Understanding Unhealthy Cat Vomit: Signs and What To Do
Vomiting in cats is a common but potentially serious issue that can range from benign to life-threatening. Recognizing the difference between normal and abnormal vomit can help you act quickly when needed.
What Is Vomiting in Cats?
Vomiting is the active ejection of stomach contents through abdominal contractions. This is distinct from:
- Regurgitation – passive expulsion, often right after eating, usually undigested food
- Coughing – may appear similar but is related to respiratory issues
Noticing the details can help determine if the cat is truly vomiting and whether it needs medical care.
Normal vs. Abnormal Vomiting
An occasional hairball is fairly normal, especially for long-haired cats. However, vomiting becomes concerning when it is frequent, severe, or includes troubling appearances or signs.
What Unhealthy Cat Vomit Might Look Like
- Yellow vomit: Indicates the presence of bile, often when a cat vomits on an empty stomach
- Green vomit: May result from bile, ingestion of green plants, or vomiting on an empty stomach
- Brown vomit: Could indicate blood or other digested materials
- Red vomit: Sign of fresh blood; requires urgent veterinary care
- Black or coffee-ground appearance: Digested blood, indicating internal bleeding
- White foam: Usually linked to gastric irritation and not always serious
- Mucus: May point to regurgitation instead of vomiting
- Presence of foreign objects: String, toy parts, plant matter – urgent attention needed
Behavioral Signs Accompanying Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Hiding or avoiding interaction
- Disinterest in food or water for over 12 hours
- Weight loss, diarrhea, or constipation
- Signs of pain or distress
Common Serious Causes of Vomiting
- Foreign object ingestion – string, toys, bones
- Pancreatitis
- Kidney or liver disease
- Hyperthyroidism – especially in older cats
- Diabetes – including diabetic ketoacidosis
- Inflammatory bowel disease or cancer
- Intestinal parasites
- Toxic ingestion – such as antifreeze, plants, chemicals
- Medication side effects
When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Attention
- The cat vomits three or more times within 24 hours
- Vomit contains blood (red or coffee-ground appearance)
- Unusual content (foreign objects or fecal-smelling vomit)
- The cat exhibits signs of dehydration, weakness, or disorientation
- Refusal to eat or drink for over 12 hours alongside vomiting
- Known exposure to toxic substances
Diagnosis of the Cause
Your veterinarian will conduct a thorough assessment that may include:
- Physical examination
- Bloodwork (check for kidney or liver issues, thyroid, diabetes)
- Urinalysis and fecal exam for parasite detection
- Abdominal X-rays or ultrasound
- Endoscopy or exploratory surgery in complex cases
They may ask about:
- Diet changes
- Use of medications
- Access to harmful substances
- Outdoor activities and other pets' condition
Treatment Options
- Supportive care: Fluids to address dehydration
- Anti-emetic (anti-vomiting) medications
- Bland, easily digestible diet
- Parasite treatment if needed
- Discontinuation or adjustment of medications
- Surgery if foreign objects are present
Note: Do not withhold food for prolonged durations; cats can suffer from hepatic lipidosis if they don’t eat for 24–72 hours. Always offer water and consult your vet before reintroducing food.
Prevention Tips
- Regular grooming to reduce hairballs
- Feed smaller meals more frequently
- Use puzzle feeders for fast eaters
- Avoid sudden diet changes
- Secure dangerous items—string, toys, household chemicals
- Don’t give milk or known allergens
Key Takeaways
- Occasional hairball vomit may be normal
- Unusual, frequent, or colored vomit is a red flag
- Behavioral changes and other symptoms amplify urgency
- Prompt vet care ensures the best outcomes
Always observe your cat’s patterns closely and seek veterinary advice when in doubt.
