helpful to you are Vomiting in cats (this causes though the common causes of vomiting), pancreatitis in cats, lymphoma in cats and inflammatory bowel disease in cats. Underlying organ malfunction such as kidney or liver disease can also cause vomiting.

One medication that can be used with success in some cats is called pepcid. It is an over-the counter medications that works to decrease gastric acid secretion. But in your situation, I’d recommend that you see your veterinarian to determine the possible underlying cause and what the best treatment would be.

Best of luck!

Dr. Debra

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