My 5-month-old kitten is vomiting a lot but hasn’t eaten... what should I do?

Hey everyone! I have a 5-month-old stray kitten who has been sick for the past couple of days. He hasn’t eaten anything and has vomited around 15 times. It’s this deep yellow, foamy liquid. I took him to the vet, and they did an X-ray (no issues there) and gave him meds, but he’s still not improving. I’m waiting for the blood test results. I’m really worried and would appreciate any advice.

That could be a bigger issue. You should find a vet that specializes in cats. Definitely don’t let them brush it off. Get an ultrasound or further tests if necessary, and don’t wait too long. It could save you from a worse situation later on.

@Harlan
Thanks! We’ve already done the X-ray, and I’m waiting on bloodwork. The vomit looks like bile. The vet hasn’t said much about it yet.

@Harlan
Bile vomit is usually yellow and foamy. Could be because your kitten’s stomach is empty. Just keep a close watch, especially with the meds. It might take a little time for them to start working.

Maybe it’s because his stomach’s empty. I’ve heard that can cause bile vomiting. Did you ask the vet if that could be the issue?

Luca said:
Maybe it’s because his stomach’s empty. I’ve heard that can cause bile vomiting. Did you ask the vet if that could be the issue?

Yeah, he hasn’t eaten anything, and I’m just not sure how to get him to stop vomiting if he won’t eat. The vet didn’t say much about it, but I’ll ask again tomorrow when we get the blood test results.

Lack of appetite can be really dangerous for cats. Has your cat been tested for feline leukemia or other serious conditions?

Shan said:
Lack of appetite can be really dangerous for cats. Has your cat been tested for feline leukemia or other serious conditions?

I hadn’t thought of that, but I hope it’s not that serious. I’ll mention it to the vet tomorrow just in case.

Be really careful with cats that aren’t eating. Hepatic lipidosis is a serious risk. Check if his ears or gums are yellowing. If he doesn’t improve soon, he might need to be hospitalized and drip-fed.

Jordan said:
Be really careful with cats that aren’t eating. Hepatic lipidosis is a serious risk. Check if his ears or gums are yellowing. If he doesn’t improve soon, he might need to be hospitalized and drip-fed.

No yellowing so far, but he was already drip-fed at the vet today. I’m hoping it helps.

Jordan said:
Be really careful with cats that aren’t eating. Hepatic lipidosis is a serious risk. Check if his ears or gums are yellowing. If he doesn’t improve soon, he might need to be hospitalized and drip-fed.

That’s a good sign. I hope he gets better soon! It’s so stressful when they’re sick and not eating. My cat had a lot of health issues, and it was tough nursing him back to health. Did the vet find anything concerning in the tests yet?

You could try offering him wet food if he’s not eating anything. Sometimes that’s easier for them to digest when they’re feeling sick.

Ari said:
You could try offering him wet food if he’s not eating anything. Sometimes that’s easier for them to digest when they’re feeling sick.

Thanks, I’ll give that a try. He’s barely drinking water either, so I’m hoping he might take to wet food better.

Ari said:
You could try offering him wet food if he’s not eating anything. Sometimes that’s easier for them to digest when they’re feeling sick.

Yeah, cats usually prefer to get their water from their food. If he’s still not drinking, maybe try getting a water fountain for him. Some cats are more tempted by moving water.