Throwing Up in Older Cats

With aging, it is typical for felines to experience metabolic differences from their younger years, most of which are completely normal. If you are concerned about your cat's vomiting, it may be as simple as his body calling out for a different diet. Speak to his veterinarian about planning a healthy and nutritious new diet to accommodate his age -- think more protein and less fat, perhaps.

When a cat grows older, his digestive system often becomes more delicate. Because of that, his body may be able to better manage many small meals a day, rather than a big feast or two. If you offer your precious pet too much food at a single time, his stomach may simply not be able to handle it, leading to him throwing up -- and to discomfort for all of you. After all, poor kitty will feel under the weather, and you'll be the one who has to clean up the mess!

In some cases, throwing up in an older cat is not necessarily directly related to his age. It could also be a sign of a medical condition. Vomiting is a symptom for many different ailments in felines, including parasites, gastritis, heartworms, intestinal worms, liver or kidney failure, infections and pancreatitis. To be on the safe side, seek immediate medical attention for your dear cat. If the condition is a serious one, the sooner you get help for it, the better you may be able to manage it for him.

If your elderly cat's vomiting is simply due to a weaker stomach, you can help him handle his uncomfortable symptoms and get back to feeling good as new. Manage his fragile stomach by keeping him away from liquids and meals for roughly half a day. Once you begin feeding him again, offer him bland items that will nurse him back to health -- think rice and cooked chicken.

Always observe your senior cat's eating patterns. If you notice that he eats too rapidly, it could be the prime culprit behind his vomiting ways. In these situations, help your cat eat slower by serving him small amounts of food at a time.