Question:
Hi, I have 2 male, neutered, Persian cats. Both 3 years old. One was very sick about a month and a half ago(Stewie). He was throwing up and not even able to keep down water so I took him to the vet and went through a series of tests to come out with a diagnosis of gastritis most likely brought on by the use of an antibiotic (Metronidazole which is supposed to be more gentle on the stomach). The vet said that the cats have very sensitive stomachs...as do many Persians and put both cats on an IVD. They have been eating the rabbit and peas. When I brought Stewie home from the vet I noticed the next morning that there was vomit on the rug. I had a feeling that it was the other cat, Marvin. In the middle of all of this we moved to a different state and I was away for a while. Marvin did not throw up after we moved for a couple of weeks but then he started up again, doing this every few days or so, but only at night(between 2 and 5 am). His appetite is robust and he looks and acts like he is fine. I am positive there is no blockage and that he did not eat anything he shouldn't have. He is having normal bowel movements and urination. When he vomits some of the food is still whole as though he is just gulping it down without chewing(it is dry food). I started putting water in the food to see if that would help. When Marvin throws up it is between 2 tablespoons and 1/3 cup of food. There is not much liquid to it. I almost think he is regurgitating it, but this does not make sense to me because it is often around 7 or 8 hours after he has last eaten that he vomits(I have been taking the bowls of food away around 8 at night). Any clues as to why this could be happening would be greatly appreciated. I just spent 750 dollars when Stewie was sick on a lot of tests that he really didn't need. I think if I brought Marvin in the docs would be baffled and it would be quite costly. I have been giving both cats laxatone every couple of days to help with hairballs and they currently have a lion cut, so I don't think that hairballs are the cause of the vomiting. Sorry this is so long but I figured the more details you had the better. Thanks for your time.

Annie Dries

Answer:
I'm sorry I'm not understanding some things.
What is IVD? And what is, and why were they on Metronidazole?
What kind of food is the rabbit and peas? That is the dry food you're talking about?
I guess it could be behavioral, I would at least call your vet and explain things.

When my cat has anything other than his regular food and water, he vomits. A LOT! Whether it be a different type of food, treats, table food, pills. Anything.
But also, if we go away we are always (well, most of the time) blessed with a nice pile of puke when returning, but I still wouldn't say it is a behavioral thing with him, I just think he gets worked up when we are not home.

Answer:
IF you think he is gulping his food too fast, you can try giving it to him in a very large container, like a shallow roasting pan, and spread it out so he can only eat one piece at a time.

Have you tried feeding them canned food? Better for neutered males in the long run.

Answer:
Dear Sneaky and Lucky, thank you for your input. The IVD is a diet that uses a source of protein not found in most cat foods such as rabbit or venison on the premise that the cats have developed a food allergy to chicken, fish and other proteins commonly found in cat food. This happens a lot with Persians. The food is dry. Lucky, I like your idea about putting the food in a larger container...Marvin really gulps his food down like there is no tomorrow. I had also thought about switching to canned food. Do you know why it is better for them in the long run? I hadn't heard that before. Thanks for your help. I think I will try the canned food and go from there.

Annie

Answer:
Unlike dogs, cats don't have great thirst sensors, and very often, cats do not drink enough water. Combine that with them eating dry food, and they may have very concentrated urine, which will not flush out any crystals in the bladder. Male cats neutered at a very young age may also have a slightly smaller urethra, so all these factors can cause urinary tract problems and/or blockages.

Canned food can help with this, since there is a lot of water in it and this helps flush out the bladder. Just stay away from fish (tuna) flavored foods, since these are thought to aggravate any mineral or crystal formations in the bladder.

There is still no guarantee your cats won't be troubled by urinary tract woes, but your chances of avoiding it may be increased by feeding canned.

Answer:
Thank you for the information Lucky. Makes a lot of sense!

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Lucky, is it only tuna that one should steer clear of or ALL fish? My cats love salmon, I try not to feed it exclusively but they get it a couple of times a week. What about sardines?

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Sorry to the OP!
Lucky, also what about treats that are fish flavored? Or tuna?
And can you give them human tuna in a can or not?

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