If you’ve ever had a cat, you know that it can be very curious and get into all sorts of mischief. Unfortunately, this can sometimes mean that cats swallow foreign objects they shouldn’t, such as string or small toys. In these cases, it may be necessary for cat owners to make their cat throw up in order to safely remove the foreign object from their system. Thankfully, there are ways to do this safely and effectively. Let’s take a look at how to make a cat throw up without causing an upset stomach.
Determine if Your Cat Needs to Throw Up
The first step is determining whether or not your cat needs to vomit. If they have ingested something toxic or dangerous, it’s best to take them to the vet immediately and let the professionals handle it from there. If your cat has only consumed something non-toxic, such as a small piece of plastic, then you can use this method at home. However, if you are unsure of what your cat has eaten or if they’re showing any signs of distress such as lethargy, excessive drooling, or difficulty breathing, it’s a good idea to head straight to the vet right away to determine if there any underlying cause, especially if weight loss or chronic vomiting is involved.
Inducing Vomiting in Cats with Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is the most common home remedy for inducing vomiting in cats. It is important to note that hydrogen peroxide should not be used on kittens under six weeks old as it can be too harsh on their systems. To induce vomiting in an older cat, mix one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide with one tablespoon of lukewarm water and administer orally using an eyedropper or syringe without a needle. The recommended dose for an adult cat is 3-4 ml of this mixture every 10 minutes until the cat experiences acute vomiting or for up to three doses at most. It is important not to exceed these amounts as too much hydrogen peroxide can cause more harm than good and make your cat very sick.
Using Syrup of Ipecac
Another option for inducing vomiting in cats is syrup of ipecac, which must be administered orally with a syringe without a needle as well. This method should only be used if hydrogen peroxide fails or if the veterinarian recommends it specifically for your pet’s condition because it is stronger than hydrogen peroxide and should only be used when necessary. The recommended dosage for syrup of ipecac is 2-3 ml mixed with water every 10 minutes until the cat vomits or for up to three doses at most; again, do not exceed these amounts as too much syrup of ipecac can also cause more harm than good and make your cat very sick.
Monitor Your Cat & Clean Up
If successful, your cat will vomit undigested food and any potential intestinal blockage soon after taking the hydrogen peroxide solution. Make sure you are watching them closely throughout this process, and be prepared with some towels just in case anything gets messy! Afterward, make sure to thoroughly clean up any mess made by their vomit and wash any items that may have come into contact with it (including yourself).
Veterinarian Assistance
If neither method works after three attempts or if your pet appears unwell after ingesting something they shouldn’t have, the best thing contact your veterinarian immediately; they will have access to stronger medications that are formulated specifically for animals and will help them recover quickly and safely from whatever may have been ingested, or any other cause of your cat’s vomiting, including intestinal obstruction, chronic kidney disease, ingestion of a toxic substance, or liver disease. Your veterinarian may also suggest other methods that are safe for cats, such as administering activated charcoal or salt solutions orally or through enemas and even new food. It could even be an underlying problem like a food allergy, which could necessitate a change in cat food. Food allergies can especially be true of older cats. Limit human food, and seriously consider pet insurance. Vets can order abdominal radiographs, blood work, or intravenous fluids to help your pet manage any issues. Your vet will be the best next step.
Only Do It If Absolutely Necessary
Making your cat vomit safely requires knowledge, precision, and patience—all three of which should be exercised when dealing with any medical situation involving pets! Try not to jump straight to untested home remedies or human medications.
If at any point you feel like you cannot handle the situation on your own, contact your veterinarian immediately—they will have the knowledge and experience needed to help get your furry friend back on track quickly, rule out possible reasons with high quality, and safely to becoming healthy cats! Following these tips will ensure that making a cat throw up goes smoothly and without incident! Good luck to all pet parents with an adventurous feline friend, and good luck to your cat’s stomach!