Why Is My Cat Vomiting? Typical Causes and When to Be Concerned

Why Is My Cat Vomiting? Typical Causes and When to Be Concerned

If you’re a cat owner, witnessing your furry friend vomit can be distressing. Understanding why your cat is vomiting is crucial to addressing the issue and ensuring your pet stays healthy.

This article explores common cat vomiting causes, when it’s a sign of something serious, and how to take care of your feline companion.

Typical Causes and When to Be Concerned

Hairballs

Cats groom themselves meticulously, and in the process, they often ingest fur. This fur accumulates in their stomach and forms hairballs, which are one of the most frequent vomiting in cats triggers. While occasional hairballs are normal, excessive vomiting of hairballs may indicate underlying issues like over-grooming or digestive problems.

Eating Too Quickly

Some cats tend to eat their food too fast, swallowing air along with their kibble. This can lead to regurgitation, which might look like vomiting. Slowing your cat’s eating habits with puzzle feeders or smaller, more frequent meals can help.

Dietary Indiscretion

Cats are naturally curious and may eat something they shouldn’t, like spoiled food, plants, or even small objects. These have the potential to cause vomiting and irritate their intestines. If you suspect this is the case, remove access to the potential culprit immediately.

Food Allergies or Sensitivities

Cats, like people, can acquire food allergies and sensitivities. Ingredients such as dairy, grains, or specific proteins may upset their stomach and lead to vomiting. Switching to hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient cat food may help identify and resolve the issue.

Gastrointestinal (GI) Disorders

Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastritis, or intestinal parasites are common cat vomiting causes. These often result in chronic or recurrent vomiting. A veterinary examination is necessary to diagnose and treat such disorders.

Poisoning or Toxins

Ingesting toxic substances such as certain plants (e.g., lilies), chemicals, or human medications can lead to severe vomiting. If you suspect poisoning, seek veterinary help immediately, as this is a medical emergency.

Underlying Illnesses

Persistent vomiting can indicate serious health problems, such as kidney disease, liver disease, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes. Cats with these conditions may exhibit additional sick cat symptoms, such as lethargy, weight loss, or changes in appetite and thirst.

When to Be Concerned If Your Cat Is Throwing Up

Not all vomiting requires immediate medical attention, but there are certain scenarios where you should be concerned:

Frequent or Persistent Vomiting: Vomiting multiple times in a day or over consecutive days is a red flag.

Blood in Vomit: If you notice blood or coffee-ground-like material in the vomit, it could indicate internal bleeding.

Accompanied by Other Symptoms: Look for signs like lethargy, diarrhea, decreased appetite, weight loss, or difficulty breathing. These are common sick cat symptoms that warrant prompt veterinary attention.

Foreign Object Ingestion: If your cat may have swallowed a string, toy, or other object, contact your vet immediately.

What to do if your cat vomits?

Observe and Take Notes: Keep a record of how often your cat vomits, what the vomit looks like (e.g., food, bile, foam, or hairballs), and any additional symptoms. Your veterinarian can use this information to diagnose you.

Provide Fresh Water: Dehydration is a common risk with vomiting. Ensure your cat has access to clean, fresh water but avoid forcing them to drink if they seem uninterested.

Withhold Food Temporarily: For adult cats, you can withhold food for 12–24 hours (but not water) to allow their stomach to settle. Afterward, reintroduce a bland diet, such as boiled chicken and rice, in small amounts.

Visit the Veterinarian: If the vomiting continues or is accompanied by other concerning signs, see a veterinarian. They may recommend diagnostic tests like bloodwork, X-rays, or ultrasounds to determine the underlying cause.

Preventing Vomiting in Cats

Brush Your Cat Regularly: To reduce hairballs, groom your cat frequently, especially if they have long fur.

Choose High-Quality Cat Food: Select a diet suited to your cat’s age, size, and health conditions.

Monitor Their Environment: Keep harmful substances, plants, and small objects out of your cat’s reach.

Encourage Slow Eating: Use slow-feeder bowls or divide meals into smaller portions.

Vomiting in cats can range from a minor problem, such as a hairball, to an indication of a significant medical condition. By understanding the cat vomiting causes and recognizing sick cat symptoms, you can take proactive steps to ensure your feline companion remains happy and healthy. If you’re unsure, consult your veterinarian.

By following these tips, you can address the issue effectively and give your furry friend the care they deserve!