Small health problem, I hope.

Question
I have a cat who's three years old. For the past year, he's been having a problem that seems to be increasing in frequency.

He's a small cat and about every 1-2 months now he would go into an "illness" phase where he would throw up 3-4 times a day, decreasing to once a say for about a period of a week. After that, he's back to normal again until the "next phase."

I've taken him to a vent the first time it happened, unknown why it happened, but all I got was a $250 bill and an "I don't know what's wrong with him." He went through the phase again, I asked her, and she only suggested brining him in. Fearing another $250 bill and an "I don't know" I waited it out. He got better... but he continues to have these "phases."

Any thoughts as to what might be the problem? I tried to do research on cat ulcers thinking that might be a factor (stomach ulcer) but came up empty.

To give more detail on his symptoms;
When his "phase" starts, he begins throwing up all the time. At first, there will be food, but I can tell he's sick or hurting and fails to eat. After a while, it's just what appears to be stomach acid with what might be blood--I don't know what "colour" stomach acid is, but it does have a very real red tint. Due to the colour of the tint, I thought immediate it might be a stomach ulcer that's on and off -- similar to that of human ulcers.

I think I gave enough information. Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Answer
You could get a second opinion at a different vet clinic
Do youknow a relative or friend that thinks highly of their vet.  Also it would help to bring in a sample of the vomit you are describing.

If you suspect its a stomach ulcer, the vet can then tell you the appropriate dose of Pepcid (famotidine) or Zantac (ranitidine) to try.