Two of my cats have started showing similar symptoms following the recent heatwave (might just be a coincidence, I'm not sure): they've started being sick, bringing up white foam. At first, I wasn't too worried; I just thought they were struggling with the heat like we are. But the vomiting has become more frequent and it's been going on for over 48 hours now. I took them both to the vet this morning, but one of them wasn't cooperating, so the vet couldn't actually examine him. The second one had two injections and is doing fine (his symptoms were milder than the other's). Anyway, at the moment, the older one (five years old) still hasn't eaten; he's refusing all food, I haven't seen him drink anything either, and he won't stop being sick. I've got some anti-sickness meds to give them, but since he won't touch any food, I can't get him to take them. The vet wasn't overly concerned and mentioned gastritis, probably due to hairballs and such, but my cat seems really distant, and I'm very worried about him.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Translated from French
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Hi again,
Yes, rehydration is done via a drip, but it’s only necessary once a diagnosis of dehydration has been made. The problem is that in the summer, a cat that isn't eating or drinking is at serious risk.
Giving tablets by mouth when the cat isn't eating can lead to them being sick. Just like with us humans, it’s always better to have something in your stomach to help digest the meds. That’s another reason why, in this case, injections are much better.
Just for info, my Siamese turns into a right little terror at the vet. I have an experienced vet come to the house instead, and I can promise you that he’s very good at keeping her still without hurting her. Even if she does hiss and swear at him—and me—the whole time!
Thanks for your reply! The youngest one is doing better, yes. I’ll call a mobile vet I’ve used before to come and have a look at the one who isn't improving. He’s much calmer when the check-up happens at home; he gets really aggressive when being treated at the surgery. I can understand the vet's reaction, but even though I don't exactly like the look of them, they have those squeeze cages (I think that’s what they’re called) and I reckon that could have been useful for giving him his jabs. He told me, "I'm not going to put him under for something so minor" (or words to that effect), but why even think about sedating him? I mean, surely the cage would have done the trick? Anyway, I’ll see what the second vet says.
As for his tablets, I’m going to have to pop them straight into his mouth; I'll ask my boyfriend to give me a hand. I’ve tried treats and tuna; he shows an interest (he comes straight into the kitchen to see what’s going on, same as when the bag of dry food comes out), but then he just has a sniff and wanders off...
Hi,
Personally, I’d go and see another vet.
The second cat, who is still poorly, would probably benefit from an injection, which would be faster-acting and provide better coverage than a tablet. Plus, dehydration can be fatal, so the cat might need to be rehydrated quickly.
As I always say, I’m not one to criticise a vet’s work, but honestly... A cat being difficult is no excuse for not examining them. Even with an extremely nervous or even aggressive cat, the vet should still carry out an examination, even if they need help from a vet nurse or the owner.
If I were you, and if it’s possible, I’d take the cats—or at least the one who is still poorly—to a different vet; one who will actually give them the necessary jab (since the first cat seems to be doing better after theirs).
For the tablets, try hiding them in something they love, like tuna or ham. If that doesn’t work, you’ll have to pop the pill directly into their mouth. If you’re on your own, it can definitely be a struggle; maybe have a look on YouTube, there should be some short videos with tips on how to pill a cat. :)
