Symptoms and Solutions for Feline Nausea: Identifying 9 Telltale Signs and Treatment Methods by Alicia Ashley, DVM, Published on October 27, 2024 (Share on Facebook, Twitter, Email, or Print)
Unwanted Sensations: Understanding and Addressing Cat Nausea
Feline nausea, often identified by vomiting, can be a common health issue affecting our feline companions. Recognizing cat nausea symptoms is crucial to help pet parents provide prompt care for their unwell cats.
Symptoms of Cat Nausea
Feline nausea is typically a precursor to vomiting but not always. Subtle signs of nausea may include lethargy, hiding, excessive licking and swallowing, drooling, loss of appetite, restlessness, gagging, vocalizing, or vomiting. Recognizing these signs can help pet parents seek veterinary care for their sick cat sooner.
Common Causes of Nausea in Cats
- Dietary indiscretion, such as ingesting plants, insects, ribbons, or objects can trigger stomach upset in cats.
- Poisoning involving common hazards such as lilies, chocolate, onions, garlic, or ibuprofen can lead to nausea and vomiting.
- Hairballs accumulating in the gastrointestinal tract may also cause vomiting.
- Infections, systemic diseases, cancer, endocrine diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, or food allergies can also cause cat nausea.
It's essential to consult a vet for guidance if your cat shows signs of nausea and the cause is unknown.
Treatment for Cat Nausea
Mild cases of cat nausea can be managed at home, while severe cases may require veterinary attention. In some cases, anti-nausea medications like Maropitant, Mirtazapine, Ondansetron, Metoclopramide, or a hydrogen ion blocker may be prescribed to provide relief.
Homecare measures for nauseous cats include ensuring a quiet, calm environment, offering small amounts of water, and providing easily digestible food such as boiled chicken until symptoms resolve. Forcing food or water on a nauseous cat should be avoided, as it may exacerbate the issue.
Cat Nausea as an Emergency
While some cases of cat nausea can be managed at home, certain situations may require urgent veterinary care. Signs requiring immediate attention include repeated vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, loss of appetite, jaundice, blood in vomit, ingestion of harmful substances, or other serious symptoms.
In Summary
Nausea in cats can arise from various causes, necessitating a thorough examination by a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. Prompt identification of nausea in cats and seeking appropriate veterinary care can help ensure a quick recovery and improved quality of life for your feline friend.
Engaging in cat-friendly health-and-wellness practices can help prevent nausea in cats. For instance, keeping harmful objects, such as ribbons and insects, away from your feline companion can prevent dietary indiscretion, a common cause of nausea. Furthermore, adopting a regular fitness-and-exercise routine for your cat, such as interactive play or gymnastic toys, promotes digestive health and may reduce the chances of developing gastrointestinal issues that can lead to nausea.
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