Cat throwing up with separation anxiety while we are away

[sadcatowner]

We have two cats. One is sweet but not bright and is quite needy. We have lovely people cat sitting while we are away and they have told us that the cat has vomited several times in different places. This happened the last time we went away as well and we are certain it is stress related. Any ideas what they might be able to do to reassure the cat and help him not to be sick.

What is different when you go away, apart from you not being there?

Are the cats still allowed outside for example? Different feeding/toileting arrangements?

If it’s just your absence, perhaps leave the radio on?

Everything else is the same except us being away and another person being in the house and possibly the timing of when the cats get fed.

Last year something similar happened with the cat but we didn't make the connection with us being away and thought it was due to eating too fast or being unwell.

I have asked my cat sitter to put out some of our clothing and to spray feliway near him and to spend time chatting to him and playing with him. I feel really guilty for them because we just didn't anticipate this when signing them up and it happened on the first night.

Oh other people staying in the house? However lovely they are, that could be the stressor… have you tried a cat sitter who visits daily instead? But appreciate you may prefer the security of a house sitter.

Is there any chance your boy sheds extra fur due to the stress of you being away and then overgrooms . We have a similar issue when ours has been stressed and have to remember to do extra brushes to remove the extra fur after a stressful period .

Hairballs are quite solid when thrown back up .

I wonder if your cats might do better with someone doing two visits a day, rather than having a stranger living in their home full-time?

Cats are really territorial and many really dislike having strangers in their space, especially if those strangers have practically moved in.

It could be to do with the timing of the feeds. Is the cat vomiting bile? Have a look at bilious vomiting.