HELP! Kitten is vomiting!

Hi Josiejosie,

Congratulations on your new kit, first of all.

Hm, strange. Usually kittens vomit foam when something they’ve eaten has disagreed with them, but since he’s doing it so frequently it’s unlikely to be food related. It could also indicate a gastrointestinal infection of some sort. Did the vet do any other testing of any sort? Temperature, feeling of the belly, etc?

It’s possible your kitty has a really sensitive stomach and will outgrow it, but it’s also possible that he could have an infection. Parasites is also a concern — kittens get those very easily and it’s very common.

Maybe you could try switching him to a different food. They do make good wet food for sensitive stomachs. In the meantime, taking him back to the vet is a good idea. Definitely explain how much he’s been throwing up — a one time thing is usually no cause for concern, but several times might indicate a problem. But try not to worry — kittens have such tiny, sensitive systems — it is most likely an easy fix 🙂

Good luck, and please keep us updated!

Hi JosieJ,
No, this is NOT normal. I would be worried too. At least he is peeing, pooping and eating, even though he throws up. Is he keeping anything down? Is there any chance he could have eaten something he shouldn’t have, such as chewing on wires, paper, string, rubber bands, plant, etc?

I would definitely get him back to the vet, and try another vet if you aren’t satisfied with the current one. I’m wondering about parasites (worms) because most all kittens have them. The vet can adminsiter a dewormer, and if you are worried that he might have ingested something he shouldn’t have, then an xray to see if his digestive tract is clear.

Welcome to TDK Josie. I hope that your wee kit was just sensitive to the previous food and continues to keep this new brand down and thrive.
It is good that he is still peeing and pooping. I think giving him some probiotic with his food is a good idea too.
Thanks for keeping us posted too.

Thank you for keeping us updated JosieJ, I suppose it’s a possibility but I’ve never heard of that. I think it’s more likely that the kitties just have very sensitive stomachs and might need probiotic supplements, food made for sensitivity and digestion issues, etc.

Good to hear his FELV and FIV came back normal — was he also tested for distemper? That can cause vomiting. Not to scare you, but just want to be sure 🙂

No, feline distemper is different from HPV — it’s often abbreviated to FP (Feline Panleukopenia). There’s not really a definitive test for it like there is for FeLV / FIV, but if a vet suspects it they’ll test the blood and it will often show a low white count.

Sounds like the only symptom your kit is having is vomiting, and the vet doesn’t sound too concerned either, so that’s good. No fever either I assume, correct? Just wondering if the vet talked about it with you at all.

Considering he’s doing well (at least better today) I doubt he has it, but you can never be too careful with your babies!

Good luck, keep us posted!

In TDK land, we recommend Goats’ milk for kittens. Cats are lactose intolerant and can’t digest cows milk. Goats’ milk is full of nutrients, probiotics and gentler on their tummies. This can also regulate the poop. You can find it in the dairy section or the concentrate in the baking aisle. Mix the concentrate 1:1 with water or pedylite. If, at any time, they seem lethargic put a dab of Karo syrup or honey in their mouth.

KMR is good but many kittens, esp. with upset tummies, do better with Goats milk.