Nausea in cats

Content
Download/Print

Nausea in cats is the feeling of sickness that can often lead to vomiting, where the cat tries to gag up the stomach contents.

Can Occur with the Following Diseases:

Basics and possible causes

Nausea and vomiting are protective mechanisms of the body to remove harmful substances from the stomach. In cats, this can be triggered by a variety of factors. Nausea occurs when the vomiting center in the brain is stimulated, for example, by stimuli from the gastrointestinal tract, the balance system of the inner ear, or by toxic substances in the blood.

A common cause of nausea in cats is ingesting something that irritates the stomach or is difficult to digest, such as grass or indigestible foreign objects. A sudden change in diet or eating spoiled food can also lead to nausea.

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as gastritis, can also cause nausea. Infections, parasites, or inflammatory conditions are common reasons for such diseases. Furthermore, systemic diseases such as kidney or liver diseases, which affect the metabolism, can lead to nausea.

Hormonal disorders, neurological problems, or diseases of the balance organ in the inner ear (e.g., vestibular syndrome) can also cause nausea. Stress and anxiety are also known triggers, as they can affect the autonomic nervous system.

Finally, medications or toxins that enter the bloodstream can directly stimulate the vomiting center and cause nausea. These include certain painkillers, antibiotics, or chemotherapeutic agents.

Typical accompanying symptoms

  • Vomiting: Nausea is often accompanied by vomiting, in which the cat regurgitates the stomach contents. This can be foamy, undigested food, or yellowish liquid (bile).

  • Increased swallowing: Cats that feel nausea often swallow more frequently, as if they are trying to wash something down or suppress the stimulus.

  • Salivation: Excessive salivation can occur as the cat tries to combat the feeling of nausea.

  • Loss of appetite: Cats with nausea often have no appetite or completely refuse food.

  • Lethargy: An affected cat may behave lethargically and be less active than usual.

  • Altered behavior: Some cats show increased meowing or withdraw when they feel unwell.

When to visit the vet?

A veterinarian should definitely be consulted if the cat vomits repeatedly, as this can lead to dehydration and further health problems. A veterinary visit is also advisable if the vomiting is accompanied by other symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, or severe malaise.

If the cat vomits blood or the vomit looks unusual (e.g., coffee grounds-like), this indicates a serious condition such as a stomach bleed, which requires immediate veterinary examination.

Likewise, you should consult the veterinarian if the cat continuously refuses food and loses weight despite nausea, as this could indicate a chronic disease that needs to be treated.

Symptom recognition for animal owners and veterinary diagnostic procedures

As a pet owner, you can recognize nausea by paying attention to the symptoms described. Increased lip licking, frequent swallowing, salivation, and loss of appetite are often early signs. Vomiting itself is a more obvious sign that usually accompanies nausea.

The veterinarian will first take a thorough anamnesis to identify possible triggers and perform a physical examination. Blood tests can help diagnose systemic diseases such as kidney or liver problems. X-rays or ultrasound examinations may also be necessary to detect foreign bodies or structural abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract.

In some cases, an endoscopy may be necessary to directly examine the gastric and intestinal mucosa and take samples for a biopsy. In case of suspected infections or parasites, stool examinations are helpful.

What can pet owners do and professional therapy options

As a pet owner, you can first try to give the cat access to fresh water to ensure fluid intake. A short fasting period of about 12 hours can give the stomach time to calm down, but should not be extended without consulting a veterinarian, especially in young or sick cats.

You can offer small amounts of easily digestible food, such as cooked chicken or special diet food, to spare the stomach. It is important to slowly rebuild the feeding and observe the cat’s reaction.

Stress can worsen nausea, so a calm and safe environment should be created in which the cat feels comfortable. Avoiding sudden changes in food or the environment can also help reduce nausea.

Home remedies or medications should only be used after consulting a veterinarian to avoid unwanted side effects. The veterinarian can prescribe appropriate medications to relieve nausea or treat the underlying cause.

Outlook on current research

In recent years, research on nausea in cats has increasingly focused on the neurophysiological mechanisms that trigger this symptom. Scientists are investigating how the central nervous system, especially the vomiting center in the brain, responds to various stimuli that can cause nausea. A key role is played by the neurotransmitter serotonin, which has already been well studied in humans and is now receiving increasing attention in veterinary studies. Researchers are trying to decipher the signaling pathways that lead from the gastrointestinal tract to the vomiting center in the brain in order to develop new drugs in a targeted manner.

Another focus of research is the genetic predisposition to nausea in cats. Some cats seem to be more susceptible to nausea and vomiting, which may indicate genetic factors. Studies dealing with the genetic analysis of cat populations could provide important clues in the future as to which genetic markers are associated with an increased susceptibility to nausea. In the long term, this could lead to preventive measures or targeted treatments.

The role of nutrition in relation to nausea is also being intensively researched. Scientists are investigating how different feed compositions and components can influence the risk of nausea. Both the quality of the ingredients and the feeding habits are being considered. The aim is to develop nutritional plans that minimize the occurrence of nausea. Probiotics and prebiotics as dietary supplements are also in focus, as they promote a healthy intestinal flora and could therefore possibly have a preventive effect against nausea.

The development of new diagnostic methods is another field of research. The use of imaging techniques such as ultrasound and endoscopic techniques is being further refined to identify the causes of nausea more quickly and precisely. In addition, research is being conducted on non-invasive biomarkers that can be detected in the blood or urine and allow conclusions to be drawn about the causes of nausea. These advances could significantly improve diagnosis and subsequent treatment.

Overall, current research suggests that a holistic approach that considers genetic, nutritional, and neurological aspects is most promising to optimize the understanding and treatment of nausea in cats. With advances in genetics and modern diagnostic procedures, personalized therapy approaches could be developed in the near future that are tailored to the individual needs and biological characteristics of the affected cats.

Frequently asked questions

  1. What is nausea in cats? Nausea is the feeling of sickness that often precedes vomiting. In cats, it can cause them to gag or swallow more frequently without actual vomiting occurring.

  2. How do I know if my cat has nausea? Signs of nausea in cats include frequent gagging, increased swallowing, drooling, or lip licking. These symptoms may also be accompanied by decreased food intake.

  3. What are the most common causes of nausea in cats? Nausea can be triggered by a variety of factors, including gastrointestinal disturbances, stress, motion sickness, or taking medications. Eating unusual or spoiled food can also cause nausea.

  4. Is nausea in cats dangerous? Nausea itself is not dangerous, but it can be a symptom of serious health problems. If the nausea persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, a veterinarian should be consulted.

  5. How can I help my cat with nausea? In case of acute nausea, the cat should initially have no access to food to calm the stomach. Small amounts of water should be available, however. If the nausea persists, a veterinary visit is required.

  6. Can medications be used for nausea in cats? Yes, there are special medications that can relieve nausea in cats. However, these should only be administered after consulting a veterinarian, as they are not suitable for all cats.

  7. What role does nutrition play in nausea? A balanced and high-quality diet can help prevent nausea. It is important to avoid sudden changes in feed and to choose feed that is tailored to the cat’s needs. A special diet food may be useful for sensitive cats.

  8. Are home remedies for nausea in cats recommended? Home remedies such as ginger or chamomile tea, which can help people, are not suitable for cats and can even be harmful. It is advisable to always consult a veterinarian for nausea.

  9. Can stress trigger nausea in cats? Yes, stress is a common trigger for nausea in cats. Changes in everyday life, such as a move or new pets, can lead to nausea in sensitive cats.

  10. When should I take my cat to the vet for nausea? A veterinary visit is advisable if the nausea lasts longer than a day, is accompanied by vomiting, or the cat shows other symptoms of illness. A recurring nausea without an obvious reason should also be investigated.

Content
Download/Print

Are you unsure what is wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our symptom checker for more clarity.