Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My 11 year old female cat, love of my life, started throwing up her dry food (PurinaOne Senior formula) about a month ago. Vet said blood work was fine, fecies seems to be dry, she seems to urinate regularly so vet suggested feeding her baby food (meats). I tried chicken, turkey, beef and ham, she only took to ham. She craves dry food though and I've tried several varieties with no luck, she throws up as soon as she gets it in her mouth. I've even caught her eating dog's dry food which she didn't seem to throw up. I gave her tuna and she gobble it up! But then I read posts on how tuna is bad for her. I'm so concered and my vet seems not to be. Does anyone have any experience with this? Do you know of a dry food I can feed her? She is my baby, I've had her her whole life and she is a great cat. I want so badly to help her. I'd appreciate any input you have to offer.

Hi There,

I'm so sorry your kitty has been vomiting. It's always important to remember that although normal labwork is a good thing, it does not mean that there isn't anything to worry about.

It might be a good idea to consider further diagnostics, maybe x-rays to start, then following with an upper GI series and/or an ultrasound exam. I especially worry about senior cats as they are prone to so many things that can cause vomiting.

If you just want to try a change in diet first, I recommend that you feed something of a better quality. It's best to feed something that contains no corn, wheat, or soy, as many cats are allergic to these things. Look for something that has meat in the first few ingredients, preferably not corn at all. Brown rice and oatmeal are carbs that are good for cats and easy on their GI tracts. You can also try feeding small amounts at a time, as some cats will gorge themselves until they are sick.

Also, I would consider looking for another vet since yours doesn't seem to be all that interested in your cat's vomiting problem. A cat-only vet would be ideal if that is a possibility.

Above all, if your baby stops eating entirely, please get her to a vet immediately. Or if you think she is vomiting everything she eats. When a cat stops eating they can start developing a condition known as fatty liver disease. This is very serious and is often fatal without treatment.

My cats are also my babies so I know how what you are going through. I would much rather be sick myself than see one of my kitties go through it.

Please feel free to ask if you have any questions. I will check the boards again later on today.

Take care, and please let us know how your baby is doing.

Regards,
PHKitkat

Thank you so much for your advice! You mentioned higher quality food... should she remain on a wet food only diet or should I see about higher quality dry food? I will research food for the ingredients you suggested and see what happens. I tried again giving her Friskies wet food (which she previously threw up) and she has had both Oceanfish and Turkey without vomitting. YEAH! Regarding my vet...I will definitely find another vet as I am also displeased with my vet. Hopefully she doesn't have a serious illness. My vet chocked it up to food intolerance it would be wonderful if that's all it is.
Thanks again for your help and will keep you posted : )

My friend has a cat that used to throw up every day. He now feeds her a "raw food" diet. But it is really a dried food that has no grains in it. The cat has not thrown up since switching to this type of food. There are samples of this kind of food at local petstores that focus on natural/holistic health concerns.
If you do't know of a store then look up some brands and see where they are sold- there may be a store near you.
Or perhaps they would mail you a sample if it is not sold in your area.
Brands that I know of are Innova, Core, and Natures Variety. Ask for "grain-free." The first time she tried this food she did not throw up.