Cat Vomiting: Types, Common Causes and What to Do

Are you a cat parent? If yes, seeing your cat throwing up can be worrying, especially if it happens often. While an occasional hairball or mild stomach upset is normal, frequent vomiting could indicate a serious underlying issue.  

From dietary changes to medical conditions, there are several reasons why cats may vomit. Understanding the different types, common causes, and when to seek veterinary care can help keep your feline friend healthy and comfortable.

Read this blog to discover the various reasons behind cat vomiting and learn how to address them effectively.

What Does Your Cat’s Vomit Look Like?

While the appearance of your cat’s vomit is not a definitive diagnostic tool, it can provide valuable clues for your veterinarian to determine the potential causes. It can include colour, consistency, and content, which can guide the initial assessment. 

• Yellow vomit

A yellowish shade often indicates bile, a digestive fluid from the liver. This can happen when your cat’s stomach is empty for too long. If your feline friend frequently brings up yellow liquid, it could be a sign of acid buildup or an issue with digestion. Keeping an eye on their eating habits and ensuring they don’t go too long without food might help.    

• Clear vomit

Clear liquid usually means your cat is throwing up water or saliva. This could be due to drinking too fast, irritation in the stomach, or even nausea from something they’ve eaten. If it happens occasionally, it’s likely harmless. But if it becomes frequent, it’s best to check with a vet to rule out underlying issues.

• Blood in the vomit

Seeing blood in vomit can be alarming. If the blood is bright red, it might be from irritation in the throat or mouth. Darker, coffee-ground-like blood could suggest something deeper in the digestive system. If your cat vomits blood more than once, do not wait, seek veterinary care immediately.

• Brown, smelly vomit

A brown colour with an unpleasant smell might suggest that partially digested food is coming back up from the stomach. Sometimes, it could also mean your cat has swallowed something they shouldn’t have. If they seem unwell or the vomiting continues, it’s worth getting them checked by a vet.

• Undigested food in the vomit 

If you notice whole pieces of food in the vomit, it could mean your cat is eating too quickly or struggling to digest their meals. Slowing down their eating with a puzzle feeder or smaller portions might help. However, if a cat puking undigested food is a regular occurence, it could indicate a deeper digestive issue that needs attention. 

While these observations can offer initial insights, they are not conclusive. A comprehensive veterinary examination, including history, physical assessment, and possibly diagnostic tests, is essential to accurately identify and address the underlying cause of vomiting in cats.

Common Questions the Veterinarian Will Ask to Determine Your Cat’s Vomit

Here are some of the most common questions the veterinarian can ask to understand your cat’s vomit: 

1. How often is your cat vomiting?

2. What does the vomit typically look like?

3. Is your cat vomiting before or after meals?

4. Has your cat’s diet changed recently?

5. Has your cat eaten anything unusual or foreign?

6. Are there any other symptoms like diarrhoea or lethargy?

7. Is your cat still eating and drinking normally?

8. Is your cat on any medication or supplements?

9. Has your cat been under any stress or changes in environment?
   

10. When did the vomiting first start?

Common Causes of Vomiting in Cats

While an occasional episode may not be serious, frequent vomiting can point to an underlying issue. From mild triggers to chronic conditions, here are some common causes of cat vomiting that every pet parent should be aware of.

• Overeating: Cats that eat too fast or too much in one go may vomit shortly after meals. This is usually due to the stomach stretching too quickly, especially with dry kibble. Slow feeder bowls can help prevent this.

• Food Allergies: Some cats develop sensitivities to certain ingredients like dairy, chicken, or grains. Vomiting, along with itching or loose stools, can signal a food allergy.
  

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: IBD causes chronic inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to regular vomiting, weight loss, and poor appetite. It is usually diagnosed through tests and managed with a special diet and medication.

• Hyperthyroidism: Common in older cats, this condition leads to increased metabolism. Symptoms include weight loss, restlessness, and vomiting. A blood test can confirm the diagnosis.

• Hairballs: It is one of the most common reasons cats throw up, especially in long-haired breeds. Hairballs form when cats groom themselves and ingest loose fur. Occasional vomiting of hair is normal, but frequent episodes may need dietary or grooming changes.

• Liver Disease: When the liver is not working properly, toxins can build up in the body, often causing vomiting, jaundice, and loss of appetite. Early diagnosis is key to effective treatment. 

• Gastroenteritis: This refers to inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually caused by infections, toxins, or sudden diet changes. Cats may vomit along with having diarrhoea, and show signs of dehydration.
  

• Intestinal Parasite Infection: Worms like roundworms or tapeworms can irritate the digestive system and lead to vomiting. Regular deworming and faecal tests are essential for prevention and treatment.
  

• Kidney Disease: More common in older cats, kidney issues can cause toxins to accumulate in the bloodstream. Some of the early signs include vomiting, increased thirst, and weight loss.

Cat Vomiting: When Should You Be Concerned?

While the occasional vomit may not be a cause for alarm, especially if it is a hairball or your cat ate too fast, but certain signs should never be ignored. Here is when you should be concerned:

• Vomiting more than once a day or for several days in a row

• Presence of blood in the vomit (bright red or dark and grainy)

• Weight loss, lethargy, or loss of appetite accompanying the vomiting

• Diarrhoea or dehydration alongside vomiting

• Change in behaviour like hiding, reduced grooming, or signs of pain

• Vomiting after every meal or consistently bringing up undigested food

• Signs of poisoning, such as tremors, drooling, or seizures

If your cat shows any of the above, it is important to get veterinary attention right away. Timely care can make a big difference in identifying the issue and helping your cat feel better faster.