Why is my cat vomiting bile?

Understanding Why Your Cat Is Vomiting Bile

If you've noticed your cat vomiting yellow or green liquid, you're not alone—it's a common concern among cat owners. This liquid, often referred to as bile, can appear foamy and may signal anything from a mild digestive upset to a more serious health issue. Let's break down what causes this, what you should watch for, and how to help your feline friend feel better.

What Is Bile and Why Do Cats Vomit It?

Bile is a digestive fluid produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Its job is to help break down fats during digestion. Normally, bile travels from the gallbladder into the small intestine. However, if your cat's stomach is empty or irritated, bile can end up being vomited instead of doing its usual work.

Common Causes of Bile Vomiting in Cats

• Empty Stomach: When cats go too long without food, bile can build up and irritate the stomach lining. This irritation often leads to vomiting—especially first thing in the morning or late at night. Feeding smaller meals more frequently can help prevent this.
• Dietary Indiscretion: Sometimes cats eat things they shouldn't—spoiled food, plants, or non-food items—which can upset their stomachs and trigger vomiting.
• Hairballs: Cats groom themselves constantly, swallowing fur that forms hairballs. These can irritate the stomach lining and are often vomited up with bile. While occasional hairballs are normal (especially for long-haired breeds), frequent episodes may signal excessive grooming or another problem.
• Food Allergies or Sensitivities: Some cats react poorly to certain foods, resulting in vomiting. Identifying and removing problematic foods (sometimes with help from your vet) can make a big difference.
• Gastrointestinal Disorders: Conditions like gastritis (stomach inflammation), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastroenteritis (inflammation of both the stomach and intestines), or pancreatitis can all cause vomiting—including of bile. Look for signs like appetite loss, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or lethargy.
• Systemic Illnesses: Chronic diseases such as kidney disease, liver problems, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or even intestinal cancer may lead to frequent bile vomiting. These conditions usually come with other symptoms: increased thirst/urination, weight loss, behavioral changes.
• Intestinal Obstruction: Swallowing foreign objects can block your cat's intestines—leading to pain and repeated vomiting of bile. This is an emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention.
• Parasites and Infections: Worms or infections (bacterial/viral) can also cause vomiting; sometimes worms are visible in the vomit itself.

Symptoms You Should Watch For

• Yellow or green (sometimes foamy) vomit
• Lip licking, drooling, or abdominal contractions before vomiting
• Lethargy or decreased activity
• Lack of appetite or weight loss
• Bowel changes: diarrhea or constipation
• Pain signals: vocalizing more than usual or hiding
• Bloody vomit or dark/coffee-ground appearance

If you notice any combination of these symptoms—or if your cat seems distressed—it’s time to pay close attention.

The Difference Between Vomiting and Regurgitation

You might wonder if your cat is really vomiting. True vomiting involves strong abdominal contractions that expel stomach contents (often with bile). Regurgitation is more passive; it brings up undigested food from the esophagus without much effort—and rarely contains bile.

Your Vet’s Diagnostic Approach

If you take your cat to the vet for vomiting bile, they'll ask about:

• The frequency and timing of episodes
• The appearance of vomit
• Your cat’s diet and any recent changes

Your vet will likely perform a physical exam and may recommend blood work, urinalysis, X-rays or ultrasound imaging—and sometimes endoscopy or surgery if they suspect a blockage or serious disease.

Treatment Options for Vomiting Bile

1. Anti-nausea medications prescribed by your veterinarian
2. Supportive care such as fluids for dehydration
3. Bland diets or special foods designed for sensitive stomachs/allergies
4. Deworming medications if parasites are found
5. Antibiotics for bacterial infections where appropriate

If an obstruction is discovered—or if there's a tumor—surgery may be necessary. For chronic illnesses like diabetes or kidney disease, ongoing management with medication and dietary adjustments will be part of treatment.

Tips for Prevention at Home

• Avoid long gaps between meals; feed smaller portions more frequently throughout the day.
• If your cat eats too fast, try slow feeders or dividing meals into smaller servings.
• Regularly groom your cat to minimize hairball formation—especially important for long-haired breeds!
• Keep toxic plants and dangerous substances out of reach.

Cats are curious creatures; keep non-food objects away from them when possible. And don't forget those regular check-ups at the vet—they're essential for catching early signs of illness before they become bigger problems.

When Should You Call the Vet?

• Your cat vomits frequently (more than two to three times in quick succession)
• You see blood in their vomit—or it looks like coffee grounds (a sign of internal bleeding)
• Your pet can't keep food/water down at all
• You notice rapid weight loss or severe dehydration signs (sunken eyes, dry gums)
• Your cat seems very lethargic/painful/abnormal in behavior

Mild cases that happen rarely aren't usually cause for panic—especially if your kitty bounces back quickly. But persistent issues always deserve prompt attention from a professional who knows how to get to the root of the problem—and help your furry companion feel well again!