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My young cat has diarrhea and vomiting. When should I be concerned?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 2 months old | 10 lbs

Yesterday i came home from work to find my cat (1 YO, male) had diarrhea all over the house and had puked twice. Its now 2:47am and he has had a few more accidents. I dont know if it's related but his feces have also had a very pungent oder. Im just wondering if this is something to be concerned about, or if i should just wait another day to see how hes feeling. Thank you.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jeffrey Milner

Veterinarian

Published on June 6th, 2017

I'm sorry to hear that Nakiki isn't feeling so great. Typically in a young animal with some mild diarrhea and vomiting, we don't recommend that you immediately rush out to the hospital. It is best to attempt to treat this as if it was some sort of dietary indiscretion. Try fasting him for about 24 hours, then placing him on a bland diet of boiled chicken / hamburger and some rice for 2-3 days to settle his stomach. You can also obtain a probiotic, such as Fortiflora, to see if that makes things move regularly again. In terms of the vomiting you may be able to find a formulation of famotidine or omeprazole that is suitable, but sometimes for kitties it is difficult to find a store bought dose that works. If matters happen to get worse during this period of time, definitely take him in to be seen. I hope he gets betters soon!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 14th, 2019

    Poor Norma. Because he's otherwise fine and it's only happened a few times, I will give you a home remedy for him to see if that helps before requiring a vet visit. Withhold food for 12-24 hours, then feed a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in his normal diet. If the diarrhea continues on the bland diet, he starts vomiting food, stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or becomes very lethargic, he will need to see a vet right away. Best of luck.

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