Cat vomiting - Emergency or can I wait a few days?
My cat is a male, domestic shorthair, about 7 years old, unsure of weight but he's relatively small/underweight now, neutered.
History of an autoimmune condition (did a biposy, vet suspected Pemphigus) diagnosed about 2 years ago now. Has been consistently on steroids for this length of time (Presnisolone/prednisone. I'm at work and don't remember which one it is, I apologize). Vet said he didn't necessarily like long term steroids for treatment but was all he could think of.
My cat has been fine up until the last 4-5ish months. He started slimming down and I figured it was just his age, I've been trying to get his weight up but nothing is working. He's very thin now which has concerned me immensely, but has a huge appetite and drinks well usually. His inability to keep weight on led me to schedule a vet visit to get him checked for anything and see what can be done for his weight.
Between yesterday morning and today, he's thrown up about 5 times. Once after eating a meal and about 4 times without/before eating. Vomit without food was a murky brownish yellow when I saw it (no sign of internal bleeding? As far as i know) but he's been throwing up in his litter box. He hadn't thrown up before I went to work today but again, he's been throwing up in his litter box so it's possible I missed it or did not hear it.
I have already scheduled an appointment for him on this upcoming monday, however I'm concerned with the frequency of his vomiting. I'm very worried about the possibility of a thyroid issue as well (he has brittle whiskers/claws and poor coat quality, not putting on weight, etc). I DO NOT suspect a diagnosis here, just added context for the urgency I feel to go to the vet.
He's acting pretty normal otherwise. He's always been kind of a sleepy kitty because he's been so sick for so long so he hasn't changed behaviorally. He doesn't seem to be drinking much water from his bowl when before he was nearly insatiably thirsty - another reason I'm concerned. I've been supplementing with water in his food for now, which he is fine with. Still has a huge apetite.
Is this cause for an emergency visit? Or do you think he would be able to wait until Monday for me to take him? The vomiting more than a few times in one day is what concerns me the most. He is using the bathroom normally but I did notice a small grunt when he was pooping. He is not experiencing a urinary blockage to my knowledge, he is peeing fine but I have experience with blockages and am paying very close attention to his bladder.
I don't know at what point vomiting is considered an emergency. I'm very frightened by an expensive emergency vet bill and don't have several thousand dollars to treat him at a hospital right now, but I'm even more frightened for his health. He's my baby and I just want to do right by him. If he can't keep any food down I will be taking him regardless. So far he seems to be okay with keeping food down, the vomiting is just in random intervals at random points in the day.
Sorry if this breaks any rules, i don't use reddit often and just need someone elses opinion on emergency or not.