What your cat's vomiting near the litter box can tell you about their health

Being observant of a pet's behavior and their habits is essential, no matter if you're family or their occasional caregiver.  Understanding what's normal for them and noting any changes, regardless of how subtle can speak volumes that something is going on. Cats can be especially challenging to read; they are masters of hiding any illness or pain and yes, of course they don't often openly display if they are not feeling well.

To mine for the right information, there are times you need to look no further than the litter box--or in this case, in and around it.

This morning, I arrived to care for a senior kitty that I've been tending to for years. She has some health issues, including renal insufficiency — more commonly referred to as chronic kidney disease — something that isn't uncommon in cats her age. It is a progressive disease, with four stages unfolding over a period of years. So far, hers has been well-managed by providing bowls of fresh water throughout the house so that she is encouraged to drink ample amounts of fluid; dehydration goes hand-in-hand with chronic kidney disease. Wet food is encouraged. One of the areas that we see affected is the gastrointestinal tract, and with less fluid made available to that area, stools can become too firm and difficult to pass. 

In this cat's case, I've noted that despite the fact that she's taking in lots of water (the supersize urine clumps in the litter box are fine evidence of that) her stools are less soft than they were just a few weeks ago. 

That's a good indicator that the disease is progressing, but with some changes in her daily regimen directed by her veterinarian, her condition can continue to be managed adequately. 

The video below highlights another clue that's seldom on everyone's radar but related to this feature of chronic kidney disease, but should be taken seriously and discussed with a pet's veterinarian. 

Additional resources to support families in enhancing their pet's life, and the caregiving experience including addressing appetite issues and comfort care can be found here and here. 

With over 20 years of experience in pet care and the past 12 of those focused on animal hospice, Lorrie Shaw is a Certified Animal Hospice Practitioner, Certified Hospice Palliative Care Advocate, and pet loss & grief companioning certified professional. She is founder of Telos Companion Animal Services, LLC & can be found at lorrieshaw.com.