Can cats have stomach bugs?

[eekareindeer]

My 8 year old moggy has been sick 4 times in the last couple of days.

He keeps begging for food but then brings it all up again an hour or so later.

I haven't actually seen him vomiting, so don't know if there's a lot of coughing going on beforehand to indicate furballs. But what we're clearing up is rather copious (sorry if tmi) - looks like everything he's eaten.

Should I be worried about him?

bump

Hi Eek! my cat had a tummy bug just before Christmas. (not good for us, eh!)

It started with 'D' and then she started vomiting bile. Unfortunately, because she's elderly (12) and quite skinny (very nervous cat!), she had to have a drip at the vets.

We also syringed food (mixed with water) into her for a couple of days and she was given antibiotics.

Just watch out for signs of dehydration and keep offering water - maybe offer a bit of fish or chicken.

I think a younger cat will better equipped to fight the infection.

How is he in himself? Is he subdued, has he any diarrhoea, are his third eyelids visible at the corner of his eyes?

It's possible he's eaten something disgusting that he's scavenged, or may have feline infectious enteritis if vaccinations aren't up to date. But he may have eaten something inappropriate that is causing a blockage. It's unusual for fur balls to cause a blockage.

I think you might have to consult the vet if it doesn't improve.

Not good for us no, Annoying! Lol (weakly)!

Girly - he is fine in himself and keeps asking for food.

I tried to put a flea treatment on the back of his neck today (hoping to keep the swallowing of fur at bay) and literally had to chase him all over the house.

He is not up to date with his vaccinations because, tbh, it is impossible and I really do mean impossible to get him in the cat basket. Last time we tried DH and I gave up after 30 minutes and hundreds of scratches. It was like doing 10 rounds with Mike Tyson, honestly.

I am dreading having to take him to the vets .

If you really think it is furballs, you can get a meat flavoured greasy substance Katalax to give. It coats swallowed hair and aids its passage through the gut. It is the tickling of hair in the stomach which makes them vomit. You just squeeze some onto a finger or the cats paw and they lick it off, easy!

I sympathise with the carrier problem. I have had to develop all manner of sneaky tactics with my cat, and the only one that works is picking her up while asleep! I also have to give worm and flea treatments by spot on, as tablets are impossible. I take it you've exhausted all the bribery with treats and favourite foods in the carrier. Some cat experts say that leaving the carrier out all the time gets the cat used to it, they can go in and out at will and leave their own scent on it. Failing that, thick gloves and pounce on cat with a blanket and bundle them into the carrier.

It might be worth trying a different type of carrier, mine is more like a bag, with canvas and mesh sides and a rigid frame. My cat thinks no-one can see her through the mesh! Cats usually like getting into bags. I would point out that should you ever need to use a cattery, they will insist that the cats vaccinations are up to date. The one I use needs to see the vets card every year as proof!

Oh thanks for all that info girly. Very useful! I like the sound of that bag-like carrier.

He has eaten all his breakfast today (he was desperate!) I gave it to him outside and made him stay outside for a couple of hours.

Fingers crossed for no more nasty surprises.