Success Story: Charlie Grace

Charlie Grace is a 1-year-old kitten who was not feeling very well—he had diarrhea, was vomiting and not acting quite like his usual self, which rightfully worried his parents. Charlie was brought to the vet and given some medication to help his tummy settle down.

Charlie Grace's dad was laid off from his previous job and had just found a new job, and his mom just had a baby less than a month before Charlie Grace got sick, so she was not working. They aren’t quite sure if he got into something he wasn't supposed to or if he caught a bug, but Charlie is feeling much better.

At one time or another, we are sure that nearly every cat owner has experienced a bout of vomiting or diarrhea with their cat. Typically, this is from a cat eating something disagreeable, eating too much or too fast, are overly excited or nervous, have hairballs, or their body is reacting to any of a number of other non-serious conditions. One thing to do when your cat is vomiting or experiencing diarrhea is to take all food and water away from her so whatever has irritated her tummy (and intestines) can settle down. (Now, you may allow the cat to drink very small amounts so you don't worry about dehydration, too.) If the diarrhea or vomiting resolves after 24 hours, give your cat very small amounts of a bland food, such as drained, cooked hamburger or chicken mixed with an equal amount of cooked rice.

While you are doing this test for those 24 hours, be sure to watch your cat closely. Dr. Foster’s and Smith Pet Education center encourages you to ask yourself some of the following questions:

1. Is your cat’s behavior and activity otherwise normal?
2. Could your cat have eaten something (like grass or a plant, garbage, or a dead animal) that upset her digestive system?
3. Has your cat been wormed lately?

Now, the next few recommendations may be a tad gross for you to do, but it will help your vet diagnose what could be wrong with your pet:

1. Watch hour your pet vomits, so you can describe it to your vet
2. Examine the stool and the vomit, and you may even consider collecting some samples in case you need to take your pet into the vet

Now, the vomiting or diarrhea don’t resolve within 24 hours, if you see blood in either sample, or your cat is vomiting and has diarrhea together, it’s time to take your pet into the vet.

Fur Kids Foundation is grateful for the dedication of our volunteers and supporters who have helped local families stay happy and healthy, and together! If you would like to help Fur Kids Foundation continue to help families in Campbell County, Wyoming with animals, please consider making a tax-deductible donation. The money helps families during a time when they may not be able to afford adequate veterinary care. Check out more Success Stories.