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Why is my senior cat vomiting and having diarrhea again? What tests?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My 14 year old cat was throwing up & had diarrhea in and outside litter box in August, vet treated her for a virus and after 5 days she got better, however for the past day she again is throwing up and has diarrhea. Since it has been 4 months in between should I suspect it is more than a virus? What kind of tests might a vet suggest?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on December 5th, 2017

Causes of diarrhea and vomiting at this age include pancreatitis, IBD, Lymphoma and other types of cancer. it is not easy to diagnose those conditions, she will need some specific blood tests and a specialist ultrasound to start with.

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 10th, 2017

    I am very sorry to hear that Kismet is experiencing these troubling clinical signs. Unfortunately in elderly cats vomiting, weight loss and inappetance could be the first signs of potentially serious medical Conditions, which require bloodwork and a physical exam by your vet to diagnose. Because these symptoms have been noticed over a period of time, I would suggest scheduling a visit in the next few days. If Kismet becomes depressed, has difficulty breathing, or collapses I would take her in immediately. The vet will test for common metabolic diseases of elderly cats such as hyperthyroidism and diabetes, and may want to perf advanced imaging of the chest and abdomen using an X-ray or ultrasound to check for masses, intestinal blockages, and foreign bodies. I hope that this was a helpful answer, but more Importantly I hope Kismet starts to feel better soon. Warmest regards to you both.

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