SEPTEMBER '23 - Pawsitively Pets - - udpated cover | Page 5

News You Can Use
by Sherri S . Cokefair , VMD , Calico Creek Vet Clinic September is " Happy Cat Month ," and a healthy cat is a happy cat ! Let ' s face it , cats basically own the internet . Videos and pictures of cats are some of the most viewed online content . On social media , we often see people in the feline community joking about their cat ' s less than desirable vomiting habits . It ' s safe to assume that at some point , every cat owner has been awakened by the lovely sound of their cat vomiting , has stepped in vomit , or raced to stop a cat from vomiting on the rug . It is normal , healthy behavior for a cat to bring up a hairball . So when should you worry if your cat is vomiting ? If he vomits on occasion but is otherwise healthy and behaving normally , there ' s probably no need for concern .
It ' s important to know the difference between vomiting and regurgitation . Before vomiting , your cat may show signs of nausea , restlessness , drooling , licking the lips and swallowing repeatedly . When a cat vomits , they usually retch and heave until the contents of the stomach come out of their mouth , rather forcefully . Regurgitation often happens effortlessly , when your cat eats too much , too fast . There ' s usually no retching or heaving involved . It ' s like a burp that expels the contents of the esophagus ( not the stomach ) and usually consists of undigested food . If your cat regurgitates frequently , consider using a puzzle feeding bowl to slow them down or feed multiple smaller meals throughout the day . If that doesn ' t help , consult your veterinarian .
Vomiting can be caused by a variety of things and can be benign or serious . Cats can get simple GI upset from eating things they shouldn ' t ( i . e . plant leaves , bugs , etc .). More serious causes of vomiting are infections , internal parasites , constipation , inflammatory bowel disease , food sensitivities , thyroid disease , GI masses , diabetes , kidney disease , foreign body obstruction , urinary tract blockage , and cancer .
Have your cat seen by a vet if it ' s vomiting more than once a week , especially if it ' s accompanied by lethargy , decreased appetite , weakness , diarrhea , drooling , constipation , increased thirst , changes in urination , or there is blood in the vomit . A vomiting cat can easily become dehydrated , which can make matters worse . A diagnosis starts with an exam by your veterinarian . Based on your cat ' s history and symptoms , your vet can then do blood work , x-rays , ultrasound , etc .. Be concerned , also , if your cat is trying to vomit but nothing comes up , as this could indicate an obstruction . If there is any change in the frequency of your cat ' s vomiting , schedule an appointment with your vet because it ' s better to be safe than to put off a serious health issue .
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Is It Normal For Cats ToVomit Frequently ?

Pawsitively Pets -- September

Around The Hydrant :

News You Can Use

Recalls :
Darwin ' s Natural Pet Products of Tukwila , WA : Recalling one lot of raw dog food - Natural Selections Chicken Recipe with Organic Vegetables for Dogs , Lot 9774 , due to contamination with Salmonella . Info : 877-738-6325 . ( 8 / 16 / 23 ) What the Raw of Chesterland , Ohio : Voluntarily recalling 184 containers of Single Dried Sardines packaged in shrink wrap , due to potential of contamination with Clostridium Botulinum . Info : ( 440 ) 688-4500 . ( 7 / 26 / 23 )
Ark Naturals Company of Tampa , Florida : Recalling value packs of Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste , due to omission of mold inhibiting ingredient , which could shorten shelf life . Info : customerservice @ arknaturals . com . ( 5 / 19 / 23 )
Lazy Dog Cookie Company , Inc . of Saratoga Springs , NY : Voluntarily recalling a specific lot of its Pup-PIEs - lot number 022297 . If you have one of these products , you may return it t for a full refund . Info : info @ lazydogcookies . com . Info : 518-309-3732 . ( 5 / 5 / 23 )
Stratford Care USA , Inc : Recalling multiple brands of Omega-3 supplements due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin A , which can cause health problems and vitamin A toxicity . The FDA recommends discarding this product in a way that no wildlife or other animals can get to it . Info : 877-498-2002 . ( 3 / 13 / 23 )
Source : dogfoodadvisor . com , amva . org

Calico Creek Veterinary Clinic

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