Vomiting Green Liquid in Cats: Emergency Care Recommendations
Cats, like humans, can sometimes experience vomiting, and one of the most common causes of green vomit in felines is the presence of bile. This substance is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, playing a crucial role in digestion. When a cat's stomach is empty, bile can make its way into the vomit, creating a greenish hue [1][3].
However, green cat vomit can also be a sign of more serious underlying issues. Dietary indiscretions, such as eating too fast, food intolerances or allergies, ingestion of foreign bodies or toxins, intestinal obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease, neurological disorders, and metabolic imbalances can all contribute to this symptom [1][4].
In such cases, treatments vary depending on the root cause. Dietary management, ensuring hydration, and removing offending foods from a cat's diet are common initial steps. For chronic or severe conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or intestinal blockages, veterinary diagnostics and targeted treatments (including medication or surgery) may be necessary [1]. In cases of toxin ingestion or presence of foreign substances, indicated by unusual vomit colors like green, immediate veterinary assessment is crucial [4].
Pet owners should seek immediate veterinary attention if their cat exhibits repeated vomiting, weakness or lethargy, pain or distress, vomiting blood, blood in the stool, fever, or if vomiting persists despite withholding food for several hours [3]. Additionally, if the cat has ingested something potentially harmful, such as a toxin or plastic, or the vomit contains unusual colors or substances, urgent care is warranted [3][4].
Weight loss in a cat for more than two days is an urgent concern, and so is a cat that stops eating for 24 hours, both requiring immediate attention [3]. Cats may eat things that cannot be digested by the body, such as fake plants, string, or small pieces of a toy, leading to vomiting.
Viruses that affect the whole body or any part of the abdomen can also lead to vomiting in cats. Green vomit can indicate inflammation in the stomach or organs near it, which can have various causes such as inflammatory bowel disease, viruses, kidney disease, or foreign bodies [1].
If a cat's appetite has decreased over time but they are still eating, and their appetite does not return over a few days, it is important to call a veterinarian. In some cases, a simple change in diet or a course of antibiotics may be all that is needed to help your feline friend feel better.
In summary, green vomit in cats can be a concern, but it's not the only factor to consider. The cat's overall health and behavior are more important indicators of potential issues. If you notice any changes in your cat's vomit color, frequency, or accompanying symptoms, it's always best to consult with a veterinarian.
In light of potential underlying health issues, seeking veterinary advice is essential if your cat's vomit color, frequency, or associated symptoms change, as it may indicate inflammation in the stomach or nearby organs. Such conditions could be linked to diverse causes such as dietary indiscretions, foreign body ingestion, intestinal obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease, or mental health issues, which interlink science and health-and-wellness.
In cases of unusual vomit colors like green, immediate veterinary assessment should be prioritized, considering it might be indicative of toxin ingestion or the presence of foreign substances that could impact a cat's mental health. Consulting a veterinarian helps monitor the overall health and well-being of your feline companion.
