Binging and Purging

My cat has always had a problem with binging and purging but it seems to be getting worse. This is not hair balls she is throwing is whole pieces of food, and pretty much all of what she ate. She is not underweight, she is active and playful and drinks alot of water. I have tried almost every food on the market for sensetive stomachs but nothing has helped. Is there a home remedy that I can use. I do not have the money take her into the vets' but I do want to help her.

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

Your cat either has inflammatory bowel disease, food allergies or other gastrointestinal problem.  You could try feeding her a novel protein, grain free low to zero carbohydrate canned only food.  A novel protein food is a food that your cat has never been exposed to before. Choices of  proteins that your cat has not been exposed to before could be: rabbit, venison, pork, buffalo, ostrich, or kangaroo.  Some of these foods may only be available by prescription, but you may be able to find something after rigorous google searching.  It must be canned only since only canned is very low carbohydrate.  These foods are more expensive than others, of course, but are necessary.  It may take two or more months for the new diet to become effective!

Probiotic, such as Fortiflora, or a human product such as VSL-3 probiotic (available online) may also help (dose is 1/4 human dose once daily).  Adding powdered ginger in a capsule form three times per day is very effective for vomiting.  The dose for ginger would be 1/2 to one capsule three times per day.

Any constipation that your cat may have should also be controlled by using a cat laxative.  Chronic constipation can contribute to vomiting.