Seeing your cat throw up can be scary and confusing. You may ask yourself, “Why is my cat throwing up? Is something wrong?” Cats do vomit from time to time, and not all vomiting is serious. But frequent vomiting or certain types of vomit may be a sign of a bigger health problem.
Why Is My Cat Throwing Up
In this blog post, we’ll explain:
- The common reasons why cats throw up
- Different types of cat vomit and what they mean
- When to worry about vomiting
- What you can do at home
- When to visit the vet
Let’s break it down in simple terms so you know exactly what to look for and how to help your furry friend.
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Common Reasons Why Cats Throw Up
Cats vomit for many different reasons. Some are harmless, while others may need a vet’s attention. Here are the most common causes:
1. Hairballs
Cats groom themselves by licking their fur. While doing this, they swallow some hair. Most of the time, this hair passes through their body without a problem. But sometimes, it builds up in the stomach and forms a hairball. Your cat may throw it up along with some clear or foamy liquid.
Signs of hairball vomiting:
- Long, tube-shaped hair in the vomit
- Happens once in a while
- Cat looks normal after vomiting
2. Eating Too Fast
Some cats eat their food too quickly. This can cause their stomach to become upset and lead to vomiting soon after eating.
Signs:
- Vomit looks like undigested food
- Happens right after eating
- Common in multi-cat homes where cats compete for food
3. Diet Changes
Sudden changes in your cat’s diet can upset their stomach. This includes switching food brands, adding new treats, or giving table scraps.
Tips:
- Introduce new foods slowly
- Mix old and new food over 7-10 days
4. Food Intolerance or Allergies
Just like people, cats can have food allergies or intolerances. This means their body can’t handle certain ingredients like dairy, grains, or chicken.
Signs:
- Vomiting after eating certain foods
- Diarrhea or skin issues
- Better when diet is changed
5. Eating Foreign Objects
Cats are curious animals. Sometimes they eat things they shouldn’t, like string, plastic, toys, or plants. These can block their stomach or intestines and cause vomiting.
Warning Signs:
- Vomiting several times a day
- Loss of appetite
- Signs of pain or discomfort
- No poop or very little
This is an emergency. Take your cat to the vet right away.
6. Infections
Bacterial, viral, or parasite infections in the stomach can cause vomiting. These are more common in outdoor or newly adopted cats.
Other symptoms:
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy (tiredness)
7. Chronic Conditions
Some long-term health problems can cause vomiting in cats. These include:
- Kidney disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Diabetes
- Liver disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Watch for:
- Vomiting often
- Weight loss
- Drinking more water
- Peeing more than usual
- Dull coat or low energy
These need medical treatment. Don’t delay visiting the vet.
8. Poison or Toxic Substances
Many things in your home can be toxic to cats, like:
- Certain houseplants (e.g., lilies)
- Human medicine
- Cleaning chemicals
- Chocolate, onions, garlic
Symptoms:
- Sudden vomiting
- Drooling
- Trembling or seizures
- Collapse
Call your vet or a pet poison helpline immediately if you think your cat ate something dangerous.
Types of Cat Vomit and What They Mean
Looking at the colour and contents of your cat’s vomit can give clues about what’s wrong. Here are some types of vomit to watch for:
1. Clear or Foamy Vomit
- It may happen on an empty stomach
- It could be due to hairballs or mild irritation
2. Yellow or Bile Vomit
- Usually from an empty stomach
- Can be a sign of stomach acid buildup
- Feed smaller meals more often
3. White Foam
- Often harmless
- Could be from grooming or mild upset
4. Undigested Food
- Vomiting soon after eating
- May mean your cat ate too fast
5. Blood in Vomit
- Fresh blood looks red; digested blood looks like coffee grounds
- Can be serious: ulcers, poisoning, or internal injury
- See your vet right away
6. Green or Smelly Vomit
- It may come from bile, grass, or infection
- Needs medical attention
7. Worms in Vomit
- Some types of intestinal worms can be seen in vomit
- Deworm your cat regularly
- Ask your vet for the right medicine
When Should You Worry About Cat Vomiting?
A single episode of vomiting now and then is usually not serious. But you should contact a vet if:
- Your cat throws up more than twice in 24 hours
- Vomiting lasts more than 2 days
- There is blood in the vomit
- Your cat is also lethargic or not eating
- Weight loss or a change in behavior is noticed
- Your cat seems to be in pain
Rule of Thumb: If your gut tells you something is wrong, it’s better to call the vet.
What You Can Do at Home
If your cat vomits once but seems fine, try these home tips:
1. Stop Food for a Few Hours
Give your cat a short break from food (4-6 hours), but make sure water is available. Don’t starve kittens.
2. Give Small, Bland Meals
After a short break, offer a bland diet like:
- Boiled chicken (no bones or skin)
- Plain rice
Do this for a day or two, then slowly return to their normal food.
3. Feed Smaller Portions
Feeding smaller amounts more often can prevent vomiting from overeating or empty stomach acid.
4. Use a Slow Feeder
If your cat eats too fast, use a slow feeder bowl or spread food on a flat surface.
5. Groom Regularly
Brush your cat often to reduce hairballs, especially if your cat has long fur.
6. Remove Dangerous Items
Keep harmful things like plants, strings, or small objects out of reach.
Preventing Vomiting in the Future
Here’s how to keep your cat’s tummy happy:
- Keep your cat on a regular feeding schedule
- Avoid sudden food changes
- Provide fresh water all the time
- Deworm regularly
- Use safe plants and pet-friendly products
- Visit the vet yearly for checkups
Final Thoughts
Vomiting in cats is a common issue, but it can have many causes. Some are harmless, like hairballs or eating too fast, while others need medical care.
If your cat is vomiting often or showing other signs of illness, don’t wait. A vet visit can help find the problem early and keep your cat healthy and happy.
Remember: You know your cat best. Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t seem right, it’s okay to ask for help.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is it normal for cats to throw up hairballs?
Yes, especially in long-haired cats. But frequent hairballs may need special food or grooming.
Q2. Why does my cat throw up every morning?
It could be from an empty stomach. Try feeding a small snack before bedtime.
Q3. Can I give my cat human medicine for vomiting?
No, many human medicines are toxic to cats. Always ask your vet.
Q4. Is dry food better for cats who vomit?
Some cats do better on wet food, others on dry. It depends on the cause. Your vet can guide you.
Q5. Should I worry if my cat throws up once?
Not usually. If your cat is acting normal and it doesn’t happen again, it’s probably okay.
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