[rainecloud]

Anyone know why my cat was all of a sudden vomiting, coughing, hacking, and foaming/salivating ALOT all over the place??? Im really worried. She seems better now. It was going on for about 20 minutes. After she was licking her lips over and over and still coughing/hacking. She also was squinting and closing her eyes while it was happening, I dont know if that makes a difference. Her vomit was also kind of red, but my dad said it didnt seem like blood. Someone help, please.

 

[Lilly]

I think maybe she had a hair ball. Is she fine now? The only thing that is really concerning to me is that I have never seen red vomit from a hair ball. :?

 

[rainecloud]

Ive never seen her do this before. Usually when she has a hairball she coughs for a few minutes and thats it. This was vilolent though. I got so scared. She is sitting on top of the monitor like she always does now. She seems alot better. But...I still want to know why it happened!

 

[Jeanie]

She might have swallowed something that irritated her digestive system. Keep an eye on her and if in doubt, take her to the vet. It might just be a hairball, but if it happens again, better safe than sorry. Let us know!

 

[rainecloud]

I will! thanks everyone! Today she still seems a little weak, and shes acting a little weird, but Im assuming anyone would after what happened.

Shes eating so I hope thats a good sign. I hope she can keep it down though.

 

[Jeanie]

If she's acting strange, please take her to the vet. Let us know, ok?

 

[drjean]

Bengal cat vomiting...

I agree with Jeanie--please have your vet give her a thorough exam!

Cheers,
Dr. Jean

 

[rainecloud]

I feel so bad because my dad says he doesnt have enough time to take her. And my mom is to busy because her grandmother died last week and shes going to her mothers house to sit shiva for the next few days. So...I dont have anyone to drive her to the vet. Im going to try and guilt my dad into taking her...I dont think it will work though. I hope she will be ok. She is acting strange still and meowing like shes about to vomit. (yes, I know what she sounds like when shes going to) And she when shes walking she will stop and crouch down and it looks like her stomach hurts...I dont know, thats just what I see in her face. She doesnt usually lie like that..and shes doing it now too. She just seems to be feeling really crappy. Im worrying so much. I feel like Im going to have a panic attack soon.

 

[Jeanie]

Rainecloud, The person who posted immediately before you appears to be a veterinarian. Would it help to tell Dad that a vet advised an exam? I don't want to upset you, but this could be serious. Noone likes to be coaxed, but I think this is important. Keep us informed, please.

 

[rainecloud]

Thankyou so much! I will even show him this thread and let him know that a vet said so! This could really help. I will post later to let you know what he says. Thankyou thankyou thankyou~! :)

 

[rainecloud]

Dr. Jean,
Do you have any idea what might be wrong with her? Im just curious as to what is causing this. I know I have to have her checked to be sure but I just want to know if you have ANY idea at all...any opinions or anything. I think I mentioned this but she keeps squinting her eyes like shes really tired...and her eyes are glassy. She still walks around and even plays a little here and there.

 

[drjean]

Bengal cat

Well it could be a lot of things, but some kind of toxin, an inflammation such as pancreatitis, or a foreign body (like a string, chicken bone, toy or other small object that she might have swallowed) would be way up on my list. Bengals are so curious, and so bold (and so fast!)--you never know what they might get into! I have pulled some very interesting items from little cat tummies over the years...

Another thing you might have your dad think about--a Bengal cat probably cost quite a bit originally; wouldn't he want to protect that investment?

In any case, it is better to deal with the problem sooner rather than later, when complications could make the cure much more difficult and expensive. I would definitely be on the side of caution here--a vet visit is the only prudent thing to do.

Best of luck!

Cheers,
Dr. Jean