TL;DR: Projectile vomiting in cats is a medical emergency often caused by intestinal blockages or toxins. You should contact an emergency veterinarian immediately, especially if your cat is lethargic or has a bloated abdomen.
What is considered projectile vomiting in cats?
Projectile vomiting is the forceful, powerful expulsion of stomach contents, often traveling a significant distance. Unlike typical vomiting or the passive regurgitation of a hairball, projectile vomiting involves intense abdominal contractions. This symptom typically indicates that there is a significant physiological disturbance or a physical obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract that requires professional attention.
When is projectile vomiting in cats considered a high-urgency emergency?
- Contact an emergency veterinarian immediately, as projectile vomiting often points to serious conditions such as an intestinal blockage, acute toxin ingestion, or severe organ dysfunction.
- Seek urgent care if your cat is lethargic, has a bloated abdomen, or cannot keep water down.
- Avoid a "wait and see" approach to prevent severe dehydration and further life-threatening complications.
Why does taking a photo of my cat's vomit help with the triage process?
- Taking a clear photo of the vomit provides the veterinary team with immediate clues regarding the color, volume, and consistency of the material.
- The presence of bile, blood, or recognizable foreign objects like string or plastic helps the vet prioritize your cat's case.
- Visual evidence allows the clinic to prepare necessary diagnostic tools, such as X-rays or ultrasound, before you even arrive at the facility.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Acute projectile vomiting in cats can stem from various etiologies, including dietary indiscretion, parasitic or viral gastroenteritis, anxiety, or motion sickness. However, if vomiting persists despite symptomatic treatment (withholding food, easily digestible diet, frequent small amounts of water), or if hematemesis, melena, systemic illness, or abdominal abnormalities are present, further diagnostics are warranted. Particular attention should be paid to the oral cavity for linear foreign bodies (yarn, thread, needles) and abdominal palpation for signs of pain or masses. Abdominal radiographs are indicated to assess for radiopaque foreign bodies or intestinal distention suggestive of obstruction. Additional diagnostics to consider include a CBC, serum biochemical profile, and urinalysis, potentially followed by more specific clinicopathologic testing.
Chapter: Gastroenterology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 390)