Vomiting and red skin.

Dr. Marie replied:

This sounds like a bit of a mystery. There really isn't a specific condition that could cause multiple cats to vomit and also have red skin on their heads.

Red skin sounds like some sort of an allergy, but the chances that all 3 cats would be exhibiting an allergy at the same time are small. Have you introduced anything new recently, like a new treat or food? Allergies that cause red skin usually are related to something that has been either ingested or injected such as an insect sting.

If you are seeing a green eye discharge from all of the cats then it really does sound like there is some type of virus affecting each of them. Most cat viruses that cause gunky eyes are not usually serious. However, if a cat is vomiting and not eating then I do get concerned. If this is a mild virus then it should run its course over 2-3 days. There may be some mild symptoms like sneezing or runny eyes that last longer.

Here are some symptoms that would make me want to take the other cats to the vet too:

-if either of them go 24 hours or more without wanting to eat.
-if the eye discharge is getting worse and crusting up the eye.
-if the vomiting continues for several days

I wish I could give you more answers as to what is causing the red skin. I wonder if perhaps it is just due to the stress of vomiting? Or perhaps they have a fever? It's not something I can recall seeing with a vomiting cat before.

I hope everyone is better soon!

Dr. Marie.

---

Check out our dog age calculator and cat age calculator.