Question:

Now that is a really interesting post! I’ve seen food look like that before with my moms cat when I first got him. I had to do the lots of small meals or this happened. Karen

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sometimes, cats can get a condition called mega-esophagus.  It happens when the muscle in the esophagus loses some of its tone and strength.  When this happens, the cat will eat, but the food will not be swallowed all the way down into its stomach.  The esophagus becomes distended with food, and the more distended it becomes, the less able it is to push the food down into the stomach.  When this happens, the cat will throw up the food.  It will be lots of food packed in the shape of a cylinder.  I had two cats that had this condition, and they threw up, regardless of whether they were eating canned food or kibble.  Usually, if they eat a little slower, or they eat less at a sitting, they don’t throw up as often.  If the vet determines that there is nothing else wrong with the cat, I would try raising the food dish up a little off the floor or counter, so the cat can eat sitting up or standing, as opposed to crouching down.  I have had pretty good luck doing this.  The cat is not swallowing up against gravity, because her head is higher than her stomach, and it gives her esophagus a bit of a break. Christy I’m hoping someone can help me out. I’m the one who was looking after a co-worker’s cat while she was away getting a new guide dog. The cat is a Maine Coon cat who is very elderly I think. Her owner never mentioned her age. The problem is for the past two days, right after she eats she throws up the food. It *is* food, some of it still has the kibble consistency, and it doesn’t have hair in it. I have been combing her everyday and I’ve only seen one hairball. She’s been with me for a week. Her owner said that this just happens and it is because she doesn’t have a lot of teeth. She just does this to soften the food. However, she only does this in the morning. I haven’t seen it at night. I’ve been splitting the portions of her food to try and stop the problem and it worked for awhile. I can’t switch her food either as she’s not my cat I’m only watching her at my place for another 5-6 days. Please help…my carpets can’t take this much longer! <<==Darkchild==

Response:

Sometimes, cats can get a condition called mega-esophagus.  

<interesting stuff snipped Thanks for the interesting information! Another poster recommended that I raise the food dish earlier and since I’ve done that in combination with feeding her at least twice a day, there have been no problems. Also she coughed up a large (well what I think is large since I don’t own cats) hairball yesterday so that also could have been part of the problem. Thanks for all the advice everyone. I will pass this information along to Mozart’s owner as she is visually impaired and I’m not sure she could describe what the vomit looks like to her vet. Thanks again for the info – Mozart says thanks too! Edlynne

Response:

I would try raising the food dish up a little off the floor or counter, so the cat can eat sitting up or standing, as opposed to crouching down.  I have had pretty good luck doing this.  The cat is not swallowing up against gravity, because her head is higher than her stomach, and it gives her esophagus a bit of a break. Christy

Thanks for the advice, Christy.  I’ll try this.  My female has had a problem like this for years and the vet says to ignore it, but that’s pretty hard to do.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – So you went to vet school then? No, I have worked for 6 vets, all who recommend what I said before. "Add to this she really should be on tinned food which is far better for her all round" Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily dry food, supplemented with some canned for moisture.  BUT, if this cat has a food allergy or other medical problem , only a vet can tell you which food will help it. -Denise Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily canned food, supplemented with some dry to help exercise their jaws and gums. Dry food should NEVER exceed 30% of their food intake. Then your vets don’t know what they are talking about. — Frank. ??? Nothing added after my comment? Why did he post nothing? — Frank.

Look up, not down on that one.

Response:

Sometimes, cats can get a condition called mega-esophagus.  It happens when the muscle in the esophagus loses some of its tone and strength.  When this happens, the cat will eat, but the food will not be swallowed all the way down into its stomach.  The esophagus becomes distended with food, and the more distended it becomes, the less able it is to push the food down into the stomach.  When this happens, the cat will throw up the food.  It will be lots of food packed in the shape of a cylinder.  I had two cats that had this condition, and they threw up, regardless of whether they were eating canned food or kibble.  Usually, if they eat a little slower, or they eat less at a sitting, they don’t throw up as often.  If the vet determines that there is nothing else wrong with the cat, I would try raising the food dish up a little off the floor or counter, so the cat can eat sitting up or standing, as opposed to crouching down.  I have had pretty good luck doing this.  The cat is not swallowing up against gravity, because her head is higher than her stomach, and it gives her esophagus a bit of a break. Christy

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m hoping someone can help me out. I’m the one who was looking after a co-worker’s cat while she was away getting a new guide dog. The cat is a Maine Coon cat who is very elderly I think. Her owner never mentioned her age. The problem is for the past two days, right after she eats she throws up the food. It *is* food, some of it still has the kibble consistency, and it doesn’t have hair in it. I have been combing her everyday and I’ve only seen one hairball. She’s been with me for a week. Her owner said that this just happens and it is because she doesn’t have a lot of teeth. She just does this to soften the food. However, she only does this in the morning. I haven’t seen it at night. I’ve been splitting the portions of her food to try and stop the problem and it worked for awhile. I can’t switch her food either as she’s not my cat I’m only watching her at my place for another 5-6 days. Please help…my carpets can’t take this much longer! <<==Darkchild==

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -So you went to vet school then? No, I have worked for 6 vets, all who recommend what I said before. "Add to this she really should be on tinned food which is far better for her all round" Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily dry food, supplemented with some canned for moisture.  BUT, if this cat has a food allergy or other medical problem , only a vet can tell you which food will help it. -Denise Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily canned food, supplemented with some dry to help exercise their jaws and gums. Dry food should NEVER exceed 30% of their food intake. Then your vets don’t know what they are talking about. — Frank.

??? Nothing added after my comment? Why did he post nothing? — Frank.

Response:

Yes, you can add water to the dry food to soften it.  But if she’s vomitting and not drinking much, she needs medical attention, at any vet if you cannot reach her owners.  Cats get dehydrated easily and it can kill them. -Denise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sorry to top post but I’m the original poster and yes, her owner did say it was normal behaviour for her to throw up her food because she doesn’t have many teeth. This just seems weird to me and can’t imagine that there is nothing you can do about this. I don’t want to change her food to canned since she’s not mine, but can I add water to her dry food to soften it for her? I’ve noticed that she doesn’t seem to drink a lot of water anyway. I’ve also tried to give her smaller portions and am feeding her three times a day instead of two. (smaller portions)  I suppose that that she could be upset still at being away from her owner, but she’s been here a week and a half and will be here for another. I think she’s better adjusted to my place anyway, since the last time Mozart (her name) stayed at another person’s house while her owner was away she ended up digging a hole in some drywall and hiding in there for six weeks. As for the vet, I would take her there but her owner didn’t leave me with the name of her vet and since she mentioned this problem I figure she must have spoken to a vet about the problem. <<==Darkchild== Hw said the owner said it was normal behavior for the cat, so it’s not just because they’re away.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi There, I cannot beleive that no one here has suggested bringing the cat to the vets yet.  This is not normal behavior and it’s sad that the cat’s owner blows it off like that.  This cat could have many reasons for vomitting, but the most probable causes are medical.  At least have anything medical ruled out and see what the vet suggest for food.  I would also worry about dehydration.  Good luck, I hope the poor thing feels better. -Denise THe cat is being baby sat for a co-worker and most likely is out of sorts with the owner being gone. Kaern

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sorry to top post but I’m the original poster and yes, her owner did say it was normal behaviour for her to throw up her food because she doesn’t have many teeth. This just seems weird to me and can’t imagine that there is nothing you can do about this. I don’t want to change her food to canned since she’s not mine, but can I add water to her dry food to soften it for her? I’ve noticed that she doesn’t seem to drink a lot of water anyway. I’ve also tried to give her smaller portions and am feeding her three times a day instead of two. (smaller portions) I suppose that that she could be upset still at being away from her owner, but she’s been here a week and a half and will be here for another. I think she’s better adjusted to my place anyway, since the last time Mozart (her name) stayed at another person’s house while her owner was away she ended up digging a hole in some drywall and hiding in there for six weeks. As for the vet, I would take her there but her owner didn’t leave me with the name of her vet and since she mentioned this problem I figure she must have spoken to a vet about the problem. <<==Darkchild==

Good God! I always leave my vets number with the sitters in case of emergencies! <shiver You tell the owner that my cat has only his front teeth and never throws up. She could just have a delicate stomach (I had one of those once – lived to a ripe old age of 20 but threw up fairly regularly). Karen

Response:

Sorry to top post but I’m the original poster and yes, her owner did say it was normal behaviour for her to throw up her food because she doesn’t have many teeth. This just seems weird to me and can’t imagine that there is nothing you can do about this. I don’t want to change her food to canned since she’s not mine, but can I add water to her dry food to soften it for her? I’ve noticed that she doesn’t seem to drink a lot of water anyway. I’ve also tried to give her smaller portions and am feeding her three times a day instead of two. (smaller portions)  I suppose that that she could be upset still at being away from her owner, but she’s been here a week and a half and will be here for another. I think she’s better adjusted to my place anyway, since the last time Mozart (her name) stayed at another person’s house while her owner was away she ended up digging a hole in some drywall and hiding in there for six weeks. As for the vet, I would take her there but her owner didn’t leave me with the name of her vet and since she mentioned this problem I figure she must have spoken to a vet about the problem. <<==Darkchild== – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hw said the owner said it was normal behavior for the cat, so it’s not just because they’re away. Hi There, I cannot beleive that no one here has suggested bringing the cat to the vets yet.  This is not normal behavior and it’s sad that the cat’s owner blows it off like that.  This cat could have many reasons for vomitting, but the most probable causes are medical.  At least have anything medical ruled out and see what the vet suggest for food.  I would also worry about dehydration.  Good luck, I hope the poor thing feels better. -Denise THe cat is being baby sat for a co-worker and most likely is out of sorts with the owner being gone. Kaern

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No, I have worked for 6 vets, all who recommend what I said before.

Find better vets in future. — Bob. Now enjoying the new millennium which started on January 1st 2001.

Response:

So you went to vet school then? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – No, I have worked for 6 vets, all who recommend what I said before. "Add to this she really should be on tinned food which is far better for her all round" Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily dry food, supplemented with some canned for moisture.  BUT, if this cat has a food allergy or other medical problem , only a vet can tell you which food will help it. -Denise Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily canned food, supplemented with some dry to help exercise their jaws and gums. Dry food should NEVER exceed 30% of their food intake. Then your vets don’t know what they are talking about. — Frank.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -No, I have worked for 6 vets, all who recommend what I said before. "Add to this she really should be on tinned food which is far better for her all round" Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily dry food, supplemented with some canned for moisture.  BUT, if this cat has a food allergy or other medical problem , only a vet can tell you which food will help it. -Denise Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily canned food, supplemented with some dry to help exercise their jaws and gums. Dry food should NEVER exceed 30% of their food intake.

Then your vets don’t know what they are talking about. — Frank.

Response:

Hw said the owner said it was normal behavior for the cat, so it’s not just because they’re away.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi There, I cannot beleive that no one here has suggested bringing the cat to the vets yet.  This is not normal behavior and it’s sad that the cat’s owner blows it off like that.  This cat could have many reasons for vomitting, but the most probable causes are medical.  At least have anything medical ruled out and see what the vet suggest for food.  I would also worry about dehydration.  Good luck, I hope the poor thing feels better. -Denise THe cat is being baby sat for a co-worker and most likely is out of sorts with the owner being gone. Kaern

Response:

No, I have worked for 6 vets, all who recommend what I said before.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – "Add to this she really should be on tinned food which is far better for her all round" Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily dry food, supplemented with some canned for moisture.  BUT, if this cat has a food allergy or other medical problem , only a vet can tell you which food will help it. -Denise Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily canned food, supplemented with some dry to help exercise their jaws and gums. Dry food should NEVER exceed 30% of their food intake. — Bob. What should you do when you see an endangered animal eating an endangered plant?

Response:

"Add to this she really should be on tinned food which is far better for her all round" Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily dry food, supplemented with some canned for moisture.  BUT, if this cat has a food allergy or other medical problem , only a vet can tell you which food will help it. -Denise

Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily canned food, supplemented with some dry to help exercise their jaws and gums. Dry food should NEVER exceed 30% of their food intake. — Bob. What should you do when you see an endangered animal eating an endangered plant?

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I, too, don’t understand the comment about tinned food being better. Dry food has at least two advantages- helps clean the teeth,

No it doesn’t. Most dry food is swallowed whole, that part that is crunched only cleans the tips of the teeth and has no real effect in cleaning teeth. and stays fresh longer.

No. Within 20 minutes of being put in the bowl it is a breeding ground for germs. Because people tend to leave it down for longer it is therefore more of a risk to cats than tinned. My cat won’t even touch canned food.

then you should try harder and give more variety. — Bob. Now enjoying the new millennium which started on January 1st 2001.

Response:

Hi There, I cannot beleive that no one here has suggested bringing the cat to the vets yet.  This is not normal behavior and it’s sad that the cat’s owner blows it off like that.  This cat could have many reasons for vomitting, but the most probable causes are medical.  At least have anything medical ruled out and see what the vet suggest for food.  I would also worry about dehydration.  Good luck, I hope the poor thing feels better. -Denise

THe cat is being baby sat for a co-worker and most likely is out of sorts with the owner being gone. Kaern

Response:

Hi There,     I cannot beleive that no one here has suggested bringing the cat to the vets yet.  This is not normal behavior and it’s sad that the cat’s owner blows it off like that.  This cat could have many reasons for vomitting, but the most probable causes are medical.  At least have anything medical ruled out and see what the vet suggest for food.  I would also worry about dehydration.  Good luck, I hope the poor thing feels better. -Denise

Response:

"Add to this she really should be on tinned food which is far better for her all round" Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily dry food, supplemented with some canned for moisture.  BUT, if this cat has a food allergy or other medical problem , only a vet can tell you which food will help it. -Denise

Response:

I, too, don’t understand the comment about tinned food being better. Dry food has at least two advantages- helps clean the teeth, and stays fresh longer. My cat won’t even touch canned food. I’m sorry to hear you’re having such a distressing time with kitty- she is probably a little out of sorts. I agree with the small meals. Two siamese I had used to gobble their food like little piggies- then up it would come. I stopped letting them self-feed and things improved dramatically.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m hoping someone can help me out. I’m the one who was looking after a co-worker’s cat while she was away getting a new guide dog. The cat is a Maine Coon cat who is very elderly I think. Her owner never mentioned her age. The problem is for the past two days, right after she eats she throws up the food. It *is* food, some of it still has the kibble consistency, and it doesn’t have hair in it. I have been combing her everyday and I’ve only seen one hairball. She’s been with me for a week. Her owner said that this just happens and it is because she doesn’t have a lot of teeth. She just does this to soften the food. However, she only does this in the morning. I haven’t seen it at night. I’ve been splitting the portions of her food to try and stop the problem and it worked for awhile. I can’t switch her food either as she’s not my cat I’m only watching her at my place for another 5-6 days. Please help…my carpets can’t take this much longer! <<==Darkchild== Does the food come in big chunks? Break it up for her.  Our cat was throwing up in the morning a lot after we switched to some food that looked more like "Kix for Kids." In addition to getting smaller chunk food, we made sure to leave a little food in the dish overnight so he wouldn’t "gorge" himself in the morning. — F   I   R   E,  the CD by Johnny J Blair Available NOW! Info & mp3s at http://home.earthlink.net/~the3blrs/fireCD.html

Response:

I haven’t seen it at night. I’ve been splitting the portions of her food to try and stop the problem and it worked for awhile. I can’t switch her food either as she’s not my cat I’m only watching her at my place for another 5-6 days.

Usually, this is from hairballs.  But it could also be something else like irritable bowel disease.  You might try waiting for the food to come to room temperature before you feed the cat.  I would suggest when the owner returns, that you suggest she take the cat to the vet to rule out anything other than a hairball.  You could try giving her a little butter to see if this helps pass the hairball.

Response:

is it coming up in a tube shape?  if so its the same thing my cat has. he was inbred and sometimes he eats and it all comes out-most of it still has its shape.  if you feed the food elevated that might help(put dish on phone book but put something under it like rbbber so it doest move all around.  whats wrong with teddy is histhroat closes on him and nothing can pass(well nothing food like)  sometimes he just chokes on food and throws everything up As you think about letting your female cat have a litter think of all the cats in the world who are being abused everyday…Starved…beaten to their death only so the family can go out and get another…maybe from your litter advertised in the paper…Free to good home. Still don’t think there’s a need to spay…take a look at the photo on the bottom of this page http://millennium.fortunecity.com/treearbor/834/cattery.html http://community.webtv.net/Kittyteddy/Welcome

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m hoping someone can help me out. I’m the one who was looking after a co-worker’s cat while she was away getting a new guide dog. The cat is a Maine Coon cat who is very elderly I think. Her owner never mentioned her age. The problem is for the past two days, right after she eats she throws up the food. It *is* food, some of it still has the kibble consistency, and it doesn’t have hair in it. I have been combing her everyday and I’ve only seen one hairball. She’s been with me for a week. Her owner said that this just happens and it is because she doesn’t have a lot of teeth. She just does this to soften the food. However, she only does this in the morning. I haven’t seen it at night. I’ve been splitting the portions of her food to try and stop the problem and it worked for awhile. I can’t switch her food either as she’s not my cat I’m only watching her at my place for another 5-6 days. Please help…my carpets can’t take this much longer! <<==Darkchild==

Does the food come in big chunks? Break it up for her.  Our cat was throwing up in the morning a lot after we switched to some food that looked more like "Kix for Kids." In addition to getting smaller chunk food, we made sure to leave a little food in the dish overnight so he wouldn’t "gorge" himself in the morning. — F   I   R   E,  the CD by Johnny J Blair Available NOW! Info & mp3s at http://home.earthlink.net/~the3blrs/fireCD.html

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m hoping someone can help me out. I’m the one who was looking after a co-worker’s cat while she was away getting a new guide dog. The cat is a Maine Coon cat who is very elderly I think. Her owner never mentioned her age. The problem is for the past two days, right after she eats she throws up the food. It *is* food, some of it still has the kibble consistency, and it doesn’t have hair in it. I have been combing her everyday and I’ve only seen one hairball. She’s been with me for a week. Her owner said that this just happens and it is because she doesn’t have a lot of teeth. She just does this to soften the food. However, she only does this in the morning. I haven’t seen it at night. I’ve been splitting the portions of her food to try and stop the problem and it worked for awhile. I can’t switch her food either as she’s not my cat I’m only watching her at my place for another 5-6 days. Please help…my carpets can’t take this much longer!

Ok. From the top. Of course the cat will be a little out of sorts as her owner is away and she is away from how. As such she may be gulping her food faster than is really good for her. Add to this she really should be on tinned food which is far better for her all round. Best advice for now is to put down only small amounts of food at a time, if she eats that ok then put down more. Constant chucking up will not do her any good. Also give here at least one meal a day of tinned food to help he get the food and water inside her. Then, please encourage her owner to start feeding her mostly tinned food with only a little dry once in a while for variety. The cat will be much better for it in the long run. — Bob. What should you do when you see an endangered animal eating an endangered plant?

Response:

I’m hoping someone can help me out. I’m the one who was looking after a co-worker’s cat while she was away getting a new guide dog. The cat is a Maine Coon cat who is very elderly I think. Her owner never mentioned her age. The problem is for the past two days, right after she eats she throws up the food. It *is* food, some of it still has the kibble consistency, and it doesn’t have hair in it. I have been combing her everyday and I’ve only seen one hairball. She’s been with me for a week. Her owner said that this just happens and it is because she doesn’t have a lot of teeth. She just does this to soften the food. However, she only does this in the morning. I haven’t seen it at night. I’ve been splitting the portions of her food to try and stop the problem and it worked for awhile. I can’t switch her food either as she’s not my cat I’m only watching her at my place for another 5-6 days. Please help…my carpets can’t take this much longer! <<==Darkchild==

Response:

Now that is a really interesting post! I’ve seen food look like that before with my moms cat when I first got him. I had to do the lots of small meals or this happened. Karen

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sometimes, cats can get a condition called mega-esophagus.  It happens when the muscle in the esophagus loses some of its tone and strength.  When this happens, the cat will eat, but the food will not be swallowed all the way down into its stomach.  The esophagus becomes distended with food, and the more distended it becomes, the less able it is to push the food down into the stomach.  When this happens, the cat will throw up the food.  It will be lots of food packed in the shape of a cylinder.  I had two cats that had this condition, and they threw up, regardless of whether they were eating canned food or kibble.  Usually, if they eat a little slower, or they eat less at a sitting, they don’t throw up as often.  If the vet determines that there is nothing else wrong with the cat, I would try raising the food dish up a little off the floor or counter, so the cat can eat sitting up or standing, as opposed to crouching down.  I have had pretty good luck doing this.  The cat is not swallowing up against gravity, because her head is higher than her stomach, and it gives her esophagus a bit of a break. Christy I’m hoping someone can help me out. I’m the one who was looking after a co-worker’s cat while she was away getting a new guide dog. The cat is a Maine Coon cat who is very elderly I think. Her owner never mentioned her age. The problem is for the past two days, right after she eats she throws up the food. It *is* food, some of it still has the kibble consistency, and it doesn’t have hair in it. I have been combing her everyday and I’ve only seen one hairball. She’s been with me for a week. Her owner said that this just happens and it is because she doesn’t have a lot of teeth. She just does this to soften the food. However, she only does this in the morning. I haven’t seen it at night. I’ve been splitting the portions of her food to try and stop the problem and it worked for awhile. I can’t switch her food either as she’s not my cat I’m only watching her at my place for another 5-6 days. Please help…my carpets can’t take this much longer! <<==Darkchild==

Response:

Sometimes, cats can get a condition called mega-esophagus.  

<interesting stuff snipped Thanks for the interesting information! Another poster recommended that I raise the food dish earlier and since I’ve done that in combination with feeding her at least twice a day, there have been no problems. Also she coughed up a large (well what I think is large since I don’t own cats) hairball yesterday so that also could have been part of the problem. Thanks for all the advice everyone. I will pass this information along to Mozart’s owner as she is visually impaired and I’m not sure she could describe what the vomit looks like to her vet. Thanks again for the info – Mozart says thanks too! Edlynne

Response:

I would try raising the food dish up a little off the floor or counter, so the cat can eat sitting up or standing, as opposed to crouching down.  I have had pretty good luck doing this.  The cat is not swallowing up against gravity, because her head is higher than her stomach, and it gives her esophagus a bit of a break. Christy

Thanks for the advice, Christy.  I’ll try this.  My female has had a problem like this for years and the vet says to ignore it, but that’s pretty hard to do.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – So you went to vet school then? No, I have worked for 6 vets, all who recommend what I said before. "Add to this she really should be on tinned food which is far better for her all round" Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily dry food, supplemented with some canned for moisture.  BUT, if this cat has a food allergy or other medical problem , only a vet can tell you which food will help it. -Denise Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily canned food, supplemented with some dry to help exercise their jaws and gums. Dry food should NEVER exceed 30% of their food intake. Then your vets don’t know what they are talking about. — Frank. ??? Nothing added after my comment? Why did he post nothing? — Frank.

Look up, not down on that one.

Response:

Sometimes, cats can get a condition called mega-esophagus.  It happens when the muscle in the esophagus loses some of its tone and strength.  When this happens, the cat will eat, but the food will not be swallowed all the way down into its stomach.  The esophagus becomes distended with food, and the more distended it becomes, the less able it is to push the food down into the stomach.  When this happens, the cat will throw up the food.  It will be lots of food packed in the shape of a cylinder.  I had two cats that had this condition, and they threw up, regardless of whether they were eating canned food or kibble.  Usually, if they eat a little slower, or they eat less at a sitting, they don’t throw up as often.  If the vet determines that there is nothing else wrong with the cat, I would try raising the food dish up a little off the floor or counter, so the cat can eat sitting up or standing, as opposed to crouching down.  I have had pretty good luck doing this.  The cat is not swallowing up against gravity, because her head is higher than her stomach, and it gives her esophagus a bit of a break. Christy

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m hoping someone can help me out. I’m the one who was looking after a co-worker’s cat while she was away getting a new guide dog. The cat is a Maine Coon cat who is very elderly I think. Her owner never mentioned her age. The problem is for the past two days, right after she eats she throws up the food. It *is* food, some of it still has the kibble consistency, and it doesn’t have hair in it. I have been combing her everyday and I’ve only seen one hairball. She’s been with me for a week. Her owner said that this just happens and it is because she doesn’t have a lot of teeth. She just does this to soften the food. However, she only does this in the morning. I haven’t seen it at night. I’ve been splitting the portions of her food to try and stop the problem and it worked for awhile. I can’t switch her food either as she’s not my cat I’m only watching her at my place for another 5-6 days. Please help…my carpets can’t take this much longer! <<==Darkchild==

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -So you went to vet school then? No, I have worked for 6 vets, all who recommend what I said before. "Add to this she really should be on tinned food which is far better for her all round" Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily dry food, supplemented with some canned for moisture.  BUT, if this cat has a food allergy or other medical problem , only a vet can tell you which food will help it. -Denise Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily canned food, supplemented with some dry to help exercise their jaws and gums. Dry food should NEVER exceed 30% of their food intake. Then your vets don’t know what they are talking about. — Frank.

??? Nothing added after my comment? Why did he post nothing? — Frank.

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Yes, you can add water to the dry food to soften it.  But if she’s vomitting and not drinking much, she needs medical attention, at any vet if you cannot reach her owners.  Cats get dehydrated easily and it can kill them. -Denise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sorry to top post but I’m the original poster and yes, her owner did say it was normal behaviour for her to throw up her food because she doesn’t have many teeth. This just seems weird to me and can’t imagine that there is nothing you can do about this. I don’t want to change her food to canned since she’s not mine, but can I add water to her dry food to soften it for her? I’ve noticed that she doesn’t seem to drink a lot of water anyway. I’ve also tried to give her smaller portions and am feeding her three times a day instead of two. (smaller portions)  I suppose that that she could be upset still at being away from her owner, but she’s been here a week and a half and will be here for another. I think she’s better adjusted to my place anyway, since the last time Mozart (her name) stayed at another person’s house while her owner was away she ended up digging a hole in some drywall and hiding in there for six weeks. As for the vet, I would take her there but her owner didn’t leave me with the name of her vet and since she mentioned this problem I figure she must have spoken to a vet about the problem. <<==Darkchild== Hw said the owner said it was normal behavior for the cat, so it’s not just because they’re away.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi There, I cannot beleive that no one here has suggested bringing the cat to the vets yet.  This is not normal behavior and it’s sad that the cat’s owner blows it off like that.  This cat could have many reasons for vomitting, but the most probable causes are medical.  At least have anything medical ruled out and see what the vet suggest for food.  I would also worry about dehydration.  Good luck, I hope the poor thing feels better. -Denise THe cat is being baby sat for a co-worker and most likely is out of sorts with the owner being gone. Kaern

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sorry to top post but I’m the original poster and yes, her owner did say it was normal behaviour for her to throw up her food because she doesn’t have many teeth. This just seems weird to me and can’t imagine that there is nothing you can do about this. I don’t want to change her food to canned since she’s not mine, but can I add water to her dry food to soften it for her? I’ve noticed that she doesn’t seem to drink a lot of water anyway. I’ve also tried to give her smaller portions and am feeding her three times a day instead of two. (smaller portions) I suppose that that she could be upset still at being away from her owner, but she’s been here a week and a half and will be here for another. I think she’s better adjusted to my place anyway, since the last time Mozart (her name) stayed at another person’s house while her owner was away she ended up digging a hole in some drywall and hiding in there for six weeks. As for the vet, I would take her there but her owner didn’t leave me with the name of her vet and since she mentioned this problem I figure she must have spoken to a vet about the problem. <<==Darkchild==

Good God! I always leave my vets number with the sitters in case of emergencies! <shiver You tell the owner that my cat has only his front teeth and never throws up. She could just have a delicate stomach (I had one of those once – lived to a ripe old age of 20 but threw up fairly regularly). Karen

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Sorry to top post but I’m the original poster and yes, her owner did say it was normal behaviour for her to throw up her food because she doesn’t have many teeth. This just seems weird to me and can’t imagine that there is nothing you can do about this. I don’t want to change her food to canned since she’s not mine, but can I add water to her dry food to soften it for her? I’ve noticed that she doesn’t seem to drink a lot of water anyway. I’ve also tried to give her smaller portions and am feeding her three times a day instead of two. (smaller portions)  I suppose that that she could be upset still at being away from her owner, but she’s been here a week and a half and will be here for another. I think she’s better adjusted to my place anyway, since the last time Mozart (her name) stayed at another person’s house while her owner was away she ended up digging a hole in some drywall and hiding in there for six weeks. As for the vet, I would take her there but her owner didn’t leave me with the name of her vet and since she mentioned this problem I figure she must have spoken to a vet about the problem. <<==Darkchild== – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hw said the owner said it was normal behavior for the cat, so it’s not just because they’re away. Hi There, I cannot beleive that no one here has suggested bringing the cat to the vets yet.  This is not normal behavior and it’s sad that the cat’s owner blows it off like that.  This cat could have many reasons for vomitting, but the most probable causes are medical.  At least have anything medical ruled out and see what the vet suggest for food.  I would also worry about dehydration.  Good luck, I hope the poor thing feels better. -Denise THe cat is being baby sat for a co-worker and most likely is out of sorts with the owner being gone. Kaern

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No, I have worked for 6 vets, all who recommend what I said before.

Find better vets in future. — Bob. Now enjoying the new millennium which started on January 1st 2001.

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So you went to vet school then? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – No, I have worked for 6 vets, all who recommend what I said before. "Add to this she really should be on tinned food which is far better for her all round" Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily dry food, supplemented with some canned for moisture.  BUT, if this cat has a food allergy or other medical problem , only a vet can tell you which food will help it. -Denise Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily canned food, supplemented with some dry to help exercise their jaws and gums. Dry food should NEVER exceed 30% of their food intake. Then your vets don’t know what they are talking about. — Frank.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -No, I have worked for 6 vets, all who recommend what I said before. "Add to this she really should be on tinned food which is far better for her all round" Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily dry food, supplemented with some canned for moisture.  BUT, if this cat has a food allergy or other medical problem , only a vet can tell you which food will help it. -Denise Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily canned food, supplemented with some dry to help exercise their jaws and gums. Dry food should NEVER exceed 30% of their food intake.

Then your vets don’t know what they are talking about. — Frank.

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Hw said the owner said it was normal behavior for the cat, so it’s not just because they’re away.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi There, I cannot beleive that no one here has suggested bringing the cat to the vets yet.  This is not normal behavior and it’s sad that the cat’s owner blows it off like that.  This cat could have many reasons for vomitting, but the most probable causes are medical.  At least have anything medical ruled out and see what the vet suggest for food.  I would also worry about dehydration.  Good luck, I hope the poor thing feels better. -Denise THe cat is being baby sat for a co-worker and most likely is out of sorts with the owner being gone. Kaern

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No, I have worked for 6 vets, all who recommend what I said before.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – "Add to this she really should be on tinned food which is far better for her all round" Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily dry food, supplemented with some canned for moisture.  BUT, if this cat has a food allergy or other medical problem , only a vet can tell you which food will help it. -Denise Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily canned food, supplemented with some dry to help exercise their jaws and gums. Dry food should NEVER exceed 30% of their food intake. — Bob. What should you do when you see an endangered animal eating an endangered plant?

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"Add to this she really should be on tinned food which is far better for her all round" Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily dry food, supplemented with some canned for moisture.  BUT, if this cat has a food allergy or other medical problem , only a vet can tell you which food will help it. -Denise

Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily canned food, supplemented with some dry to help exercise their jaws and gums. Dry food should NEVER exceed 30% of their food intake. — Bob. What should you do when you see an endangered animal eating an endangered plant?

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I, too, don’t understand the comment about tinned food being better. Dry food has at least two advantages- helps clean the teeth,

No it doesn’t. Most dry food is swallowed whole, that part that is crunched only cleans the tips of the teeth and has no real effect in cleaning teeth. and stays fresh longer.

No. Within 20 minutes of being put in the bowl it is a breeding ground for germs. Because people tend to leave it down for longer it is therefore more of a risk to cats than tinned. My cat won’t even touch canned food.

then you should try harder and give more variety. — Bob. Now enjoying the new millennium which started on January 1st 2001.

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Hi There, I cannot beleive that no one here has suggested bringing the cat to the vets yet.  This is not normal behavior and it’s sad that the cat’s owner blows it off like that.  This cat could have many reasons for vomitting, but the most probable causes are medical.  At least have anything medical ruled out and see what the vet suggest for food.  I would also worry about dehydration.  Good luck, I hope the poor thing feels better. -Denise

THe cat is being baby sat for a co-worker and most likely is out of sorts with the owner being gone. Kaern

Response:

Hi There,     I cannot beleive that no one here has suggested bringing the cat to the vets yet.  This is not normal behavior and it’s sad that the cat’s owner blows it off like that.  This cat could have many reasons for vomitting, but the most probable causes are medical.  At least have anything medical ruled out and see what the vet suggest for food.  I would also worry about dehydration.  Good luck, I hope the poor thing feels better. -Denise

Response:

"Add to this she really should be on tinned food which is far better for her all round" Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily dry food, supplemented with some canned for moisture.  BUT, if this cat has a food allergy or other medical problem , only a vet can tell you which food will help it. -Denise

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I, too, don’t understand the comment about tinned food being better. Dry food has at least two advantages- helps clean the teeth, and stays fresh longer. My cat won’t even touch canned food. I’m sorry to hear you’re having such a distressing time with kitty- she is probably a little out of sorts. I agree with the small meals. Two siamese I had used to gobble their food like little piggies- then up it would come. I stopped letting them self-feed and things improved dramatically.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m hoping someone can help me out. I’m the one who was looking after a co-worker’s cat while she was away getting a new guide dog. The cat is a Maine Coon cat who is very elderly I think. Her owner never mentioned her age. The problem is for the past two days, right after she eats she throws up the food. It *is* food, some of it still has the kibble consistency, and it doesn’t have hair in it. I have been combing her everyday and I’ve only seen one hairball. She’s been with me for a week. Her owner said that this just happens and it is because she doesn’t have a lot of teeth. She just does this to soften the food. However, she only does this in the morning. I haven’t seen it at night. I’ve been splitting the portions of her food to try and stop the problem and it worked for awhile. I can’t switch her food either as she’s not my cat I’m only watching her at my place for another 5-6 days. Please help…my carpets can’t take this much longer! <<==Darkchild== Does the food come in big chunks? Break it up for her.  Our cat was throwing up in the morning a lot after we switched to some food that looked more like "Kix for Kids." In addition to getting smaller chunk food, we made sure to leave a little food in the dish overnight so he wouldn’t "gorge" himself in the morning. — F   I   R   E,  the CD by Johnny J Blair Available NOW! Info & mp3s at http://home.earthlink.net/~the3blrs/fireCD.html

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I haven’t seen it at night. I’ve been splitting the portions of her food to try and stop the problem and it worked for awhile. I can’t switch her food either as she’s not my cat I’m only watching her at my place for another 5-6 days.

Usually, this is from hairballs.  But it could also be something else like irritable bowel disease.  You might try waiting for the food to come to room temperature before you feed the cat.  I would suggest when the owner returns, that you suggest she take the cat to the vet to rule out anything other than a hairball.  You could try giving her a little butter to see if this helps pass the hairball.

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is it coming up in a tube shape?  if so its the same thing my cat has. he was inbred and sometimes he eats and it all comes out-most of it still has its shape.  if you feed the food elevated that might help(put dish on phone book but put something under it like rbbber so it doest move all around.  whats wrong with teddy is histhroat closes on him and nothing can pass(well nothing food like)  sometimes he just chokes on food and throws everything up As you think about letting your female cat have a litter think of all the cats in the world who are being abused everyday…Starved…beaten to their death only so the family can go out and get another…maybe from your litter advertised in the paper…Free to good home. Still don’t think there’s a need to spay…take a look at the photo on the bottom of this page http://millennium.fortunecity.com/treearbor/834/cattery.html http://community.webtv.net/Kittyteddy/Welcome

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m hoping someone can help me out. I’m the one who was looking after a co-worker’s cat while she was away getting a new guide dog. The cat is a Maine Coon cat who is very elderly I think. Her owner never mentioned her age. The problem is for the past two days, right after she eats she throws up the food. It *is* food, some of it still has the kibble consistency, and it doesn’t have hair in it. I have been combing her everyday and I’ve only seen one hairball. She’s been with me for a week. Her owner said that this just happens and it is because she doesn’t have a lot of teeth. She just does this to soften the food. However, she only does this in the morning. I haven’t seen it at night. I’ve been splitting the portions of her food to try and stop the problem and it worked for awhile. I can’t switch her food either as she’s not my cat I’m only watching her at my place for another 5-6 days. Please help…my carpets can’t take this much longer! <<==Darkchild==

Does the food come in big chunks? Break it up for her.  Our cat was throwing up in the morning a lot after we switched to some food that looked more like "Kix for Kids." In addition to getting smaller chunk food, we made sure to leave a little food in the dish overnight so he wouldn’t "gorge" himself in the morning. — F   I   R   E,  the CD by Johnny J Blair Available NOW! Info & mp3s at http://home.earthlink.net/~the3blrs/fireCD.html

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m hoping someone can help me out. I’m the one who was looking after a co-worker’s cat while she was away getting a new guide dog. The cat is a Maine Coon cat who is very elderly I think. Her owner never mentioned her age. The problem is for the past two days, right after she eats she throws up the food. It *is* food, some of it still has the kibble consistency, and it doesn’t have hair in it. I have been combing her everyday and I’ve only seen one hairball. She’s been with me for a week. Her owner said that this just happens and it is because she doesn’t have a lot of teeth. She just does this to soften the food. However, she only does this in the morning. I haven’t seen it at night. I’ve been splitting the portions of her food to try and stop the problem and it worked for awhile. I can’t switch her food either as she’s not my cat I’m only watching her at my place for another 5-6 days. Please help…my carpets can’t take this much longer!

Ok. From the top. Of course the cat will be a little out of sorts as her owner is away and she is away from how. As such she may be gulping her food faster than is really good for her. Add to this she really should be on tinned food which is far better for her all round. Best advice for now is to put down only small amounts of food at a time, if she eats that ok then put down more. Constant chucking up will not do her any good. Also give here at least one meal a day of tinned food to help he get the food and water inside her. Then, please encourage her owner to start feeding her mostly tinned food with only a little dry once in a while for variety. The cat will be much better for it in the long run. — Bob. What should you do when you see an endangered animal eating an endangered plant?

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I’m hoping someone can help me out. I’m the one who was looking after a co-worker’s cat while she was away getting a new guide dog. The cat is a Maine Coon cat who is very elderly I think. Her owner never mentioned her age. The problem is for the past two days, right after she eats she throws up the food. It *is* food, some of it still has the kibble consistency, and it doesn’t have hair in it. I have been combing her everyday and I’ve only seen one hairball. She’s been with me for a week. Her owner said that this just happens and it is because she doesn’t have a lot of teeth. She just does this to soften the food. However, she only does this in the morning. I haven’t seen it at night. I’ve been splitting the portions of her food to try and stop the problem and it worked for awhile. I can’t switch her food either as she’s not my cat I’m only watching her at my place for another 5-6 days. Please help…my carpets can’t take this much longer! <<==Darkchild==

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Now that is a really interesting post! I’ve seen food look like that before with my moms cat when I first got him. I had to do the lots of small meals or this happened. Karen

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sometimes, cats can get a condition called mega-esophagus.  It happens when the muscle in the esophagus loses some of its tone and strength.  When this happens, the cat will eat, but the food will not be swallowed all the way down into its stomach.  The esophagus becomes distended with food, and the more distended it becomes, the less able it is to push the food down into the stomach.  When this happens, the cat will throw up the food.  It will be lots of food packed in the shape of a cylinder.  I had two cats that had this condition, and they threw up, regardless of whether they were eating canned food or kibble.  Usually, if they eat a little slower, or they eat less at a sitting, they don’t throw up as often.  If the vet determines that there is nothing else wrong with the cat, I would try raising the food dish up a little off the floor or counter, so the cat can eat sitting up or standing, as opposed to crouching down.  I have had pretty good luck doing this.  The cat is not swallowing up against gravity, because her head is higher than her stomach, and it gives her esophagus a bit of a break. Christy I’m hoping someone can help me out. I’m the one who was looking after a co-worker’s cat while she was away getting a new guide dog. The cat is a Maine Coon cat who is very elderly I think. Her owner never mentioned her age. The problem is for the past two days, right after she eats she throws up the food. It *is* food, some of it still has the kibble consistency, and it doesn’t have hair in it. I have been combing her everyday and I’ve only seen one hairball. She’s been with me for a week. Her owner said that this just happens and it is because she doesn’t have a lot of teeth. She just does this to soften the food. However, she only does this in the morning. I haven’t seen it at night. I’ve been splitting the portions of her food to try and stop the problem and it worked for awhile. I can’t switch her food either as she’s not my cat I’m only watching her at my place for another 5-6 days. Please help…my carpets can’t take this much longer! <<==Darkchild==

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Sometimes, cats can get a condition called mega-esophagus.  

<interesting stuff snipped Thanks for the interesting information! Another poster recommended that I raise the food dish earlier and since I’ve done that in combination with feeding her at least twice a day, there have been no problems. Also she coughed up a large (well what I think is large since I don’t own cats) hairball yesterday so that also could have been part of the problem. Thanks for all the advice everyone. I will pass this information along to Mozart’s owner as she is visually impaired and I’m not sure she could describe what the vomit looks like to her vet. Thanks again for the info – Mozart says thanks too! Edlynne

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I would try raising the food dish up a little off the floor or counter, so the cat can eat sitting up or standing, as opposed to crouching down.  I have had pretty good luck doing this.  The cat is not swallowing up against gravity, because her head is higher than her stomach, and it gives her esophagus a bit of a break. Christy

Thanks for the advice, Christy.  I’ll try this.  My female has had a problem like this for years and the vet says to ignore it, but that’s pretty hard to do.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – So you went to vet school then? No, I have worked for 6 vets, all who recommend what I said before. "Add to this she really should be on tinned food which is far better for her all round" Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily dry food, supplemented with some canned for moisture.  BUT, if this cat has a food allergy or other medical problem , only a vet can tell you which food will help it. -Denise Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily canned food, supplemented with some dry to help exercise their jaws and gums. Dry food should NEVER exceed 30% of their food intake. Then your vets don’t know what they are talking about. — Frank. ??? Nothing added after my comment? Why did he post nothing? — Frank.

Look up, not down on that one.

Response:

Sometimes, cats can get a condition called mega-esophagus.  It happens when the muscle in the esophagus loses some of its tone and strength.  When this happens, the cat will eat, but the food will not be swallowed all the way down into its stomach.  The esophagus becomes distended with food, and the more distended it becomes, the less able it is to push the food down into the stomach.  When this happens, the cat will throw up the food.  It will be lots of food packed in the shape of a cylinder.  I had two cats that had this condition, and they threw up, regardless of whether they were eating canned food or kibble.  Usually, if they eat a little slower, or they eat less at a sitting, they don’t throw up as often.  If the vet determines that there is nothing else wrong with the cat, I would try raising the food dish up a little off the floor or counter, so the cat can eat sitting up or standing, as opposed to crouching down.  I have had pretty good luck doing this.  The cat is not swallowing up against gravity, because her head is higher than her stomach, and it gives her esophagus a bit of a break. Christy

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m hoping someone can help me out. I’m the one who was looking after a co-worker’s cat while she was away getting a new guide dog. The cat is a Maine Coon cat who is very elderly I think. Her owner never mentioned her age. The problem is for the past two days, right after she eats she throws up the food. It *is* food, some of it still has the kibble consistency, and it doesn’t have hair in it. I have been combing her everyday and I’ve only seen one hairball. She’s been with me for a week. Her owner said that this just happens and it is because she doesn’t have a lot of teeth. She just does this to soften the food. However, she only does this in the morning. I haven’t seen it at night. I’ve been splitting the portions of her food to try and stop the problem and it worked for awhile. I can’t switch her food either as she’s not my cat I’m only watching her at my place for another 5-6 days. Please help…my carpets can’t take this much longer! <<==Darkchild==

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -So you went to vet school then? No, I have worked for 6 vets, all who recommend what I said before. "Add to this she really should be on tinned food which is far better for her all round" Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily dry food, supplemented with some canned for moisture.  BUT, if this cat has a food allergy or other medical problem , only a vet can tell you which food will help it. -Denise Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily canned food, supplemented with some dry to help exercise their jaws and gums. Dry food should NEVER exceed 30% of their food intake. Then your vets don’t know what they are talking about. — Frank.

??? Nothing added after my comment? Why did he post nothing? — Frank.

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Yes, you can add water to the dry food to soften it.  But if she’s vomitting and not drinking much, she needs medical attention, at any vet if you cannot reach her owners.  Cats get dehydrated easily and it can kill them. -Denise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sorry to top post but I’m the original poster and yes, her owner did say it was normal behaviour for her to throw up her food because she doesn’t have many teeth. This just seems weird to me and can’t imagine that there is nothing you can do about this. I don’t want to change her food to canned since she’s not mine, but can I add water to her dry food to soften it for her? I’ve noticed that she doesn’t seem to drink a lot of water anyway. I’ve also tried to give her smaller portions and am feeding her three times a day instead of two. (smaller portions)  I suppose that that she could be upset still at being away from her owner, but she’s been here a week and a half and will be here for another. I think she’s better adjusted to my place anyway, since the last time Mozart (her name) stayed at another person’s house while her owner was away she ended up digging a hole in some drywall and hiding in there for six weeks. As for the vet, I would take her there but her owner didn’t leave me with the name of her vet and since she mentioned this problem I figure she must have spoken to a vet about the problem. <<==Darkchild== Hw said the owner said it was normal behavior for the cat, so it’s not just because they’re away.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi There, I cannot beleive that no one here has suggested bringing the cat to the vets yet.  This is not normal behavior and it’s sad that the cat’s owner blows it off like that.  This cat could have many reasons for vomitting, but the most probable causes are medical.  At least have anything medical ruled out and see what the vet suggest for food.  I would also worry about dehydration.  Good luck, I hope the poor thing feels better. -Denise THe cat is being baby sat for a co-worker and most likely is out of sorts with the owner being gone. Kaern

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sorry to top post but I’m the original poster and yes, her owner did say it was normal behaviour for her to throw up her food because she doesn’t have many teeth. This just seems weird to me and can’t imagine that there is nothing you can do about this. I don’t want to change her food to canned since she’s not mine, but can I add water to her dry food to soften it for her? I’ve noticed that she doesn’t seem to drink a lot of water anyway. I’ve also tried to give her smaller portions and am feeding her three times a day instead of two. (smaller portions) I suppose that that she could be upset still at being away from her owner, but she’s been here a week and a half and will be here for another. I think she’s better adjusted to my place anyway, since the last time Mozart (her name) stayed at another person’s house while her owner was away she ended up digging a hole in some drywall and hiding in there for six weeks. As for the vet, I would take her there but her owner didn’t leave me with the name of her vet and since she mentioned this problem I figure she must have spoken to a vet about the problem. <<==Darkchild==

Good God! I always leave my vets number with the sitters in case of emergencies! <shiver You tell the owner that my cat has only his front teeth and never throws up. She could just have a delicate stomach (I had one of those once – lived to a ripe old age of 20 but threw up fairly regularly). Karen

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Sorry to top post but I’m the original poster and yes, her owner did say it was normal behaviour for her to throw up her food because she doesn’t have many teeth. This just seems weird to me and can’t imagine that there is nothing you can do about this. I don’t want to change her food to canned since she’s not mine, but can I add water to her dry food to soften it for her? I’ve noticed that she doesn’t seem to drink a lot of water anyway. I’ve also tried to give her smaller portions and am feeding her three times a day instead of two. (smaller portions)  I suppose that that she could be upset still at being away from her owner, but she’s been here a week and a half and will be here for another. I think she’s better adjusted to my place anyway, since the last time Mozart (her name) stayed at another person’s house while her owner was away she ended up digging a hole in some drywall and hiding in there for six weeks. As for the vet, I would take her there but her owner didn’t leave me with the name of her vet and since she mentioned this problem I figure she must have spoken to a vet about the problem. <<==Darkchild== – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hw said the owner said it was normal behavior for the cat, so it’s not just because they’re away. Hi There, I cannot beleive that no one here has suggested bringing the cat to the vets yet.  This is not normal behavior and it’s sad that the cat’s owner blows it off like that.  This cat could have many reasons for vomitting, but the most probable causes are medical.  At least have anything medical ruled out and see what the vet suggest for food.  I would also worry about dehydration.  Good luck, I hope the poor thing feels better. -Denise THe cat is being baby sat for a co-worker and most likely is out of sorts with the owner being gone. Kaern

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No, I have worked for 6 vets, all who recommend what I said before.

Find better vets in future. — Bob. Now enjoying the new millennium which started on January 1st 2001.

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So you went to vet school then? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – No, I have worked for 6 vets, all who recommend what I said before. "Add to this she really should be on tinned food which is far better for her all round" Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily dry food, supplemented with some canned for moisture.  BUT, if this cat has a food allergy or other medical problem , only a vet can tell you which food will help it. -Denise Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily canned food, supplemented with some dry to help exercise their jaws and gums. Dry food should NEVER exceed 30% of their food intake. Then your vets don’t know what they are talking about. — Frank.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -No, I have worked for 6 vets, all who recommend what I said before. "Add to this she really should be on tinned food which is far better for her all round" Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily dry food, supplemented with some canned for moisture.  BUT, if this cat has a food allergy or other medical problem , only a vet can tell you which food will help it. -Denise Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily canned food, supplemented with some dry to help exercise their jaws and gums. Dry food should NEVER exceed 30% of their food intake.

Then your vets don’t know what they are talking about. — Frank.

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Hw said the owner said it was normal behavior for the cat, so it’s not just because they’re away.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi There, I cannot beleive that no one here has suggested bringing the cat to the vets yet.  This is not normal behavior and it’s sad that the cat’s owner blows it off like that.  This cat could have many reasons for vomitting, but the most probable causes are medical.  At least have anything medical ruled out and see what the vet suggest for food.  I would also worry about dehydration.  Good luck, I hope the poor thing feels better. -Denise THe cat is being baby sat for a co-worker and most likely is out of sorts with the owner being gone. Kaern

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No, I have worked for 6 vets, all who recommend what I said before.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – "Add to this she really should be on tinned food which is far better for her all round" Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily dry food, supplemented with some canned for moisture.  BUT, if this cat has a food allergy or other medical problem , only a vet can tell you which food will help it. -Denise Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily canned food, supplemented with some dry to help exercise their jaws and gums. Dry food should NEVER exceed 30% of their food intake. — Bob. What should you do when you see an endangered animal eating an endangered plant?

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"Add to this she really should be on tinned food which is far better for her all round" Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily dry food, supplemented with some canned for moisture.  BUT, if this cat has a food allergy or other medical problem , only a vet can tell you which food will help it. -Denise

Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily canned food, supplemented with some dry to help exercise their jaws and gums. Dry food should NEVER exceed 30% of their food intake. — Bob. What should you do when you see an endangered animal eating an endangered plant?

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I, too, don’t understand the comment about tinned food being better. Dry food has at least two advantages- helps clean the teeth,

No it doesn’t. Most dry food is swallowed whole, that part that is crunched only cleans the tips of the teeth and has no real effect in cleaning teeth. and stays fresh longer.

No. Within 20 minutes of being put in the bowl it is a breeding ground for germs. Because people tend to leave it down for longer it is therefore more of a risk to cats than tinned. My cat won’t even touch canned food.

then you should try harder and give more variety. — Bob. Now enjoying the new millennium which started on January 1st 2001.

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Hi There, I cannot beleive that no one here has suggested bringing the cat to the vets yet.  This is not normal behavior and it’s sad that the cat’s owner blows it off like that.  This cat could have many reasons for vomitting, but the most probable causes are medical.  At least have anything medical ruled out and see what the vet suggest for food.  I would also worry about dehydration.  Good luck, I hope the poor thing feels better. -Denise

THe cat is being baby sat for a co-worker and most likely is out of sorts with the owner being gone. Kaern

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Hi There,     I cannot beleive that no one here has suggested bringing the cat to the vets yet.  This is not normal behavior and it’s sad that the cat’s owner blows it off like that.  This cat could have many reasons for vomitting, but the most probable causes are medical.  At least have anything medical ruled out and see what the vet suggest for food.  I would also worry about dehydration.  Good luck, I hope the poor thing feels better. -Denise

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"Add to this she really should be on tinned food which is far better for her all round" Sorry, this is just not true.  Any vet will tell you to feed primarily dry food, supplemented with some canned for moisture.  BUT, if this cat has a food allergy or other medical problem , only a vet can tell you which food will help it. -Denise

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I, too, don’t understand the comment about tinned food being better. Dry food has at least two advantages- helps clean the teeth, and stays fresh longer. My cat won’t even touch canned food. I’m sorry to hear you’re having such a distressing time with kitty- she is probably a little out of sorts. I agree with the small meals. Two siamese I had used to gobble their food like little piggies- then up it would come. I stopped letting them self-feed and things improved dramatically.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m hoping someone can help me out. I’m the one who was looking after a co-worker’s cat while she was away getting a new guide dog. The cat is a Maine Coon cat who is very elderly I think. Her owner never mentioned her age. The problem is for the past two days, right after she eats she throws up the food. It *is* food, some of it still has the kibble consistency, and it doesn’t have hair in it. I have been combing her everyday and I’ve only seen one hairball. She’s been with me for a week. Her owner said that this just happens and it is because she doesn’t have a lot of teeth. She just does this to soften the food. However, she only does this in the morning. I haven’t seen it at night. I’ve been splitting the portions of her food to try and stop the problem and it worked for awhile. I can’t switch her food either as she’s not my cat I’m only watching her at my place for another 5-6 days. Please help…my carpets can’t take this much longer! <<==Darkchild== Does the food come in big chunks? Break it up for her.  Our cat was throwing up in the morning a lot after we switched to some food that looked more like "Kix for Kids." In addition to getting smaller chunk food, we made sure to leave a little food in the dish overnight so he wouldn’t "gorge" himself in the morning. — F   I   R   E,  the CD by Johnny J Blair Available NOW! Info & mp3s at http://home.earthlink.net/~the3blrs/fireCD.html

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I haven’t seen it at night. I’ve been splitting the portions of her food to try and stop the problem and it worked for awhile. I can’t switch her food either as she’s not my cat I’m only watching her at my place for another 5-6 days.

Usually, this is from hairballs.  But it could also be something else like irritable bowel disease.  You might try waiting for the food to come to room temperature before you feed the cat.  I would suggest when the owner returns, that you suggest she take the cat to the vet to rule out anything other than a hairball.  You could try giving her a little butter to see if this helps pass the hairball.

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is it coming up in a tube shape?  if so its the same thing my cat has. he was inbred and sometimes he eats and it all comes out-most of it still has its shape.  if you feed the food elevated that might help(put dish on phone book but put something under it like rbbber so it doest move all around.  whats wrong with teddy is histhroat closes on him and nothing can pass(well nothing food like)  sometimes he just chokes on food and throws everything up As you think about letting your female cat have a litter think of all the cats in the world who are being abused everyday…Starved…beaten to their death only so the family can go out and get another…maybe from your litter advertised in the paper…Free to good home. Still don’t think there’s a need to spay…take a look at the photo on the bottom of this page http://millennium.fortunecity.com/treearbor/834/cattery.html http://community.webtv.net/Kittyteddy/Welcome

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m hoping someone can help me out. I’m the one who was looking after a co-worker’s cat while she was away getting a new guide dog. The cat is a Maine Coon cat who is very elderly I think. Her owner never mentioned her age. The problem is for the past two days, right after she eats she throws up the food. It *is* food, some of it still has the kibble consistency, and it doesn’t have hair in it. I have been combing her everyday and I’ve only seen one hairball. She’s been with me for a week. Her owner said that this just happens and it is because she doesn’t have a lot of teeth. She just does this to soften the food. However, she only does this in the morning. I haven’t seen it at night. I’ve been splitting the portions of her food to try and stop the problem and it worked for awhile. I can’t switch her food either as she’s not my cat I’m only watching her at my place for another 5-6 days. Please help…my carpets can’t take this much longer! <<==Darkchild==

Does the food come in big chunks? Break it up for her.  Our cat was throwing up in the morning a lot after we switched to some food that looked more like "Kix for Kids." In addition to getting smaller chunk food, we made sure to leave a little food in the dish overnight so he wouldn’t "gorge" himself in the morning. — F   I   R   E,  the CD by Johnny J Blair Available NOW! Info & mp3s at http://home.earthlink.net/~the3blrs/fireCD.html

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m hoping someone can help me out. I’m the one who was looking after a co-worker’s cat while she was away getting a new guide dog. The cat is a Maine Coon cat who is very elderly I think. Her owner never mentioned her age. The problem is for the past two days, right after she eats she throws up the food. It *is* food, some of it still has the kibble consistency, and it doesn’t have hair in it. I have been combing her everyday and I’ve only seen one hairball. She’s been with me for a week. Her owner said that this just happens and it is because she doesn’t have a lot of teeth. She just does this to soften the food. However, she only does this in the morning. I haven’t seen it at night. I’ve been splitting the portions of her food to try and stop the problem and it worked for awhile. I can’t switch her food either as she’s not my cat I’m only watching her at my place for another 5-6 days. Please help…my carpets can’t take this much longer!

Ok. From the top. Of course the cat will be a little out of sorts as her owner is away and she is away from how. As such she may be gulping her food faster than is really good for her. Add to this she really should be on tinned food which is far better for her all round. Best advice for now is to put down only small amounts of food at a time, if she eats that ok then put down more. Constant chucking up will not do her any good. Also give here at least one meal a day of tinned food to help he get the food and water inside her. Then, please encourage her owner to start feeding her mostly tinned food with only a little dry once in a while for variety. The cat will be much better for it in the long run. — Bob. What should you do when you see an endangered animal eating an endangered plant?

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I’m hoping someone can help me out. I’m the one who was looking after a co-worker’s cat while she was away getting a new guide dog. The cat is a Maine Coon cat who is very elderly I think. Her owner never mentioned her age. The problem is for the past two days, right after she eats she throws up the food. It *is* food, some of it still has the kibble consistency, and it doesn’t have hair in it. I have been combing her everyday and I’ve only seen one hairball. She’s been with me for a week. Her owner said that this just happens and it is because she doesn’t have a lot of teeth. She just does this to soften the food. However, she only does this in the morning. I haven’t seen it at night. I’ve been splitting the portions of her food to try and stop the problem and it worked for awhile. I can’t switch her food either as she’s not my cat I’m only watching her at my place for another 5-6 days. Please help…my carpets can’t take this much longer! <<==Darkchild==

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