Causes

 

Unfortunately, nausea is a vague clinical sign that can be caused by many medical issues ranging from mild to severe.

The most common causes are:

• Switching to a new food or new treats too fast.
• Eating human foods that can cause stomach upset.
• Hairballs (often from overgrooming or shedding).
• Constipation. For example, straining in the litter box.
• Food allergies/hypersensitivities.
• Inflammatory bowel disease.
• Swallowing a non-food item that can get stuck in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Intestinal parasites.
• Cancer of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Pancreatitis.
• Liver disease.
• Kidney disease.
• Toxin ingestion (such as pesticides, ethylene glycol, certain plants).
• Diabetes mellitus.
• Hyperthyroidism.
• Certain medications such as chemotherapy, antibiotic therapy, or steroids.

Symptoms

Cats can hide illness very well, so you’ll need to pay close attention to any subtle changes in their behaviors.

Symptoms of nausea in cats include:

• Hypersalivation (too much saliva) or drooling.
• Not eating as much or at all.
• Licking or smacking their lips.
• Retching without throwing up.
• Lethargy or tiredness.
• Increased vocalization (meowing or yowling).
• Hiding or less interest in interacting with people and other animals.
• Overgrooming or licking abnormal things, such as floors.
• Stress or trauma.

Treatment

Treatment of nausea is based on the cause, the severity of symptoms, how easy it is to medicate your cat, and how long they’ve had symptoms.

Slippery Elm
The herb Slippery Elm contains mucilage, a substance that becomes a slick gel when mixed with water. It coats and soothes the mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines. It also contains antioxidants that help relieve inflammatory bowel conditions. Slippery elm causes reflux stimulation of nerve endings in the gastrointestinal tract leading to increased mucus secretion. The increased mucus production helps to protect the gastrointestinal tract against ulcers and excess acidity.

In cats, the kidneys are indirectly responsible for controlling levels of stomach acid. Cats with chronic kidney disease are more likely to have elevated acid levels making them more prone to nausea and inappetence. Slippery Elm helps alleviate nausea and inappetence in pets suffering from non-GI illnesses, such as kidney disease. Please visit my Slippery Elm page for more information.

Medication
Your vet may recommend trying an over-the-counter dose of Famotidine (name brand: Pepcid AC) if your cat’s signs are mild and they’ve only had one or two episodes of vomiting. In more severe cases, oral antacids such as Omeprazole and anti-nausea medications (such as Cerenia or Ondansetron) to hospitalization with injectable medications and intravenous (IV) fluid therapy should help.

They may also discuss a brief change to a bland, easily digestible diet to see if the symptoms improve.