Cat Vomiting during FIP Treatment: What Should You Do?

One symptom commonly observed in cats affected by the FIP virus is vomiting. Even the healthiest cats can vomit under specific circumstances. In most cases, this isn't a cause for concern, unless it becomes persistent and is accompanied by other symptoms. Another area of concern arises when a cat vomits immediately after eating, potentially affecting the cat's well-being and, in the context of FIP, impeding the treatment process.

What Causes Cats to Vomit?

It's crucial to bear in mind that vomiting frequently serves as an early indicator of illness in cats. Vomiting in cats can stem from various factors, one of which is the FIP virus.

Similar to humans, cats can vomit for a range of reasons. While some causes of cat vomiting may be relatively harmless and might even resolve without intervention, others can pose more significant concerns.

Here are some of the most common reasons why cats vomit:

Cancer

Cancer affecting the digestive tract is relatively common in cats and can disrupt regular digestion, leading to vomiting. Furthermore, cancer occurring in other body areas can induce feelings of nausea, discomfort, and overall unease, potentially triggering episodes of vomiting.

FIP Virus Infection

Vomiting is a symptom commonly observed in cats affected by the FIP virus. If your cat is experiencing vomiting along with other FIP-related symptoms such as fever, decreased appetite and thirst, and other indicators, it's vital to seek advice from a veterinarian to ensure prompt and effective treatment.

Read our Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Treating FIP in Cats.

Specific Illnesses

Chronic diseases such as kidney disease, pancreatitis, and hyperthyroidism can induce persistent nausea and vomiting through diverse mechanisms. Addressing the vomiting requires identifying the underlying condition, and many of these conditions demand lifelong management.

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis essentially signifies an unsettled stomach, often stemming from factors like an inadequate diet, exposure to toxins, or adverse effects of medications, among other reasons. While certain cases of gastroenteritis are mild and tend to resolve independently, others can be more severe, necessitating prompt veterinary attention.

Foreign Objects or Obstructions

Ingestion of foreign objects like toys, string fragments, hair ties, or other items, can result in blockages and harm within the digestive tract, often leading to vomiting. These causes of vomiting are significant and require urgent veterinary intervention.

Food Allergies and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Though allergies are relatively rare in cats, they can lead to vomiting. When cats consume allergenic foods, inflammation in their digestive tract can lead to regurgitation. Some cats may also experience chronic diarrhea due to this condition.

When to Worry About a Cat Vomiting

If your cat vomits multiple times within a day, displays an elevated frequency of vomiting, or vomits blood, it's advisable to have a conversation about the matter with your veterinarian. 

Vomiting in cats becomes particularly concerning when coupled with other symptoms, including:

• Loss of appetite

• Lethargy

• Fever

• Diarrhea

• Other changes in health and behavior

If you observe these signs in your pet, reaching out to your vet for appropriate guidance is crucial.

Treating a Vomiting Cat

Many cat owners often question what's suitable to offer a cat that's vomiting. However, since vomiting can arise from a range of conditions, treatments can vary.

If your cat vomits due to the FIP virus, cancer, or systemic diseases like chronic kidney disease, addressing and managing the underlying condition takes precedence..

For mild vomiting cases due to gastroenteritis, veterinarians will recommend supportive care. In certain cases, a change in diet or even a prescribed dietary plan might be necessary, particularly if the vomiting stems from food allergies or inflammatory bowel disease.

FIP Treatment When a Cat is Vomiting

During FIP treatment, there's a possibility that a cat might experience vomiting due to stress. When such vomiting occurs, understanding the correct treatment approach becomes crucial. In this scenario, oral treatment (administered via the mouth) isn't recommended, as it could impact the absorption rate of GS-441524.

Therefore,  if a cat exhibits ongoing vomiting symptoms, we strongly advise opting for injection-based treatment. While both oral and injection methods offer the same effectiveness, their distinction lies in how the cat's body absorbs the medication.

Treatment via injection allows the drug to be directly injected into the cat's body, thereby reaching its target faster and more effectively. Particularly in cases of vomiting among FIP cats, injection treatment can yield more immediate results and expedite the drug's action.

However, it's crucial to always consult with a veterinarian before deciding on the right treatment approach for your cat. The vet will evaluate the cat's overall condition and offer the best advice concerning the suitable treatment.