Cats vomit now and then. But if it happens often, it can worry you. This guide covers why it occurs, what to watch for, and how to act. You will learn to spot differences and know when to call a vet.
Vomiting vs. Regurgitation in Cats
Vomiting and regurgitation look similar but differ. Vomiting comes from the stomach. It involves retching and effort. The cat arches its back and makes sounds. Vomit often has bile or digested food.
Regurgitation happens from the esophagus. It is passive. Food comes up undigested, in a tube shape with mucus. No effort needed. It often follows eating too fast.
If your cat brings up food right after meals without strain, it may regurgitate. Check our pet symptom checker to log details.
Common question: Why does my cat vomit undigested food? This points to regurgitation from gulping meals.
Common Causes of Cat Vomiting
Many things lead to vomiting. Some are simple. Others need vet help. Here are main ones.
Hairballs
Cats groom a lot. They swallow fur. It forms balls in the stomach. These cause irritation and vomiting. Long-haired cats face this more. It happens every few weeks in healthy cats.
If hairballs cause daily issues, it signals a blockage risk.
Eating Too Fast or Too Much
Cats that bolt food vomit it back up. Kittens do this after play. Overeating strains the stomach. Slow feeders help. Feed smaller meals three times a day.
Link to diet: See what fruits can cats eat for safe treats that avoid upset.
Food Issues
Sudden diet switches upset stomachs. Allergies to beef or fish cause ongoing problems. Intolerances lead to inflammation. Spoiled food or plants like lilies trigger it too.
Try bland food like boiled chicken and rice for a day. But see a vet first.
Parasites and Infections
Worms like roundworms show in vomit. Kittens get them easy. Giardia or bacteria cause gut upset. Outdoor cats pick up more.
Deworming meds fix most. Clean litter boxes to stop spread.
Swallowed Objects
Strings, toys, or bones block the gut. This leads to repeated vomiting. It is an emergency if the cat acts weak.
Keep small items away. Watch playtime.
Health Conditions
Chronic vomiting ties to kidney disease, diabetes, or thyroid issues. These hit older cats. Pancreatitis or bowel disease adds to it. Cancer is rare but possible.
Blood tests spot these. Early care helps.
From sources, food allergies affect up to 10% of cats. Kidney problems rise in cats over 7 years old.
What Does the Vomit Look Like?
Vomit color and form give clues. Note these to tell your vet.
- Undigested food: From fast eating. Happens soon after meals.
- Yellow or green bile: Empty stomach. Often mornings.
- White foam: Acid reflux or hairballs.
- Red blood: Ulcers or injury. Call vet now.
- Dark brown or black: Digested blood. Serious sign.
- Worms or mucus: Parasites or infection.
Clear liquid means irritation. Smelly brown points to gut issues.
Question from searches: Why is my cat vomiting white foam? It often means gastritis or empty stomach.
Track patterns with our pet symptom checker.
When to Worry About Cat Vomiting
One or two times a month is normal for hairballs. Worry if:
- It happens daily or more than three times in a row.
- Cat skips meals or drinks less for 24 hours.
- Lethargy, diarrhea, or belly pain shows.
- Blood, feces smell, or foam appears.
- Cat loses weight or hides.
Kittens, seniors, or sick cats need quick checks. If acting normal but vomiting often, still see a vet. It could be early disease.
Related question: Can cats throw up from stress? Yes, changes like new pets cause it. See how to introduce a cat to a dog for tips.
Go to emergency if blockage suspected. Delays harm.
Learn more on vomiting signs from VCA Hospitals.
How to Help a Vomiting Cat
Do not give human meds. They harm cats.
Steps at home:
- Withhold food for 12 hours. Offer water.
- Give small bland meals after. Like rice and chicken.
- Brush fur daily to cut hairballs.
- Use hairball treats if vet okays.
Vet care:
- Exam and history first.
- Tests like blood work or X-rays.
- Fluids for dehydration.
- Meds like anti-nausea for bad cases.
- Diet switch to sensitive formulas.
For allergies, try hypoallergenic food. Costs run $100-500 for visits and tests.
If parasites, one dose of meds clears it.
Question: What can I give my cat for vomiting? Only vet-prescribed. Bland diet works short-term.
Ways to Prevent Vomiting in Cats
Stop issues before they start.
- Feed measured portions. Split into meals.
- Use puzzle bowls for slow eating.
- Groom weekly. Especially long fur.
- Stick to one food brand. Change slow over 7 days.
- Deworm every 3-6 months. Flea control too.
- Keep toxins away. No lilies or cleaners.
- Annual vet checks for early spots.
For diet safety, use our pet food safety checker.
If pregnant or heat cycles affect eating, check how often do cats go into heat.
Older cats? Monitor for kidney signs. Link to how long can cats go without eating if appetite drops.
Question: Is it normal for cats to throw up every day? No. It needs vet review.
Your cat’s health matters. Act on signs. A quick vet trip saves trouble. Use our tools for more help.