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Cat Vomiting | How to Help Your Sick Cat
All cat owners are familiar with the popular meme of a kitty saying, "Had to barf, made it to the carpet in time." If you have a cat, you've likely heard the distinctive ugh-ugh-ugh sound and know your cat has left a mess somewhere in your home.
Cats occasionally throw up for many reasons that are less serious and can wait for a veterinary appointment. However, some instances of cat vomiting indicate a serious medical problem requiring immediate veterinary care.
Cat vomit can vary in color and texture, with each type suggesting different health issues. Common causes of cat vomiting include what your cat eats and underlying health conditions. Learn about the common causes of cat vomit and when to consult a vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Chronic vomiting can be linked to various underlying health issues. Understanding these causes and knowing when to seek veterinary attention ensures your cat receives the care they need.
What is vomiting in cats?
Just like humans, cats can vomit for many reasons. Cat vomiting occurs when cats feel nauseous and expel what's in their stomach, which might include cat food, fluids, or even furballs.
Vomiting differs from regurgitation. Regurgitation happens when food is ejected back out through the mouth without reaching the stomach or being digested. This occurs soon after eating, without signs of nausea or retching. The expelled food might be tube shaped and covered in mucus but otherwise looks similar to how it was before being eaten. Regurgitation may be a common cause in healthy cats who eat their food quickly.
However, both vomiting and regurgitation can indicate underlying health issues such as inflammatory bowel disease, a foreign body in the gastrointestinal tract, food allergies, or liver disease. Chronic vomiting can be particularly concerning and may require blood work, X-rays, or an ultrasound to diagnose the underlying cause. In cases of acute vomiting, it's essential to contact a vet immediately.
How do I recognise vomiting?
When your cat is about to vomit, they might exhibit signs of restlessness and agitation. This is often followed by excessive swallowing, lip licking, and salivating, along with strong abdominal contractions. Since cat vomiting involves continuous stomach muscle contractions and requires considerable effort, it can be quite distressing for your cat. Allow them to finish the episode and rest before trying to move them.
Why does my cat keep vomiting?
There are many reasons why a cat might vomit, and it's not unusual for them to be sick occasionally. If cat vomiting happens just once and your cat is otherwise bright and healthy with no other symptoms, they should recover quickly. However, cat vomit can also indicate underlying health issues and can make your cat feel unwell. Always consult your vet if you have any concerns about your cat's health or if they frequently throw up.
Other Common Reasons for Cat Vomiting
Why do cats vomit? There are various reasons, ranging from mild to serious. Here are some that cause cat vomiting.
- Dietary indiscretion
- Hairballs
- Parasites
- Eating houseplants or grass
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Serious illness
Hairballs
A common reason for cat vomiting is when they ingest hair during grooming. This hair can become tangled and irritate the stomach lining, leading to the expulsion of furballs covered in mucus. Not all cats experience this, and regular grooming can help reduce the likelihood of this issue.
Frequent cat vomit due to furballs may also signal other underlying conditions affecting the stomach, intestines, or skin, which could cause your cat to groom excessively. For more information, see our article Cat Hairballs | Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.
After Eating
If your cat regurgitates shortly after eating and the vomit looks like barely chewed kibble, it could indicate that your cat is eating too quickly or that there’s an issue with the esophagus. When cats eat rapidly, they often swallow air along with their food, which can mix in the stomach and cause upsets.
Why do some cats scarf down their food so fast and then throw up? Cats may eat too quickly if they are very eager for their food or if they are anxious about other pets in the household eating their meal. To prevent this, consider serving smaller portions throughout the day or spreading the kibble on a cookie sheet instead of in a bowl. check out our article What Can Cats Eat? | What Can Cats Eat Besides Cat Food?.
Transitioning to new cat food can also lead to vomiting. This doesn’t necessarily mean your cat dislikes the new food; it just means the change happened too abruptly. To ease the transition, mix a small amount of the new food with the old and gradually increase the new food’s portion over 7-10 days.
Another cause of cat vomiting after eating could be a food allergy or intolerance. In cases of food allergies, you might also observe symptoms such as diarrhea, bald patches, and itchy skin. If you suspect a food intolerance or allergy, contact your vet. For further details on why cats vomit after eating and to diagnose the cause, consult with your veterinarian.
For more information, check out our article on Foundations of Cat Feeding and Cat Nutrition.
Vomiting on an Empty Stomach
Yellow, white, or clear liquid cat vomit often signals that your cat is vomiting on an empty stomach. This may happen if they’ve ingested a lot of water, grass, or are trying to expel a hairball. For more insights, see our article Why Do Cats Eat Grass? | Nutritional Insights and Benefits.
If the vomit looks like angel hair pasta or spaghetti, it could indicate roundworms, necessitating a vet visit. Cats that are strays or outdoor hunters are more prone to parasites. Ensure any new cat is free of parasites before introducing them to other pets. Ingesting non toxic houseplants or outdoor plants might also cause liquid vomit. Check for any plant material in the vomit and consult your vet if you suspect toxicity. Avoid toxic plants like poinsettias, lilies, and dieffenbachia.
Lastly, if your cat vomits yellow bile due to hunger, ensure they have access to fresh food or kibble throughout the day. For a thorough evaluation of your cat’s health, contact your vet for diagnostic tests, such as X rays or ultrasounds, and discuss appropriate treatments if needed.
Blood in the Vomit
If your cat vomits blood, it’s a serious condition that requires immediate attention from your regular vet or an emergency clinic.
Bright red, streaky blood in cat vomit may suggest a damaged esophagus, external trauma, a foreign object, or inflammation. Dark brown, foul smelling blood, resembling coffee grounds, typically indicates a bleeding issue in the digestive tract.
Several issues can cause a cat to vomit blood, including gingivitis, a foreign body, hemophilia, rat poison, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), heartworms, and tumors. These conditions are serious and often necessitate diagnostic tests such as X rays or ultrasounds, blood work, and specific treatments like fluid therapy or medication. If you notice blood in your cat’s vomit, contact your vet immediately for a thorough evaluation and appropriate care.
When should I worry about my cat vomiting?
Whether your cat experiences occasional or frequent vomiting, it’s crucial to inform your vet, as there could be various underlying causes. Persistent or severe cat vomiting, especially if your cat cannot keep down food or water, needs urgent veterinary attention. If vomiting is accompanied by changes in appetite, thirst, lethargy, diarrhea, or weight loss, contact your vet promptly. These symptoms might indicate a serious issue requiring immediate investigation and treatment.
Vomiting in young or elderly cats is particularly concerning and can lead to dehydration. Kittens that haven’t been wormed might vomit parasites, but this can also occur in adults and should be checked by your vet. For acute or chronic vomiting, your vet may use X rays or ultrasounds to identify foreign bodies, intestinal blockages, or other issues. Blood work, fluid therapy, and specific medications may also be prescribed based on the diagnosis.
For more information, check out our article on Worms in Cats | Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.
What to Do if Your Cat is Throwing Up
First, observe the characteristics of your cat’s vomit and their behavior before and after vomiting. If your cat occasionally brings up a furball with some liquid and appears fine afterward, it's worth mentioning to your veterinarian. If your cat regularly regurgitates food right after eating, try the tips above to slow their eating speed and consult your vet, as this may indicate an issue with their esophagus.
However, if the vomit contains red or dark blood, occurs frequently, or if you suspect your cat has ingested a toxic plant, a vet visit is essential. Your veterinarian will perform a thorough examination and create a treatment plan to help your cat recover so you both can enjoy a happier life together.
FAQ
1. Why is my cat vomiting white foam?
If your cat is vomiting white foam, it’s often due to an empty stomach, leading to bile and mucus production. This can occur if they haven’t eaten for a while. Persistent or acute cases, especially if accompanied by other symptoms, should be checked by your vet. They may use X rays, ultrasounds, or blood work to determine the cause and prescribe appropriate treatment or medication. Feeding small, regular meals can help prevent mild cases.
2. Why is my cat vomiting yellow liquid and not eating?
If your cat is vomiting yellow liquid and not eating, it often means their stomach is empty and they are throwing up bile. This can result from not eating for a while or indicate chronic vomiting or an underlying issue. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your veterinarian. They may use X rays, ultrasounds, or blood work to diagnose the cause and recommend treatment or medication. Feeding small, regular meals can help prevent mild cases.
3. Why is my cat vomiting after eating?
If your cat is vomiting after eating, it could be due to eating too quickly, causing them to swallow air along with their food, or it might indicate a digestive issue such as a foreign object, food intolerance, or gastrointestinal problem. Persistent vomiting after meals warrants a vet visit for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment.
4. Why is my cat eating grass and vomiting?
If your cat is eating grass and then vomiting, it may be trying to induce vomiting to expel hairballs or irritants from its stomach. Eating grass can also help with digestive issues or provide additional nutrients. For more information on this behavior, check out our article Why Do Cats Eat Grass?. If the vomiting persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, consult your vet for further advice.
5. What to feed a cat with diarrhea and vomiting?
For a cat with diarrhea and vomiting, start by offering bland, easily digestible foods such as plain boiled chicken or a specially formulated gastrointestinal diet. Ensure your cat stays hydrated with fresh water or an electrolyte solution. Avoid feeding human food and consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, as persistent symptoms may require specific medications or dietary adjustments.
6. Why is my cat vomiting so much?
If your cat is vomiting excessively, it could be due to various issues such as eating something harmful, gastrointestinal problems, parasites, or chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. Persistent or severe vomiting requires a vet visit for diagnosis and treatment.
7. How to stop cat vomiting?
To stop your cat from vomiting, provide a consistent, high-quality diet and feed smaller, frequent meals. Ensure they have access to fresh water and avoid sudden diet changes. Consult your vet if vomiting continues for proper diagnosis and treatment.
8. How to induce vomiting in a cat?
Inducing vomiting in a cat should only be done under veterinary guidance. If you suspect your cat has ingested something harmful, contact your vet immediately. They can recommend the safest method, which may involve administering an appropriate medication or treatment in a controlled environment. Never attempt to induce vomiting at home without professional advice, as it can be dangerous.
Kelly Rushton
Meet Kelly Rushton, a dedicated cat enthusiast and proud owner of Feline Fancy Ltd. With a heart as big as her household, Kelly is the loving mum to 10 charming Ragdoll cats. In her world, felines reign supreme, and she brings professionalism and warmth to everything she does. Through her blog, Kelly shares her wealth of knowledge and experiences, offering insights into cat care, behavior, and the joy of living alongside these majestic creatures.
