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My cat is vomiting, jaundiced, and vet won't test. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Turkish Angora | Female | spayed | 17 years and 7 months old | 5 lbs

I feel my vet isn't doing enough to help my Marshmellow. She has chronic vomiting. 1-10 times a day. She has been deteriorating slowly. He has done xrays, blood work, all normal. Until yesterday. She has gone jaundice. So normal expected enzymes. He was surprised bilirubin was not higher. It was 4 though. He won't try to find cause. He just says liver disease. Which is a result of underlying issue in my opinion. He won't ultrasound or test further. No urinalysis. He doesn't see a need. Is there?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 26th, 2017

Hello, & thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I am very sorry for your concerns about Marshmellow. If I have an owner who wants to go the extra mile to help a beloved companion, then I would recommend the moon. I am so sorry that your current veterinarian has essentially given up. He/she is probably looking at Marshmellow's age, but sometimes that is irrelevant. Do you have a referral, emergency, or even a university/veterinary college nearby? I would recommend getting a second opinion. Your veterinarian may be right, but you should be the one to decide when to stop. We can offer our opinion & help you make the decision, but if there is one more thing to do to help Marshmellow, then absolutely go for it. I hope he does well.

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    Answered By Cara, DVM, cVMA

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I'm sorry about Marshmellow. I'm definitely concerned that her bilirubin is elevated, as that can be a sign of significant liver disease in cats. If cats aren't eating it can put a lot of strain on the liver, which can causeliver enzymes to go up. The chronic vomiting could be directly related to this or causing the liver issues secondarily. I think an abdominal ultrasound would be a good diagnostic step to figure out the source of the problem and look at the liver specifically. Inflammatory bowel disease or pancreatitis is common in older cats and can cause signs like this. I would also suggest checking a thyroid level if one hasn't been checked already. Good luck!

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