Cats occasionally vomit, but frequent vomiting can be a sign of underlying health issues. Understanding the difference between normal and concerning vomiting can help you provide the best care for your feline companion.
This comprehensive guide will help you identify the causes of cat vomiting, recognize emergency signs, learn effective home remedies, and know when to seek veterinary care. For more information on cat health, check out our complete guide to cat health.
Table of Contents
Common Causes of Cat Vomiting
Cats can vomit for various reasons, ranging from benign to serious. Understanding these causes can help you determine the appropriate response. According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, vomiting is a common feline complaint with multiple potential causes.
Primary Categories of Vomiting Causes
Dietary Causes
Eating too fast, food intolerance, sudden diet changes, spoiled food, or eating inappropriate items like plants or human food.
Common Examples:
- Rapid eating
- Food allergies
- Diet changes
- Toxic plants
Hairballs
Cats groom themselves and ingest hair, which can accumulate in the stomach and be vomited up as hairballs.
Common Contexts:
- Long-haired breeds
- Excessive grooming
- Shedding seasons
Medical Conditions
Inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, pancreatitis, or gastrointestinal obstructions.
Common Conditions:
- Kidney disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Pancreatitis
Toxins & Foreign Objects
Ingestion of toxic substances, plants, human medications, or non-food items that cause gastrointestinal irritation or blockage.
Common Examples:
- Household cleaners
- Toxic plants
- Human medications
- Small toys
Pro Tip
Keep a vomiting diary for your cat, noting when vomiting occurs, what the vomit looks like, and any other symptoms. This information can be invaluable for your veterinarian. For more tips on cat care, check out our complete cat care guide.
Hairballs: Normal vs. Problematic
Hairballs are a common cause of vomiting in cats, especially in long-haired breeds. While occasional hairballs are normal, frequent hairballs may indicate an underlying issue. The ASPCA provides excellent resources on managing hairballs in cats.
When Hairballs Become a Problem
- Frequency: More than once a month may indicate excessive grooming or digestive issues
- Difficulty passing: Straining to vomit or pass hairballs
- Accompanying symptoms: Lethargy, constipation, or loss of appetite with hairballs
- Size: Extremely large hairballs that cause obstruction
Important
If your cat is repeatedly trying to vomit but nothing comes up, or appears to be in distress, this could indicate a hairball obstruction requiring immediate veterinary attention. If you're concerned about your cat's hairballs, consider our grooming products or consulting a veterinarian.
Food-Related Vomiting
Dietary issues are among the most common causes of vomiting in cats. Understanding these triggers can help you prevent unnecessary vomiting episodes.
Eating Too Fast
Some cats eat so quickly that they don't properly chew their food, leading to regurgitation shortly after eating. This is different from true vomiting as it typically happens immediately after eating and the food is undigested.
Food Allergies and Intolerances
Food allergies can develop at any age and may cause vomiting, often accompanied by skin issues or diarrhea. Common allergens include beef, fish, chicken, and dairy products.
Sudden Diet Changes
Abrupt changes in your cat's diet can upset their digestive system. Always transition to new food gradually over 7-10 days by mixing increasing amounts of the new food with the old.
When to Worry: Emergency Signs
While occasional vomiting may not be concerning, certain signs indicate a potential emergency requiring immediate veterinary care. The VCA Animal Hospitals provide guidance on when vomiting becomes an emergency.
Red Flags That Require Immediate Attention
Blood in Vomit
Fresh red blood or digested blood that looks like coffee grounds indicates internal bleeding and requires immediate veterinary attention.
Repeated Vomiting
Multiple vomiting episodes in a short period, especially if nothing is being retained, can lead to dangerous dehydration.
Lethargy & Weakness
If vomiting is accompanied by significant lethargy, weakness, or collapse, this indicates a serious underlying condition.
Abdominal Pain
Crying when touched, unusual posture, or reluctance to move may indicate abdominal pain requiring immediate evaluation.
Other emergency signs include suspected ingestion of toxins, non-productive retching, distended abdomen, or vomiting accompanied by diarrhea. If your cat shows any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately or visit an emergency clinic.
Home Remedies and Prevention
For occasional, non-emergency vomiting, there are several home remedies and preventive measures you can try before seeking veterinary care.
Dietary Adjustments
- Small, frequent meals: Offer smaller portions more frequently to prevent overeating
- Slow feeder bowls: Use puzzle feeders or slow feeder bowls to prevent rapid eating
- Bland diet: Temporarily switch to a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice
- Hydration: Ensure fresh water is always available; consider a cat water fountain
Hairball Prevention
- Regular grooming: Brush your cat daily, especially long-haired breeds
- Hairball remedies: Use veterinarian-approved hairball gels or treats
- Specialized diets: Consider hairball control cat food formulas
- Fiber supplements: Add a small amount of canned pumpkin (not pie filling) to food
Helpful Tip
After a vomiting episode, withhold food for 12-24 hours (but not water) to allow the stomach to settle, then reintroduce food gradually with a bland diet. Always consult your veterinarian before withholding food, especially for kittens, senior cats, or cats with medical conditions. For more cat care tips, explore our cat care resources.
When to Visit the Vet
While some vomiting can be managed at home, certain situations warrant a veterinary visit. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, persistent vomiting requires professional evaluation.
Signs That Require Veterinary Consultation
- Vomiting persists for more than 24 hours
- Your cat is unable to keep water down
- Vomiting occurs more than 2-3 times in a day
- Your cat shows signs of dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes, skin tenting)
- There are changes in appetite, weight, or behavior
- Vomiting is accompanied by other symptoms like diarrhea or lethargy
Common Diagnostic Tests
If your cat's vomiting persists or is accompanied by concerning symptoms, your veterinarian may recommend diagnostic tests to identify the underlying cause.
Typical Diagnostic Approaches
- Physical examination: Assessing overall health, hydration, and abdominal palpation
- Blood tests: Checking for organ function, electrolyte imbalances, and signs of infection
- Urinalysis: Evaluating kidney function and detecting urinary tract issues
- X-rays or ultrasound: Looking for obstructions, masses, or organ abnormalities
- Endoscopy: Visualizing the stomach and upper intestines with a camera
- Biopsy: Taking tissue samples for analysis if inflammatory bowel disease is suspected
Final Thought
Understanding your cat's vomiting patterns and knowing when to seek help are crucial aspects of responsible cat ownership. While occasional vomiting may be normal, persistent or severe vomiting requires veterinary attention. By being observant and proactive, you can help ensure your feline friend stays healthy and happy. For more resources, explore our complete blog or check out our health and wellness products for cats.
