Older cat is not feeling well.

Question
We have a 2 year old male cat and we adopted another kitten from a shelter two weeks ago. People in the shelter told us that the kitten is all checked out and doesn't have any health problems. They suggested that we should take the kitten's stool to the vet to be checked. The cats were held separately for a few days and now they seem to be getting along with each other.
A couple of days ago the older cat stopped eating food and constantly vomits after eating dry food, also he has diarrhea. At the same time he is as playful as usual.
Any ideas what might be the problem and/or should we take both cats to the vet for a check up?
Thanks.


Answer
Hi Kristina.  It sounds possible your kitten may have brought a gastrointestinal virus home that your older cat is dealing with now.  Not sure what your two-year-old's history is as far as exposure to other cats, but it's common for cats who have lived alone to be suddenly bombarded with ailments when a new cat is brought in, sort of like sending a child to school for the first time.  Their immune systems haven't been exposed to many germs and are very susceptible.  

If he's still eating and is playful as usual, I would try switching him over to boiled chicken breast and white rice for a couple of days.  It's easy to digest and should help calm the stomach.  If he's still vomiting it up or if he suddenly becomes lethargic or withdrawn, then I would recommend getting him to a vet.  Try to bring in a fecal sample that they can test for parasites.  You may as well have the kitten's stool tested at the same time.  Your vet will probably want to do exams on each cat, as well.

Your vet will probably want to put your kitty on an antibiotic to kill some of the germs that commonly cause diarrhea and vomiting and might prescribe something to calm his stomach.  If vomiting continues after this, then further testing to check for conditions that can cause vomiting, like kidney failure, high thyroid, and pancreatitis, might be recommended.  Fortunately, these are pretty rare in young cats.