Dr. Floore

Dr.Tail Vet

Vomiting and diarrhea in your 9-year-old cat, especially when it's been ongoing for three days and involves bloody or black material, is concerning. These symptoms can be indicative of several conditions, including gastrointestinal infections, ingestion of a toxic substance, inflammatory bowel disease, or even systemic conditions such as kidney disease or hyperthyroidism.
Given that your cat is on Famotidine, which is commonly used to reduce stomach acid and treat ulcers or gastritis, it's possible that she has a history of gastrointestinal upset. However, the persistence of her symptoms despite medication is a sign that her condition requires further attention.
In the immediate term, it's important to ensure that your cat stays hydrated, as vomiting and diarrhea can lead to significant fluid loss and dehydration. Offer small amounts of water frequently or a pediatric electrolyte solution if she will accept it. You can also provide a bland diet, such as boiled chicken or white fish with rice, in small, frequent meals to help settle her stomach.
Since she's also experiencing ear issues, this could be related or a separate concern that also needs addressing. Ear infections can cause discomfort and even systemic illness in some cases.
For additional symptomatic situations that would necessitate a hospital visit, be on the lookout for any of the following: extreme lethargy, a distended abdomen, continuous vomiting or diarrhea despite fasting, signs of pain (such as crying out or reluctance to move), difficulty breathing, or a significant change in behavior. If any of these occur, it's crucial to seek immediate veterinary care.
It's also important to monitor her litter box usage. If you notice that she has not urinated in over 24 hours or if there is straining to defecate without production, these are emergencies for a cat and require prompt veterinary intervention.
Lastly, while it's not an immediate emergency, if your cat's condition does not improve or worsens over the next 24 hours, or if she is unable to keep down water, she should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible for a thorough examination, possible blood work, and other diagnostics like x-rays or an ultrasound to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to come back to us! Thank you.