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Question

One of my two cats is indoor-outdoor and has been vomiting pretty regularly after eating grass when he does go outside. I recently had him in to the vet for a tapeworm shot after noticing a piece of one in his vomit. He seems to be free of the tapeworm now, but he still runs right to the grass when he goes outside, and I know the next morning he is going to vomit. I feed them excellent food (Arcana-Champion Pet Foods), and he doesn't appear to have a hairball problem and otherwise appears happy and healthy with lots of energy. Should I try and keep him inside? I also read that it is OK to give them a small antacid (1/4 or 1/2 of a pill) to help ease his stomach, so I would love some feedback on that. Thank you!

Submitted: 200 days and 4 hours ago.
Category: Cat
Value: $9
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

Age: 7; Male; Breed: Tabby Cat

Already Tried:
Been to the vet recently for a tapeworm which he received a shot for. I don't see any more pieces of tapeworm in his vomit so I am hoping at least that is cured. I have upgraded their diet to very good food, yet he still runs right for the grass and is throwing up again almost daily.

Posted by Micki 200 days and 4 hours ago.

Answer

Hello, XXXXXXXXXXX

 

Yes it is true that you can give your cats a 1/2 tablet Pepcid AC to help calm stomach acid and nausea. So go ahead and start that. You can crush the tablet in food if that is easier. Use only regular strength Pepcid AC. Rolaids, tums, pepto bismol, etc. are not safe cat approved OTC medications.

 

It is the grass that is causing the vomiting. There is an enzyme in grass that makes dogs and cats vomit. Usually excess grass eating can be from the lack of fiber in their diet. So you can start adding fiber supplements by mixing a tsp of metamucil or benefiber in the cat food once a day.

 

You can also get cat grass at many pet supply stores. This is special grass that will not upset the stomach and grows in pots for indoor use.

 

Sincerely, XXXXX

200 days and 4 hours ago.

Reply

Micki-

Thank you for your input. So you do feel its necessary for me to have any tests done on him? I feed them really good food that is suppose to be really good for digestion....I also have two cats so I'm not sure how I'd get a fibre supplement in him directly. I'm just wondering if maybe the tapeworm might not be gone and this is what is still causing him to do this?

Posted by Micki 200 days and 3 hours ago.

Info Request

I don't think further tests are needed. He sounds healthy, just has an obsession with grass, and many cats do.

 

I am sure if the tapeworm was treated by a vet, it is gone. Tape worm is a pretty easy to manage parasite. Just watch for any tapeworm segments in his poop or around the anus in his fur. That is usually the first thing noticed with tapeworm.

 

As for the fiber supplement, it isn't a big deal if both cats get it. It will not hurt anything if the one without the problem gets it too. The food are using is a very goof food. I know it is high in protein, low in carbs, and grain free, which is all good. But cats, just like, people sometimes need special extras in their diet.

 

Many people think that cats and dogs eat grass because they have an upset stomach and need to throw up. That is not true. The grass causes the upset stomach, and eating grass is a way of getting extra fiber. It is like some cats will lick rocks or stones if they need more iron. Their body knows what it needs and triggers instincts to get it.

 

 

 

200 days and 3 hours ago.

Reply

Micki-

Thank you for your response. I am just really worried because he's doing it pretty much daily and they love to go outside and I don't want to take that away from him. I guess I'm just looking for assurance that he's not causing himself any long term damage by doing this as much as he has. I just can't afford multiple trips to the vet but I want my little guy to be healthy. One more quick response and I promise to accept and get out of your hair so you can get paid. Thanks so much for your time!

Ryan

Accepted Answer

If he is not loosing weight, it's fine. If he starts loosing weight then you need to address it with your vet.

 

I have a chronic vomiter too. He goes outside, eats grass from time to time and hunts EVERYTHING that moves. It's the hunting and eating of the prey that causes his vomiting. It is pretty gross!

 

You sound like a terrific caring cat mommy :) and you're not in my hair. I want to make sure all your questions and concerns are addressed properly. If you need anything else please don't hesitate to let me know.

 

Micki

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Expert: Micki
Pos. Feedback: 99.9 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 5/7/2009

Expert in cat behavior and health

Expert in cat medical and behavior issues.

200 days and 3 hours ago.

Reply

Micki-

No, he doesn't appear to be losing weight. He is a big boy, about 16 pounds, but extremely athletic and very tall with huge paws, long torso, etc. I half wonder if he is part Lynx :) he is such a baby though, his sister (half his size) does all of the heavy lifting as in the hunting of the prey outside.

I will try the fibre supplements and see if that helps at all. They seem to be pretty cheap from my initial research. His vomit (gross I have to describe this I know) does not appear to have a huge amount of hair in it or much at all actually and appears to be mostly digested food (liquid) and the grass clippings. Would you recommend that I keep him inside if this continues much longer?

Ryan

Posted by Micki 200 days and 3 hours ago.

Info Request

Well inside cats are generally healthier cats, but it can be very hard to turn a cat that is used to going outside to a strictly indoor cat. It is really a personal choice on your part. How much does the vomiting bother you? If it really bothers you, then by all means try to make him an inside kitty.

200 days and 3 hours ago.

Reply

Micki-

The vomiting does bother me quit a bit, mainly because I'm worried about his health since he does it just about daily. I'm also not too fond of cleaning up messes every day. I'm actually going to be moving to a downtown apartment before long so they are going to be becoming inside kitties anyways. As long as I know his long term health is not going to be effected by it I won't worry as much, but I don't like to see my kitty sick so much.

Posted by Micki 200 days and 3 hours ago.

Info Request

I understand.

 

If you are moving soon anyway trying to transition him now may is a good idea to get used to being inside. If there are adjustment issues when you move with either of your babies, get some Feliway. This is a pheromone that you can get at Pet Smart or online. It does a great job relieving stress and anxiety in cats, and moving can be a very stressful situation for cats.

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