Understanding Why Your Cat Is Vomiting
Vomiting in cats is a common concern for pet owners. Sometimes it's nothing to worry about, but it can also signal a more serious problem. Let's explore the possible causes, what to look for, and when you should call your veterinarian.
What Is Vomiting in Cats?
Vomiting involves active abdominal contractions that bring up stomach contents. It's different from regurgitation (which is passive and often happens soon after eating) and from coughing (which may cause retching but doesn't bring up food). Observing your cat's behavior and the material brought up helps distinguish these events.
Common Mild Causes of Vomiting
- Eating too quickly: Some cats gulp their food and vomit soon after.
- Dietary indiscretion: Eating spoiled food or plants can upset their stomach.
- Sudden diet changes: Switching foods abruptly may trigger vomiting.
- Hairballs: Especially in long-haired breeds, hairballs are a frequent cause. These typically appear as tubular masses of hair.
Cats may also vomit due to food sensitivities or allergies—certain proteins or grains might not agree with them. Many adult cats are lactose-intolerant and will vomit after consuming milk products. Regular grooming helps reduce hairball formation.
More Serious Causes of Vomiting
- Foreign bodies: Swallowed string, toys, feathers, or bones can block the digestive tract.
- Disease: Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, liver or kidney disease, hyperthyroidism (especially in older cats), diabetes (including diabetic ketoacidosis), heartworm disease, and cancer can all cause vomiting.
- Parasites: Roundworms and tapeworms are culprits in some cases.
- Medications: Antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and chemotherapy drugs sometimes trigger nausea.
- Toxins & Infections: Exposure to toxic plants, medications meant for humans, antifreeze, chemicals—or infections (bacterial, viral, or parasitic)—can all provoke vomiting episodes.
What Should You Watch For?
Your observations matter! Note these details:
- Frequency: Is it a one-time event or happening repeatedly?
- Your cat's behavior: Are they lethargic, hiding more than usual, showing signs of pain, or refusing food/water?
- The appearance of vomit:
- Bile (yellow/green)
- Blood (red or black/coffee-grounds)
- Mucus
- Tubular hairballs
- Pieces of foreign objects
- Other symptoms:
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Losing weight
- Dull coat
- Difficulties urinating or increased thirst/urination
The Color of Vomit: What Does It Mean?
- Brown: May indicate food or blood present.
- Green: Often bile or green plant material; can occur on an empty stomach.
- Yellow: Bile; usually when the stomach is empty.
- Red: Fresh blood—needs urgent attention!
- Black/Coffee-grounds: Digested blood—also urgent!
- Mucus/White foam: Gastric irritation; not always serious but worth monitoring.
If You See These Signs—Act Fast!
- Your cat vomits three times (or more) within a day
- You spot blood in the vomit
- Your cat seems weak, hides away, acts unsteady on their feet
- Your cat refuses all food/water for over twelve hours while still vomiting
- The vomit contains obvious foreign objects
- The vomit looks/smells like feces (very serious!)
- You know your cat has eaten something toxic (plants/chemicals/medications)
If any of these occur—contact your vet right away!
The Diagnostic Process at the Vet’s Office
Your vet will ask about recent diet changes; access to medications/toxic substances; whether other pets are affected; outdoor access/hunting habits; frequency/content of vomiting; and any new medications. They’ll examine your cat thoroughly. Common tests include bloodwork (for organ health/infection/thyroid/diabetes), urine analysis, fecal checks for parasites, abdominal X-rays (to spot obstructions/tumors), ultrasound scans, endoscopy for direct visualization/biopsy—or even exploratory surgery if needed.
Treatment Options for Vomiting Cats
- Avoid dehydration!
Cats can get dangerously dehydrated quickly. Supportive care often includes fluids—sometimes given under the skin or intravenously at the clinic. Your vet may prescribe anti-nausea medication and pain relief if necessary. Dietary management means feeding bland foods in small amounts at regular intervals. If medication is causing the problem—it may be adjusted or stopped. Deworming treats parasite issues. Specific therapies target diagnosed illnesses: medication for hyperthyroidism/kidney disease/infections; surgery removes foreign objects if present.
Don’t withhold food too long—cats who don’t eat for even a couple days risk life-threatening liver disease! Always offer water freely while monitoring for further vomiting episodes. Ask your vet when it’s safe to reintroduce food after an episode.
Avoiding Future Vomiting Episodes: Prevention Tips
- Groom regularly to reduce hairballs—especially if you have a long-haired cat.
- Feed smaller meals more often; puzzle feeders slow down fast eaters.
- Prevent access to string/toys/objects that could be swallowed.
- Avoid sudden diet changes.
- Don’t give milk—most adult cats are lactose intolerant.
- Store medications/toxic substances safely out of reach.
Main Takeaways for Cat Owners
If your otherwise healthy cat vomits occasionally without other symptoms—it’s probably not serious.
But if you notice frequent/persistent/severe vomiting—especially along with lethargy/blood/refusal to eat/drink—get veterinary help quickly.
Your careful observation and timely action make all the difference in keeping your feline friend healthy!
