Suki is dry heaving again… :-

Fred has done this from time to time SJ..I usually don’t worry if he is acting his normal self. If you have any concerns, I would call the vet and ask them. I did that today with a question and they were more than helpful.

What are the symptoms that my cat or kitten has worms?

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Loss of appetite

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The cat’s coat is in poor condition

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The cat has a pot belly appearance – especially in kittens

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The cat or kitten suffers weight loss

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Stunted growth of a kitten

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Diarrhea (sometimes bloody diarrhea)

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Vomiting or vomiting up a worm.

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Anemia – The cat or kitten has pale gums

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Worm segments around the anal area. These segments look like small grains of rice or sesame seeds.

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Continual licking of the anal area

They are definitely good signs.

Maybe I worry too much. I deworm my kits 1-2 times every year and they are strictly indoor kitties who eat mainly canned food and kibble.

If that dry heaving continues go see the vet:

http://www.petservice.com/ask_the_vet/8-15_qa.html

Cat Dry Heaving

5) Question: My 14-yr male Burmese has a constant problem of “retching”. Hunches down and has

symptoms of dry heaving. Periodically, he will throw up but nothing comes out. I have tried Nutri-cal, Petromalt and Laxatone. Also, have checked for worms but is negative. Other than this, he is very healthy. He does this at least 3 times a day. Thank you. MC., Oshkosh, WI.

ANSWER: Your cat definitely needs to see your veterinarian. Vomiting or “retching” is not normal and can signify many things such as chronic hairball problems, obstruction of the digestive tract (partial or full), parasites such as heartworms, roundworms, giardia, viral or bacterial infections of the trachea, throat or lungs, thyroid disease, and even cancer. Your vet will want to take xrays of the throat and chest (possibly the abdomen) and will run some blood work to check for other diseases such as heartworm infection and feline hyperthyroidism. Good luck and don’t delay! Get your cat in today!